Don’t let the forecast keep you indoors, there’s enough sunshine about and plenty of weekend family fun in London to lure you out. In today’s London Kids Weekend Scoop, I’ve highlighted puppet shows, theatre for babies, free family festivals, kid-friendly raving and some exhibitions for all ages. Enjoy!
Weekend Family Fun in London: 13 Thrilling Ideas for All Ages
Thu-Sat: Minority Report at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
LAST CHANCE: Follow Dame Julia Anderton on a race against time in 2050 where she’s been accused of ‘pre-murder’ in a system she created. From the producers of Life of Pi, this production is based on the popular novel by Philip K Dick and the feature film starring Tom Cruise. For ages 14+ (see content warnings online). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Weds & Sats); from £10 (until May 18)
Fri-Sat: What Kind of World at Rayne Theatre, Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE (Cockfosters/Oakwood tube)
When the adults disappear, a group of kids have to fend for themselves. What type of society will they build for themselves and who will be their leader? From daily power struggles to nightmares of a mysterious beast, it soon becomes a fierce battle for survival. A stirring production by the youth led Young Company. For ages 7+. 7.30pm (Fri-Sat & Wed-Fri); from £4 (higher payments welcome) (May 17-24)
Thu-Sun: Skateboard at Design Museum, Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
LAST CHANCE: Roll up for the first UK major exhibition showcasing up to 90 skateboards along with hardware, magazines, VHS, DVDs and more. The exhibition tells the unique story of skateboarding from the 1950s to the present day. All ages. 10am-5pm (8.45pm Sat); adult £16/child 11-15 £11/under 11s FREE (until May 19)
Thu-Sun: The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place (off Trafalgar Square), WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross tube)
LAST CHANCE: Don’t miss this acclaimed exhibition curated by writer Ekow Eshun. It features works by leading figures from the arts world (e.g. Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Chris Ofili) exploring Blackness and its presence (and absence) in Western art history. All ages (PG for some content). 10.30am-6pm (daily, 9pm Fri/Sat); adult £16/£18, child or youth under 25 £5, members £5.50 (until May 19)
Thu-Sun: Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
This wildly popular show has played to 5000+ babies at Unicorn Theatre since its inception and more keep coming each time it’s produced (in association with Theatr Lolo. Parents and babies are welcome to a garden-inspired set where the performer puts on a playful show about getting ready to explore outside. After the show, babies can play in the space. Ages 6-18 months and parent/carer. 10am, 11.30am & 1.45pm (Tue-Sat), 10am, 11.30am & 1.45pm (Sun – NB: some Sat shows at 1.30pm too); 1 adult + 1 child £15-£17/2 adults + 1 child £20-£22 (May 14-Jun 9)
Fri-Sun: The Enormous Crocodile at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Do you dare face the Enormous Crocodile in Regent’s Park this weekend? He’s weaving through the jungle on the hunt for juicy little children to eat. It’s going to take a huge amount of courage and smarts to outwit this greedy creature. Featuring mischievous puppets and catchy tunes, this musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s picture book should enchant kids ages 4+. Under 4s permitted, everyone aged 2 and over must have own ticket. 1.45pm previews (Fri May 17 & Sun May 19). Regular shows 10.15am & 1.45pm (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun) & 10am (Sat); adult £15-£25/child £18-£23 (May 17-Jun 8)
Sat: The Science of Fairytales at Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (Green Park tube)
Come for a fascinating discussion led by author Catherine Cawthorne, aimed at kids and their grownups. She’ll delve into the mysteries behind the magical tales and find out if you could really dance in glass shoe or hear better with big ears, or what actually happens to a gingerbread house when it’s raining. Copies of her book ‘Big Bad Wolf Investigates Fairytales’ will be available to buy. Best for ages 7+ (younger ones welcome). 2pm-3.15pm; adult from £17/child under 16 from £10/RI members from £7/under 4s FREE (May 18)
Sat: Caribbean Takeover at National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF(Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Put a little sunshine in your step this weekend (no matter what the weather’s doing outside) and head to Greenwich for this popular family event. There’s a reduced capacity this year so it’s first come, first served for activities. You can expect a lively blend of culture, workshops, performances, quadrille dancing, African drumming, board games and food stalls! 11am-2pm & 2pm-4.30pm; FREE/free wristband required for talks (May 18)
