Remember, remember… it’s time for another Bonfire Night Weekend in London with kids. The air is crisp, the bonfires are stacking up and I’ve found some cracking Guy Fawkes Night fireworks displays to thrill you and your tiny sparks.
Also this weekend, the first of our Ice Rinks listings (see below), the Southbank Winter Market is open for business and the Christmas lights are turning on all over town. Wherever you go, wrap up warm!
Bonfire Night Weekend in London with Kids: Family Friendly Events
Thu-Sun: The Gunpowder Plot at The Tower Vaults (next to Tower of London), 8-12 Tower Hill Vaults, EC3N 4EE (Tower Hill tube)
What better time to visit this show than a Bonfire Night weekend in London with kids? Travel back through history to uncover one of Britain’s most notorious conspiracies. This dramatic retelling is a 360 Layered Reality experience with live staging and digital technology. For ages 10+, some intense scenes (kids ages 10-15 need to sign a parental consent waiver and must be accompanied by an adult at all times).10.30am-9.30pm (Wed-Thu), 10.30am-10pm (Fri), 9.30am-10pm (Sat), 10.30am-8pm (Sun); £40-£70/child £10 discount (ongoing)
Fri: Coram’s Fields Fireworks, 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Russell Square tube)
Whizz, pop! Spend Bonfire Night weekend in London with kids enjoying the city’s most family friendly display, back for 2023. These shows include slightly less noisy sparks for toddlers and babies. The premium viewing tickets have sold out but it’s still open to all comers for free (make sure you arrive early for a good spot). Includes dance shows, rides, food and drink stalls. All ages welcome. Gates open 3.30pm, fireworks from 5.55pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Nov 3)
Fri-Sat: Ally Pally Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
Back with a bang for 2023, it’s London’s biggest and most explosive fireworks festival happening over 2 days this year. Take in the views from Ally Pally and enjoy a vast range of entertainment, from traditional fairground rides to live music from tribute acts Joel Coombes: Elton John and Rogue Minogue: Kylie plus DJ sets from DJ Spoony and Fat Tony. You can also see fire jugglers, top up your brew at the UK’s largest German bier festival, or whizz around on the famous ice rink. Don’t leave before seeing the fireworks display by the Lords of Lightening! All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 6.30pm-10.30pm (Fri) & 4pm-10.30pm (Sat); adult entry from £17/adult + child entry from £4.50/fireworks + ice skating from £23.50/all accessible tickets adult + child from £6.50 (Nov 3-4)
Fri-Sat: Fawkes Festival at Ravenscourt Park, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UA (Hammersmith tube) & Bishops Park, Bishop’s Ave, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
A new eco-friendly version of the popular Hammersmith & Fulham firework displays, held in Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park over two days. This immersive event is themed ‘a night at the movies’ and promises to dazzle dazzle you with laser effects, light shows, special effects, bubble acts, neon face painting, funfair and of course choreographed fireworks. Doors 3.30pm-10pm/fireworks at 6pm, 7pm & 8pm; adult from £13.88/child under 16 from £9.45/under 3s FREE (Nov 3-4)
Sun: Battersea Park Fireworks: Family Night, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ (Queenstown rail/Battersea Park tube)
One of south London’s most popular events is ready for another Bonfire Night weekend in London with kids and the Saturday night is already SOLD OUT. However, if you’ve got youngsters there’s still spots available for the Family Night on Sunday. Here you can meet special guests Bluey and Bingo, try out yummy street food, pick up sweets and treats, ride fairground attractions or dance off some steam at the kid’s discos. The fireworks go off earlier, with doors opening 5pm-9pm and fireworks at 7.10pm; adult from £12.30/child 5-15 from £8.25/under 5s FREE (Nov 5)
More Family Friendly Fireworks
Fireworks displays are on in Beckenham fireworks at Croydon Rd Recreation Ground, BR3 3PR (Nov 4); Wembley and Harrow Fireworks event in Byron Park, HA3 7QX (Nov 4); The Walker Ground fireworks display in Southgate, N14 7JZ (Nov 4); Dulwich Sports Club (Nov 4); Richmond Athletic Ground (Nov 5); and grownups and kids are welcome on a fireworks cruise along the Thames with City Cruises for views of the Battersea Park fireworks (Nov 5)
