Oh the joys of walking in the sunshine. Finally, we’re getting a glimpse of summer and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the weekend in London with your family. The Weekend Scoop has ideas for activities both indoors and out, from parent and baby cinema to drive-in movies, family festivals and affordable art fairs. Take a look. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to readers in the US, Ghana, India and everywhere celebrating on Sunday.
Family Activity: Birds of Gaza (online)
For more than 7 months, we’ve watched the ongoing destruction of Gaza with schools, hospitals and homes obliterated and entire families erased. If you’re feeling increasingly helpless and want to show your solidarity, check out this project created to engage children and families. Birds of Gaza invites kids (and grownups) to craft a unique bird to remember every child who has been killed in Netanyahu’s genocidal campaign. You can take a look at the gallery online and add your own. Follow @birdsofgaza on Instagram to hear some of the heartbreaking stories that inspired this project. (ongoing)
Other Ways to Support
- Join a March for a Ceasefire https://palestinecampaign.org/events/
- Write to Your MP https://una.org.uk/gaza-crisis-write-your-mp
- Donate through an organisation e.g. Choose Love, Action for Children, UNICEF, Medical Aid for Palestinians
- Show Support for Hostages held by Hamas https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/
- Follow a grassroots Jewish-Arab solidarity movement https://www.standing-together.org/2023war
12 Terrific Ways to Enjoy the Weekend in London with Your Family
Thu-Sun: Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, NW3 1TH (Hampstead Heath overground, Hampstead tube)
Want to refresh your home with some art or pick up a gift for someone you treasure? Check out the Affordable Art Fair which makes its way to Hampstead this weekend. Here’s you’ll find the finest contemporary art from 100+ galleries with prices starting at just £50. For families with young kids, the Weekend Family Hour (Sat-Sun, 11am-12pm) offers scavenger hunts, face painting and activity packs. Kids aged 7-12 can join the Little Grand Tour to explore popular art movements and techniques (Sat-Sun, 11.15am, £20 per child — limited spots available!). There’s also a Doggy Photo Booth where you can get your furry pal snapped by award-winning photographer Amie Barron (advanced booking recommended). All ages welcome. 11am-5pm (Thu & Fri, late shows for 18+ 5pm-9pm), 11am-6pm (Sat-Sun), Weekend Family Hour 11am-12pm (Sat-Sun); adult £14/child under 16 FREE/Weekend Family Hour £22 (2 adults + up to 3 kids)/Little Grand Tour £20 (add on to Weekend Family Hour)/Doggy Photo Booth £110 (May 8-12)
Thu-Sun: Art of the Brick The Immersive Experience, The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane (entrance on Buxton St), E1 6RU (Shoreditch High St overground)
See one million LEGO bricks transformed into works of art at the world’s best known LEGO art show. Back in London after touring multiple cities around the world, the collection features more than 90 sculptures by Nathan Sawaya that are guaranteed to leave both adults and kids amazed. Gawp at a 6-meter tall T-Rex, marvel at famous art created from bricks, also catch an LED light and sound show and a multimedia collection of photos made from LEGO! All ages welcome. 10am-8pm (Mon, Wed, Thu & Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri & Sat) – last entry 1hr before closing; adult £17.90/child 4-17 £13.90/under 4s FREE and don’t require a ticket (Until Jul 14)
Sat: The Embassy Gardens Drive-In Cinema, 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY (Nine Elms tube)Roll up for a day of blockbuster movies at an open-air cinema where you can watch from a classic car or supercar (or drive your own). Family friendly films are on the menu including The Jungle Book (10am), Back to the Future (1pm), Mamma Mia (4pm ) and Top Gun (8pm), as well as tasty food, popcorn, drinks, Pick ’n’ Mix and ice cream. All delivered to your vehicle! For the little ones, there are mini Classic Cars to sit in and if you prefer, there are also deckchair tickets or BYO blanket options. NB: You don’t have to drive a classic or super car to bring your own ride. 10am-10pm; tickets from £8.83 (BYO blanket), £14.25 (deckchair), £76.55 (BYO car), £152.38 (hire classic/supercar) (May 11)
Sat: Where The Lost Socks Go at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
What actually happens to our missing socks? Maybe they wind up sunbathing in the Caribbean! This lively show filled with catching original tunes follows Milo and his friend Luna on an expedition of fun and self-discovery. On the quest to find Milo’s missing sock, he’ll learn that he doesn’t need matching socks to fit in. Entertainment for ages 4 to 104! 11am & 1pm; £10 (May 11)
