London Kids Weekend Scoop (April 18-21, 2024)

Hello, hello. There’s sunshine in the sky and a little spring in my step, despite the decidedly un-Springlike temperatures. In my guide to the best weekend activities for London families, I’ve pulled together a mix of outdoor activities, museum experiences and theatrical hijinks for various ages — including those sweet/sullen teens. Let me know what you’re loving in London right now and have a brilliant weekend!

The Best Weekend Activities for London Families

Thu-Sat: Housemates Returns: Is Dat U Yh? at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
Trip down memory lane with Tolu and the “Back Of the Bus Queens” as they relive the good old days before social media and YouTube, when Tamagotchis and Pokemon ruled. A time when “laughter was free and nonsense was all we knew”. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of dance, theatre, lyricism and school daze nostalgia. Best for ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat); £22, £18, £16 balcony, £16 previews (Apr 17-27)

Thu-Sun: Afternoon Tea at Natural History Museum (Anning Rooms), Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Fancy tea with a T-Rex? You might not have jurassic guests but you can tuck into a dinosaur-footprint macaron, among other goodies at the Natural History Museum’s brand new child-friendly afternoon tea. Enjoy the best of British seasonal produce alongside treats with a nature-inspired twist. 12pm-3pm (Wed-Sun): from £35pp – pre-booking required (ongoing)

Thu-Sun: Bing’s Nature Explorers at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Meet Bing and Flop for a wild adventure this weekend. Pick up a trail and collect a sticker; join a storytelling session; catch a short show and take a picture with your favourite characters. 10am-5pm daily (5.30pm from Apr-Oct), last entry 1hr before closing; adult from £15.40/junior 4-11 from £10/family from £43.10/under 4s FREE (until Jun 2)

Thu-Sun: Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, 81-85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LD (South Kensington tube)
Are you a Wes Anderson devotee? Wander through this super popular exhibition that immerses you in the world of the idiosyncratic filmmaker. You’ll explore more than 200 places on Earth, discovering 7 themed rooms all inspired by the colourful vision of Wes Anderson. NB: Visit by April 21 and receive a free pair of stickers (mention World Art Day to staff to redeem them). All ages welcome. 10am-7pm (Wed-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun); adults and age 12+ £13.99/child 5-11 £9.99/under 5s FREE (until Jun 30)

Thu-Sun: I Wish at Unicorn Theatre,  147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Jordan Laviniere takes the lead in this magical production created by cabaret favourite Le Gateau Chocolat (Duckie). Meet the Wish Giver who helps wishes come true in unexpected ways. A tale of joy, self-discovery and acceptance for ages 3-7. Various times from 10am; child under 18 £11.50-£17.50/adult £14.50-£23.50 (until Apr 21)

Thu-Sun: The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Do you dare to come face to face with some of the creepiest, slitheriest, rarest creatures on the planet? This newly opened exhibit features animals eight unique habitats around the world including salamanders and king cobra! 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5pm until Sep 1); adult £27-£33/child 3-15 £18.90-£23.10/under 3s FREE (ongoing)

Fri: Sound Explorers at Young V&A (Mini Museum/Play Gallery), Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA
Come and shake and make with your little one at this weekly Friday event for adults with very young kids. You’ll explore the museum displays using sound and music in the company of the workshop leader. NB: Spaces are limited so it’s first come, first served (buggy parking available, no buggies in Mini Museum space). Ages 0-2 and grownups. 10.30am-11.10am (Fri); FREE (Apr 19-May 24)

Fri-Sun: Earthfest 2024, various locations around King’s Cross (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) at this free sustainability festival in and around King’s Cross. The first of its kind, Earthfest is a weekend of interactive talks, immersive exhibitions, workshops, live music and performances, fashion zone showcasing upcycled designs and activities for families. 9.30-5pm (Fri, trade only), 9.30am-6pm (Sat) & 9.30am-4pm (Sun); FREE – book tickets online! (Apr 19-21)

Thu-Sun: Like a Melody: Myths, Memories, and Fantasy at NOW Gallery, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ (North Greenwich tube)
Anime fans in the house? Check out the latest NOW Gallery exhibition featuring rising artist and illustrator Charlotte Mei who invites you into an otherworldly realm through paintings, giant figurines and sculptures of ancient artefacts. Inspired by myths, fantasy and the world of anime, Mei’s large-scale art and action figurines call up favourite childhood toys, while subverting racial and masculine tropes. 10am-7pm (Tue-Fri), 10am-5pm (Sat), 11am-4pm (Sun); FREE entry (until Jun 2)

Sat: Bear Snores On at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Tickets are almost sold out for this lively adaptation of the beloved picture book. Join Mouse on a theatrical romp into a wintry wonderland where she’s looking for a safe place to hide out… but who’s lurking in the cave? This acclaimed production is a tale of courage and adventure, filled with animal pals, music and gentle humour. For ages 4+ (younger ones admitted, ages 2+ must have a ticket). Available tickets Sat at 10am & 4pm; adult £16.50/child £14.50 (until Apr 21)

Sun: Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Hurry and you might nab one of the last remaining tickets for this popular family activity. Gather your crew for a playdate at Royal Opera House where you can explore ballet and opera through fun-packed activities. All ages welcome, best for ages 3-10. 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4pm (Sun); £10pp/babies in arms do not require a ticket (until Jun 30)

Sun: The Three Bears at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Deep in the forest live Mammy, Daddy and Baby Bear… All is cosy at home until one day, a whirlwind of a girl comes to sit in their chairs, munch all their porridge and have a snooze in their beds. Bring your furry friends along for this fairytale spin with original music and puppets. For ages 6 and under. 11am & 2pm; from £12 (Apr 21)

We also like
Head to Trafalgar Square for Eid in the Square celebrations (Sat) and a festival for St George’s Day (Sun); Hotsy Totsy are back for another family friendly rave at Big Penny Social (Sun); and don’t forget it’s the London Marathon with crowds, spectators, traffic diversions and plenty of runners doing their bit for a variety of causes (Sun)

Booking Ahead

• Boy Blue: Cycles at Barbican Centre (Apr 30-May 4)
• 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)
• Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
• 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!**