More Weekend Fun In London with Kids
Thu-Sun: Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Are you ready for some Christmas skating? Slip and slide beneath the stars at this popular ice rink that’s now open for the winter season. You can ice skate under a roof which features 1,000 sparkling fairy lights to add to the festive atmosphere. 9am-10pm daily (skate sessions 45 mins); adult from £17.95/child from £13.50/family from £53.95 (until Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: Phantom Peak: Hallowed Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
Extended ahead of the Christmas season, discover the world’s first fully immersive open-world experience packed with 100+ adventures, escape rooms, live gameplay and foodie destinations. Fancy dress optional but encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 6pm (Thu-Sat) & 12pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £39.99/under 25 £24.99/under 16 £18.99 (until Nov 5)
Thu-Sun: Disney 100, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
Discover more than 250 Disney artefacts, costumes, props and works of art. You can wander through 10 themed galleries and fall in love again with classic films like Snow White, Frozen, Encanto and more recent family favourites e.g. Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. All ages. 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-7pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £24/child 5-15 £16.50/family £18.25/under 5s FREE (until Jan 22, 2024)
Thu-Sun: Rumble in the Jungle Rematch, Dock X, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 2XU (Canada Water tube)
We’re in 1970s Kinshasa and the mighty battle of Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman is about to take place. Immerse yourself in a theatrical revival of this historic event with all the fashion, colour, music and atmosphere of the era. Period dressing encouraged. All ages welcome. 6.45pm, 7pm & 7.15pm (daily) and 1pm 1.15pm, 1.30pm (weekend matinees); adult £69.50/child under 16 £38.50 (Sep 14-Oct 29)
Thu-Sun: Turn It Up: The Power of Music at Science Museum, Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube).
What makes us tune in to certain music while other melodies leave us cold? Learn more about the science behind the sounds at this sweeping exhibition that offers a chance to try out instruments, explore new technology and make your own beats. All ages. At 10am-6pm daily; £10/family discounts available/under 5s FREE (until May 6, 2024)
Sat: Splash Test Dummies at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Rub a dub dub. The Splash Test Dummies are ready to set you howling with laughter in this thrilling circus adventure. Fresh from Down Under, the Dummies combine stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and slapstick comedy to wow crowds from Australia to the UK. Roll out those beach towels and spring into an afternoon of splash-splashing mayhem. All ages welcome. 11am, 2pm & 4pm; from £15 (Nov 4)
Sun: Morgan & West’s Massive Show for Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)The scientifically skilled duo have been blowing audiences away (not literally, mind) for years with their experimental antics and comedy hijinks. Come for a magical extravaganza filled with oohs, aah and hahahahas for ages 6 to 106. 2pm; from £12 (Nov 5)
Booking Ahead
- Babies: A Newborn British Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (Nov 10-12)
- Friday Froglets at WWT Wetland Centre, Barnes (Nov 10-Dec 15)
- Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (Nov 10-Feb 25)
- The Princess and the Pea at Jacksons Lane, Highgate (Nov 19)
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre, WC2 (from Nov 20)
- My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre, EC1 (Nov 21-Mar 23, 2024)
- Father Christmas at Fulham Palace, SW6 (Nov 25)
- Aurora Orchestra: Far Far Away Family Concert at Kings Place (Dec 2-3 & 10)
- The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Dec 6-Apr 21)
- Crafty Cub Market at The Crossing, N1C (Dec 10)
- The Paddington Bear Experience at Southbank (Autumn 2023)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
October Half Term and Halloween in London 2023