Sat: Variety Club 4 Kids at Underbelly Boulevard Soho, 6 Walker’s Court, W1F 0BT (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Fancy an afternoon of riotous fun for the whole brood? Catch this action-packed show from the team behind Comedy Club 4 Kids. It’s a mix of circus, magic, music, spectacle, silliness, thrills and of course comedy, all hemmed by cricketer Mat Ricardo. Best for ages 6+. 2pm; from adult £13/child £10 (May 18)
Sat-Sun: Prince Charming at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
One minute he’s ok, the next he’s struggling to get out of bed. Prince Charming has a long list of worries, from fighting dragons and saving kingdoms to being struck by lightning or being charming all the time. Can somebody please come to his rescue? A puppet musical that’s sweet, funny and with a message of hope for anyone who’s ever felt anxious. Ages 6+. Previews at 11am & 4pm (Sat & Sun), 10.30am & 4.45pm (Thu & Fri); all previews £8. Regular shows: 11am, 2pm & 4pm (Sat & Sun), 10.30am, 1pm & 4.45pm (Thu & Fri) – NB: times may vary, check at booking; adult £14/child 1-17 £12/all tickets Fridays 4.45pm £8 (May 18-Jul 27)
Sat-Sun: Pea at Puppet Barge Theatre, 35 Blomfield Rd, Little Venice W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
What’s going on with Tiffany? She can’t fall asleep and she’s sure there’s a PEA somewhere under her bed. Journey through a world of mattresses and mysteries to uncover the thieving Bed-Bugs, the ‘sheep counting’ Shepherd, and find out what’s really keeping Tiffany awake. A clever spin on fairytales on the charming puppet boat theatre. Ages 4+. 11am & 2pm; adult £14/child £10/babies 0-2 FREE on grownup’s lap (until May 19)
Sun: Urban Village Fete, Greenwich Peninsula, 1 Green Place, SE10 0PE (North Greenwich tube)
The annual festival in Greenwich is back this Sunday with lots to do for all the family. Kids will love getting their faces painted, taking part in the Allympics and A-Line Art (origami town building), finding some new to read in the Book Swaps, or grooving the afternoon away at the Charity Shop DJ sets. More activities include pop up portraits, 3D printing, massages, talks, dance workshops, food and drinks stalls, canine circus, Fete’s market and a top lineup of DJs Gilles Peterson, Millie McKee, Jack Hemingway and Jamz Supernova. The journey to and around Greenwich is great fun for little ones with options to ride the driverless Dockland Lights Railway trains, climb aboard a Thames Clipper boat and/or ride on the cable car! 11am-late; FREE entry (May 19)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Camden Animal Fantastical Rave at Club Stable, The Horse Hospital, Camden Stables Market, North Yard, NW1 8AH (Camden Town tube/Camden Rd overground)
Get the party started on Sunday with the Glastonbury playing, world famous family ravers. This Sunday it’s all about animals with dress-up encouraged and a chance to ‘dance, craft and be daft’. DJ Terry Francis will be playing tech house and kids of all descriptions will have a roaring good time with bubbles, foam, balloons, Nifty Natty craft tables and the famed parachute dance finale. Best for families with kids ages 0-8, all ages welcome. 2-4pm; adult £12.91/child £9/pre-walking infant FREE (May 19)
We also like
Claytime at Polka Theatre is an interactive ‘play with clay’ for ages 3-6 (Thu-Sun); bring little ones ages 0-3 to the summer season of Planet Play at Chickenshed Theatre, Southgate (Fri); the Kensington Dollhouse Festival attracts dolly enthusiasts from near and far (Fri & Sat); it’s the last weekend of Dulwich Festival, come for a kid-friendly ceilidh (Sat) and our faves Big Fish Little Fish (Sat); Fragile Beauty at V&A shows photos from the private stash of Sir Elton John and David Furnish (opens Sat); Chelsea in Bloom flowers next week (Mon May 20-Sat May 26)
Booking Ahead
- Jaha Koo: Haribo Kimchi at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre (May 24 & 25)
- Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Horniman Museum Gardens (May 25)
- Greenwich Dog Show at Old Royal Naval College, SE10 (May 26)
- Family Day: Fun with Faces at National Portrait Gallery, WC2 (May 28)
- Assassin’s Creed Symphonic Adventure at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 29-30)
- The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall, Southbank (opens May 31)
- Gandini Juggling at Peacock Theatre, WC2 (May 31-Jun 1)
- Pied Piper: A Hip Hop Family Musical at Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 31-Jun 2)
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- It Begins In Darkness at Brixton House (Jun 1)
- 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)
- Kids Week: Free Theatre Tickets – Booking Opens June 11, 10am! (shows from Jul 24-Sep 6)
- The Secret Garden at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (Jun 15-Jul 20)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Jun 22-Aug 18)
- 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)
- Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, City of London (Jul 7, 21 or 28)
- Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Jul 13)
- Fiddler on the Roof at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (Jul 27-Sep 21)
The May Half Term guide will be out next week!
**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 (May 9-12, 2024) 
