It’s been a weird old January what with the changeable weather and the ongoing political storms both here and overseas. What’s constant is that London is bursting with cultural activities and I’ve found the best of the bunch for the London Kids Weekend Scoop. Take a look!
London Kids Weekend Scoop: 12 Things to Do with Kids of All Ages
Thu-Sun: Battersea Power Station Light Festival, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail)
Back for another year, this dazzling series of art installations takes over the revamped Battersea Power Station and surrounding areas. Follow the trail to see giant diamond, cycling light battle, playable light piano, glowing butterflies and more. Enjoy LED glow shows, family workshops and a Silent Disco (ticketed) in Turbine Hall B. All ages welcome. 8am-11pm; FREE entry (Jan 25-Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: Disney 100, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
If you’re a Disney fan, this is your reminder to get down to the Disney 100 exhibition before it closes. The show has been extended by popular demand but tickets might sell out. See 250+ artefacts, costumes, props and works of art and explore 10 themed galleries. 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 Mar 6, 2024)
Thu-Sun: Cute at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
This landmark exhibition explores the surprising appeal of cuteness in contemporary culture, from internet memes to movies, video games, fashion, music and plushies. Look out for a games arcade and a celebration of Hello Kitty at 50. All ages. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun, 9pm Thu-Fri); from £18/concs £11/under 25s 50% discount on select Tuesdays/family 10% discount (Jan 25-Apr 14)
Thu-Sun: Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
They call it ‘bowling’s cooler cousin’ but why not decide for yourself? Take your family and friends along for a fun game that was popularised at the Winter Olympics. Play with up to 6 people in a team. All ages welcome. 12pm-8pm; £8 per person/under 12s FREE (when accompanied by an adult) (until Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: The Box Rocket at Discover Children’s Story Centre, at 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Get starry-eyed at this space-themed exhibition by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola and writer Tola Okogwu. The art and visuals are inspired by the popular picture book Look Up! Best for ages 0-8. Exhibition from 10am-10.50am/£3.50pp. Main centre opening hours: 10am-5pm (off peak/weekdays), 10am-1.15pm or 1.45pm-5pm (peak/school holidays and weekends); session passes from £8 per adult or child/1 year olds £2.50/under 1s FREE (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Wow! It’s Night-time at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
A curious little own learns all about the wonders of the twilight hour in this enchanting puppet show, based on the popular picturebook by Tim Hopgood. For ages 2-5. 10am, 11.45am & 2.15pm (Sat-Sun & Tue-Thu), 10.30am, 1pm & 4.45pm (Fri) – NB: times vary, check website for individual dates; adult £16/child ages 1-17 £14/under 1s FREE/Fris at 4.45pm all tickets £8 (until Jan 27)
Thu-Sun: Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Did you make it to the ice rink over the festive season? It’s not too late to grab your kids and their mates for a skate beneath the stars at this popular ice rink. Glide under a roof of 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)
Fri-Sun: Bankside Frost Fair at Sumner St, Bankside, SE1 (Southwark tube, London Bridge tube/rail)
The Frost Fair returns at Bankside with a whirlwind of family friendly activities marking a historic London event. From circa 1605 to 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times and the people of Bankside created ‘Frost Fairs’ on the ice. Come and relive these moments with a 21st century Frost Fair filled with music, games, stalls, workshops and a life-size elephant puppet parade! All ages welcome. 11am-6pm; FREE (Jan 26-28)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Ultimate Family Rave at FABRIC, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail)
These clubbing afternoons at the legendary club space usually sell out in a hot minute. Join the Glastonbury playing, globally loved family rave crew for another baby-friendly session. On the DJ line-up, BFLF faves Baker & Beale are joined by drum and bass pioneers turned super producers Future Cut. Wave your hands in the air like the old days, with your mini ravers partying alongside you. There’s also face painting, Nifty Natty crafting, giant mural, Villa Pia baby chill out, confetti, bubbles, foam, balloons and parachute dance finale. All ages, best for 0-8 and families. 2pm-4.30pm; tickets from adult £15/child £10/pre-walking humans FREE (Jan 28)
Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Fancy some more lowkey daytime dancing with your whole family? Spin your teeny ones around at this chilled Sunday afternoon party. You’ll hear DJs playing indie pop and golden oldies e.g. The Supremes, The Ramones, Belle & Sebastian and more. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Jan 28)
Sun: Family Studio: Drawing from Life at at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Strike a pose for this monthly art-making workshop that’s popular with families with kids of all ages. Artist Jake Garfield leads the programme that includes life drawing with props and a live model, using a mix of materials. Be inspired by works in the current exhibition Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec. All ages. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (drop-in); FREE (Jan 28)
Sun: Comedy Club 4 Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Want to try something a little different with your youngsters? Check out this popular standup series that features real comics from the circuit, telling jokes that are suitable for kids (most of the rude bits taken out). They’ve been cracking up family audiences since 2005 so prepare for an afternoon of laughter and mayhem. Ages 6+ and grownups. 12pm & 2.30pm; from £12 (Jan 28)
Booking Ahead
- Megson Family Folk Show at Kings Place, N1 (Feb 4)
- You Are The Sun at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Feb 7-11)
- Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Feb 7-17)
- Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Peacock Theatre, Holborn (Feb 8-Mar 23)
- Diversity: Supernova at London Palladium, W1F (Feb 9 & 10)
- Dinosaur rEvolution at Horniman Museum, SE23 (Feb 10-Nov 3)
- Family Workshop for Children with SEND: Our Pasts at Royal Academy, W1 (Feb 11)
- Protest at Brixton House, SW9 (Feb 13-16)
- Early Years Studio: Buildings at Royal Academy, W1 (Feb 21)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Feb 23, Mar 15. Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave: DnB Superhero DJ Aphrodite in Wood Green (Feb 25)
- Family Studio: Print at Royal Academy, W1 (Feb 25)
**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!**
