Did you have a nice half term? It’s a bit grim out today but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the best family fun in London this weekend for kids of all ages. In today’s London Kids Weekend Scoop, we have an orchids festival, a balloon exhibition, animatronic dinosaurs, a superhero family rave, child-friendly art workshops and last chance to see Battersea Power Station all lit up.
The Best Family Fun in London this Weekend for Kids of All Ages
Thu-Sun: Dinosaur rEvolution at Horniman Museum a Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Ever wondered what connects a T-Rex and a chicken? This jurassic exhibition delves into the surprisingly close relationship between birds and dinosaurs. Gawp at 5 large animatronic models and also see cast fossil skeletons, interactive art, enjoy games, dress up and more. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9/child from £7/family from £19/under 3s FREE (until Nov 3)
Thu-Sun:EmotionAir at Balloon Museum, 1 Old Billinsgate Walk, EC3R 6DX (Monument tube)
Have you visited the Balloon Museum yet? This bouncy space is now home to a unique exhibition exploring the link between art and emotions through the medium of inflatable art. From Moyomo Torimitsu’s large pink rabbits to the famous Balloon Dog series by Jeff Koons, this series of visual art and installations inspire and invite visitors to touch, play and immerse themselves in other-worldly scenes. 10am-7pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-8pm (Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat), 9am-7pm (Sun); adult from £32/child under 16 from £18 (Feb 1-Apr 14)
Thu-Sun: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
The show that captured hearts everywhere continues its run at Peacock Theatre. Meet Jamie, a 16-year-old misfit on his council estate in Sheffield who finds his way to stardom and joy, thanks to his supportive mama and friends. Featuring songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who) and choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (Into The Hoods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle). Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); from £18 (until Mar 23)
Thu-Sun: Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Lost yourself among the majesty of the Orchids at Kew, the ever popular annual exhibition. This year brings the wonders of Madagascar’s biodiversity, from woodlands to wildlife. Keep an eye out for ring tailed lemurs and giraffe weevils! All ages welcome. Kew is open 10am-5pm daily (last entry 4pm), add on your time slot to Orchids when you visit; adult tickets from £20/child 4-15yrs £5/family tickets from £26 (until Mar 4)
Thu-Sun: Malorie Blackman: The Power of Stories at British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB (King’s Cross St Pancras/Euston tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Head to British Library to learn more about the childhood dreams and storytelling adventures of one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors, before they turn the page on this exhibition. All ages. 9.30am-6pm (Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri), 9.30am-8pm (Tue), 9.30am-5pm (Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE (until Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: Battersea Power Station Light Festival, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail)
LAST CHANCE: Follow the dazzling light trail around revamped Battersea Power Station and scope out installations like a playable light piano, glowing butterflies and more, plus LED glow shows and family workshops. All ages welcome. 8am-11pm; FREE entry (until Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: As winter draws to a close (we hope), this is your last weekend to check out the King’s Cross club where those who enjoy playing ‘bowling’s cooler cousin’ roll up. 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: Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
LAST CHANCE: It’s also your final opportunity to glide beneath a roof of 1000 fairy lights at this uber popular ice skating rink. All ages welcome and lots of food and drink options nearby. 9am-10pm daily (skate sessions 45 mins); adult from £17.95/child from £13.50/family from £53.95 (until Feb 25)
Fri: Fridays Froglets at WWT Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube)
Weatherproof your little ones with these Friday fun days, giving them a chance to explore forest school activities like nature crafts and games, campfire songs, stories and quiet time. All ages welcome, sessions are made for adults and kids to take part together. 10am; £5 per child (NB: non-WWT members also pay regular admission fees: adult from £15.40/child from £9.50/family from £43.10/under 4s FREE) (until Feb 23)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave: DnB Superhero, The Goodness Brewing Company, Coburg Road, Wood Green N22 6TZ (Wood Green tube)
Join the world famous family ravers for a Superhero party with DJ Aphrodite working her DnB magic on the decks. Dance with your whole family in this craft beer and pizza warehouse, where there’s also face painting (extra fee), balloons, bubbles, Nifty Natty crafting, licensed bar and non-stop fun. 12pm-2pm; adult from £10/child from £7/non-walking human FREE (Feb 25)
Sun: Heritage Family Day at Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG (Highgate tube)
Trip back through history at this annual Heritage Weekend where families can explore the intriguing past of Lauderdale House and its surrounding area. You can wander through the building on a family trail (chocolate prize for first 50 kids to complete it); learn about the Victorian children who lived there on interactive touchscreens; and join a craft session (11.30am-3.30pm) to make Tudor ruffs and masks for a masquerade ball! All ages welcome (no unaccompanied kids). Drop in between 11am-4pm; FREE
Sun: Family Studio: Print at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Get the whole crew together for another family friendly workshop, led by artist Desiree Greenish. Using inspiration from the new exhibition Entangled Pasts: 1768-Now, you will work with colour and pattern to create a collaged print and discover more about heritage and identity. Drop in 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE (Feb 25)
We also like
I’m excited about Ekow Eshun’s brand new curated show The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure (opens Thu); Grant Museum of Zoology is back open after a revamp (Thu-Sat); there’s a Teen Takeover: All About Anime for ages 11 to 14 at Young V&A (Sat); watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with a live orchestra at Southbank Centre (Sat); or check out Claytime at Arts Depot, a “play with clay” where audiences ages 3 to 6 and families can participate (Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Kaleidoscope for babies at Arts Depot, N12 (Feb 28)
- Luna Loves Library Day at Half Moon Theatre, E1 (Feb 29, Mar 1 & 2)
- For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy at Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (Feb 29-May 4)
- Romeo & Juliet at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Mar 2-Apr 14)
- Kickmouse Mysterium at Jacksons Lane, Highgate (Mar 3)
- OAE Tots at LPO Funharmonics at Southbank Centre (Mar 3)
- Funharmonics Family Concert: Goal! at Southbank Centre (Mar 3)
- The Little Ritual at A Pinch of Vault, Waterloo (Mar 9 & 10)
- Mother’s Day, across the UK (Mar 10)
- Red Pitch at @SohoPlace, W1 (Mar 15-May 4)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- Boxed In at The Albany, Deptford (Mar 16)
- Open Air Theatre season at Regent’s Park (Mar 23-Sep 21)
- Easter Family Day at Brixton Windmill (Mar 31)
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- Assassin’s Creed Symphonic Adventure at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 29-30)
- Mean Girls the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (Jun 6-Oct 27)
**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!**