London Kids Weekend Scoop (April 25-28, 2024)

Alright, what is actually up with the weather? It’s a UK cliché but I can’t stop staring at the sky and shaking my head. It feels outrageous that the kids are in summer term and we’re still shivering under blankets. Anyway, cheer up with the latest London weekend family fun guide from yours truly. There are museums and theatre picks for all ages and a couple of outdoor activities for those who are happy to bear the greyness and drizzle. Whatever you do, have a good one.

London Weekend Family Fun: 12 Cool Things to Do with Kids

Thu-Sat: Minority Report at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
If you’ve read the book or watched the Tom Cruise movie of the same name, you’ll be prepared for some heart-pumping action at this stage adaptation of Philip K Dick’s story. Set in 2050, it centres on Dame Julia Anderton who’s accused of the crime of ‘pre-murder’ and has to race against time to beat the system she created. From the producers of hit play Life of Pi, this production uses innovative tech to straddle reality and science fiction. For ages 14+ (see content warnings online). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Weds & Sats); from £10 (until May 18)

Thu-Sat: Housemates Returns: Is Dat U Yh? at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
LAST CHANCE: Follow Tolu and the “Back Of the Bus Queens” down memory lane to an era when Tamagotchis and Pokemon were all the rage. This promises to be a fun-packed evening of theatre, dance, lyricism and nostalgia. Best for ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat); £22, £18, £16 balcony, £16 previews (until Apr 27)

Thu-Sun: Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Meet the circle of friends and collaborators who were known as The Blue Rider. Coming together to form ‘a union of various countries to serve one purpose’, these were artists determined to transform modern art. See vibrant, experimental masterpieces of painting, sculpture, performance, photography and sound by Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter and their contemporaries. 10am-5.15pm entry (daily); from adult £22/child £5/under 12s FREE (Apr 25-Oct 25) 

Thu-Sun: Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
The Tulip Festival returns to the historic grounds of Henry VIII at this popular springtime event. See more than 100,000 tulips fill the courtyards, with displays pouring out of the Tudor wine fountain, and arrangements inspired by Mary II’s 17th century collection. The Tulip Festival is included with regular admission to Hampton Court Palace. Kids will enjoy a romp in the Magic Garden before or after your trip. 10am-5.30pm (Thu-Sat) & 10am-5pm (Sun); adult ages 16+ from £27.20 (discounts for RHS members)/child 5-15 £13.60/under 5s FREE. Booking ahead essential. (until Apr 29)

Thu-Sun: A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Inspired by a story by Gabriel García Márquez, this award-winning production blends puppetry, music and live video projection. The action revolves around a couple who take in an ancient creature with enormous wings, while various people decide whether he’s an angel or an imposter. Magical realism and dark comedy brought to the stage for ages 8-12 and grownups. 11am (Thu & Fri), 1pm & 3.30pm (Sat), 12pm & 2.30pm (Sun); adult from £18.50/child £13.50 (Apr 25-28)

Thu-Sun: Entangled Pasts at Royal Academy at Royal Academy (Main Galleries), Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
LAST CHANCE: Find out how art has transformed the way we think about slavery, colonialism, abolition, reparations and resistance. This acclaimed show features artists from the past 250 years alongside modern names like Lubaina Himid, Hew Locke, El Anatsui, Sonia Boyce, John Akomfrah, Isaac Julien, Kara Walker. All ages welcome, PG/content warnings for themes of racism, slavery, historical language and imagery. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun) &  10am-9pm (Fri); from £22/under 12s FREE (until Apr 28)

Sat-Sun: Classic Car Boot Sale, Granary Square and area, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube)
It’s that time again when the lovers of vintage fashion and classic cars converge in Granary Square and the surrounding area. Come out for people-watching, vehicle-scoping and shopping at more than 100 stalls featuring pre-loved fashion and goods. There are also pop-up activities, street food, craft beer and live DJs on a Routemaster bus. Pop into Coal Drop’s Yard for more events and also check out the food, entertainment and fashion zone in Lewis Cubitt Square. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm); adult £7/child under 12 FREE (Apr 27-28)

Sat-Sun: Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music at British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Kings Cross St Pancras/Euston tube or rail)
Explore the history of Black music in Britain at Beyond the Bassline, the first major exhibition of its kind anywhere in the world. Celebrating the innovators and trailblazers who transformed the UK music landscape, it features archival footage, spectacular costumes, interactive displays and, of course, music. Capturing everyone from Ignatius Sancho to Fela Kuti, Shirley Bassey and SB.TV, this is a showcase of more than 200 exhibits and a tribute to the global influences that shaped the Black British sound. Look out for a range of events coming up in line with the exhibition e.g. Soul II Soul Live (Fri May 10). While you’re here, why not check out Family Station: Explore and Play, a FREE monthly activity for all ages (drop in 11am-3pm). Beyond the Bassline is open 9.30am-5pm (Mon-Wed & Fri), 9.30am-7pm (Tue), 9.30am-4pm (Sat) & 11am-4pm (Sun) – NB: timings vary, last entry 30 minutes before closing; adult £15/child 12-17 £10/under 12s FREE (Apr 26-Aug 26) 

Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Cheer yourselves up with an afternoon of dancing with the whole crew at these popular monthly get togethers. Hit the floor and throw some shapes to classic pop, soul and indie hits, from The Supremes to The Ramones. There are live DJs and a house party atmosphere. 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) (Apr 28)

Sun: Family Studio: Costumes at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Draw inspiration from the work of Angelica Kauffman at this free drop-in session for families. Artist Alison Kusner will guide you to use clothes and fabrics and recreate the costumes in Kauffman’s paintings, before drawing and painting self-portraits. NB: These family studios are super popular and first come, first served – if it’s too full at the start, try joining later. All ages welcome. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (drop-in); FREE (Apr 28)

Sun: Choogh Choogh at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Tickets are going fast for this family-friendly show that evokes the joy of travelling by train through India. See three artists weaving a tapestry with scarves that conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the train, hawkers, rivers, jungles, cities, musicians and more. A colourful adventure that begins with the audience getting a special choogh choogh ticket. Ages 2-5 and grownups. Run time: 25 minutes + stay and play. 11am & 2pm; from £12 (Apr 28)

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)
• Big Birthday Family Weekend at National Gallery, WC2 (May 11-12)
• Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (May 14-Jun 9)
• The Enormous Crocodile at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (May 17-Jun 8)
• Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
• Jaha Koo: Haribo Kimchi at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre (May 24 & 25)
• Assassin’s Creed Symphonic Adventure at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 29-30)
• Black Culture Market at The Department Store, Brixton (Jun 1 & 2)
• Grand Soft Day (for ages 2-6) at Southbank Centre (Jun 1 & 2)
• Mean Girls the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (Jun 6-Oct 27)
• The Secret Garden at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (Jun 15-Jul 20)
• Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away: Mendelssohn and the Moving Machines at Kings Place, N1 (Jun 29-30)
• Southbank Centre Summer Festival: You Belong Here, SE1 (Jun 29-Sep 8)
• Fiddler on the Roof at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (Jul 27-Sep 21)

**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!**