We’re breezing into April and I’ll soon have the Easter guide up on the blog. In the meantime, check out these 10 cool things to do for London families this weekend including a brand new book festival, your last chance to catch Jamie at Peacock Theatre, a family arts workshop at Royal Academy, the launch of Regents Park’s Open Air Theatre season, and another baby-friendly rave!
10 Cool Things to Do for London Families this Weekend
Thu-Sun: North London Book Festival at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
Grab your little bookworms for this brand new literary festival at Ally Pally. See headliners Michael Rosen, Lemony Snicket, Natalie Haynes, Erin Kelly, Leo Vardiashvili and Stuart Turton. There’s also a mix of author talks and panels, readings, Q&As, workshops and book signings. Don’t miss: a creative writing workshop for ages 8-12 with Ewa Jozefkowicz, the Waterstones Book Prize short-listed author (Sun 11am-12pm); an interactive draw along with Neill Cameron for ages 7-14 (Sun 4-5pm); and for more grownup conversation, turn up for Black Women Always with Kevin Morosky in discussion with Kelechi Okafor, Gynelle Leon and Mpho Mckenzie (Sat 4.30-5.30pm). Various times; £10.50-£12.50 (Mar 21-24)
Thu-Sun: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
LAST CHANCE: It’s the feelgood musical that audiences from all over have fallen in love with and this weekend is your last chance to catch it at Peacock Theatre. Learn, laugh and sing along with Jamie, a 16-year-old misfit from Sheffield and his endearing cast of family and friends. With 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: House of Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen, 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL (Liverpool St tube/rail)
There’s still time to join the party at Cinnamon Kitchen where you’ll get pelted with colourful powdered paint as part of the celebrations for Hindu festival Holi. Don’t forget to slip on the protective white suit! Drinks and special menu on offer for guests (extra charges apply). Various sessions between 12.30pm-10.30pm; from £10-£60 (until Mar 25)
Fri-Sun: Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube)
Time to experience some serious property envy and fill your mind with tons of ideas at this massive annual event. For the first time, everything in the Dream Home will be available to buy! There’s also an Eat & Drink festival, garden design tips, expert masterclasses, kitchen fittings, soft furnishing inspiration and more. See celebrity guests and pop into the Pamper Lounge and Champagne Bar. 10am-5pm daily; weekday adult from £14 adv (£20 door)/weekend adult from £16 adv (£22 door); child 15 and under FREE but requires ticket (Mar 22-Apr 7)
Sat: Big Fish Little Fish Balham Pirate Family Rave at The Bedford Pub, 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD (Balham tube)
Aarrrgh! Don some seafaring gear and hit the dance floor for another brilliant, baby-friendly rave courtesy of the Big Fish Little Fish crew. Original junglist Jumpin Jack Frost and a World of Bass will be navigating the party and there’s all the usual BFLF antics including Nifty Natty craft tables, Villa Pia baby chill out, balloons, foam, bubbles and parachute finale. 2pm-4pm; adult from £12/child from £9/non-walking human FREE (Mar 23)
Sat-Sun: Open Air Theatre season at Regent’s Park, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
The family friendly season at this wonderful outdoor theatre opens this weekend. Throughout spring and summer you can watch: Bear Snores On (Mar 23-Apr 21); Twelfth Night (May 3-Jun 8); The Enormous Crocodile (May 17-Jun 8); The Secret Garden (Jun 15-Jul 20); Fiddler on the Roof (Jul 27-Sep 21). Various times, ages and prices — confirm at booking. (Mar 23-Sep 27)
Sat-Sun: The Odyssey at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Described as a ‘really really long journey’ this is Homer’s Odyssey brought to the 21st century and for a younger audience. When Telemachus goes on a quest to find his dad Odysseus, even his mum’s not convinced but fortunately the muses are here to guide him. This epic journey across strange lands and stormy seas is spilling over with 60s soul and pop sounds by Naomi Hammerton, adapted by Nina Segal and directed by Jennifer Tang. Best for ages 8-13. Various timings including previews 1pm & 4pm (Sat) & 11am & 2pm (Sun); adult £13.50-£21.50/child under 18 £10.50-£15.50 (until Apr 21)
Sat-Sun: Tidy at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
LAST CHANCE: It’s the final weekend to see this playful adaptation of Emily Gravett’s much-loved children’s book. Pete the badger is a bit of a neatness obsessive until autumn comes around when he gets so carried away with tidying, he destroys his own home! A sweet but pointed tale about looking after your environment, with puppets and original music. Best for ages 3-7. 11am & 2pm; from £10 (until Mar 24)
Sun: The Greenhouse at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Did you know that plants can see, hear and feel through their senses just like humans? Gardener Peppina wants to grow a Pimpernell, the most beautiful plant ever known. Find out how the willow tree shields her plant from a caterpillar with his secret messaging service and also meet the Pimpernell’s bestie, the apple tree that makes sure all the apples ripen at the same time. An interactive show in which family members get to plant their own sunflower. Ages 4+. 2pm; from £12 (Mar 24)
Sun: Family Portraits at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Meet artist Sarah Hunt for another friendly family workshop, this time exploring fabric and textiles as inspired by the Angelica Kauffman exhibition. Suitable for all ages, first come first served, be prepared to wait or return later in the session when it’s less busy. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE (Mar 24)
Booking Ahead
- Easter Eggsplorers at Museum of Brands, Notting Hill (Mar 29-Apr 14)
- The Boat Race, central London/River Thames (Mar 30)
- UNIQLO Tate Play: Yoko Ono, Do It Yourself at Tate Modern (Mar 30-Apr 14)
- Easter Family Day at Brixton Windmill (Mar 31)
- Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (Apr 7-Jun 30)
- Beautiful Buildings: Family Friendly Art Workshop at Fitzrovia Chapel, W1 (Apr 14)
- Housemates Returns: Is Dat U Yh? for ages 14+ at Brixton House (Apr 17-27)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall, Southbank (opens May 2024)
- Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (May 14-Jun 9)
- 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)
- Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away: Mendelssohn and the Moving Machines at Kings Place, N1 (Jun 29-30)
**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!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (March 14-17, 2024)