Sat: Independent Label Market at Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The weather’s looking fine this Saturday so come along to Coal Drops Yard for a free day of record browsing. Explore some of the UK’s best loved indie labels and pick up some cool vinyl. There’s also a Craft Makers Corner, the London Brewers’ Market, lots of local spots to eat and shop, and of course Granary Square fountains around the corner for the little ones (or you) to splash through in the sunshine. 11am-6.30pm; FREE (May 11)
Sat-Sun: National Gallery Big Birthday Family Weekend at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
The National Gallery turns 200 years old in May and they’re throwing a party. Come and celebrate by helping to decorate a giant birthday cake! Artist Lucie MacGregor has crafted a huge cake sculpture from pulped recycled paper. The design takes in the Gallery’s rooms and collection as well as the theme of birthdays, using recycled elements from birthday cards and National Gallery brochures. Take inspiration from the Gallery and contribute to the celebrations by adding a drawing or note of your own. 11am-4pm; FREE drop-in (May 11-12)
Sat-Sun: Dulwich Festival, multiple locations, SE21 (Herne Hill tube, West Dulwich tube/rail, East Dulwich rail, North Dulwich rail/overground)
Visit Dulwich to attend their festival of arts and culture for the whole family. Head to the Kingswood Arts Open Day which has kids activities, craft stalls, bouncy castle and more (Sat 11am-6pm, Free entry); take little ones along to a Wild Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the Village Orchard (Sat 12pm-4pm, free entry); or join a Family Street Art and Sketch Walk (Sat 1pm-2.30pm, £10/£6 concs). On Sunday, there’s the Dulwich Park Fair (12pm-5pm, free entry) with live music, food and drinks stalls, funfair, dog show and animals from Vauxhall City Farm. Various times and prices, some activities are FREE
Sat-Sun: Ten In the Bed at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Is it a bed? Or a boat? Or a giant slice of toast? Watch Naz, Iggy and their 8 mates dream up tales of pirates, sharks, playful adventures and tasty treats from the comfort of their bed. This fun and inventive show from Half Moon theatre explores the child refugee experience. Written by Steve Tasane, the story shows how the power of imagination can bring an escape from everyday life and a force for connection. Ages 3-8. 10.30am & 1.30pm; £16.50 (until May 12)
Sat & Mon: Parent and Baby Screening: The Fall Guy at Barbican Cinema 3, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
A down at heel stuntman (Ryan Gosling) is on the hunt for an actress who’s disappeared from the film set of his director ex (Emily Blunt). This playful nostalgic ode to the 90s TV series starring Lee Majors is crammed with laughs, romantic sparks and intense action scenes. is a down-and-out stuntman tracking down a missing actress in David Leitch’s action rom-com. These bring-your-baby screenings feature lower volumes, soft lighting and a baby-changing and stroller friendly setting for parents to get out with their teeny ones. 11.15am (Sat & Mon); £6 + booking fee (May 11 & 13)
Sun: Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford Street, Covent Garden WC2E 9ED(Covent Garden tube)
Head to Covent Garden for the 49th annual Punch & Judy festival. This Punch professor pilgramage dates back to May 1662 when writer Samuel Pepys first recorded seeing Mr Punch. The fun kicks off with a Grand Procession and brass band, followed by a church service with Mr Punch in the pulpit, then a day of puppet shows, workshops, music, maypole dancing and stalls. All ages welcome. 11am-5.30pm; FREE (May 12)
Sun: Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles – A Game Show for Awful Children at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Join a fast, furious and funny game show led by avant-garde performer Marcel Lucont who pits adults and children against each other in a battle of wits. One of the hit shows at Edinburgh Fringe on its release, this production also won aBest Kids Show at the UK Kids Comedy Festival 2022. Who will win the crown for l’enfant plus terrible? Ages 6-12. 11am & 2pm; from £12 (May 12)
Sun: Streatham Common Kite Day, High Rd, SW16 3BU (Streatham/Streatham Common rail)
Yo fly mamas and papas. It’s time to set your sights high again for the annual Streatham Common Kite Day. Pick up a kite or make your own for this vibrant spectacle that brings locals and explorers out for a day of family fun, face painting, bouncy castles, live music and delicious street food from a range of vendors. If you’ve ever struggled with kite strings on a windy day, come out and watch pro flying crews teach you how it’s done. All ages welcome. 11am-5pm; FREE entry (May 12)
Booking Ahead
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- 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)
- Prince Charming at Little Angel Theatre, N1 (May 18-Jul 27)
- Rich Mix Family Yoga, E1 (May 19)
- Jaha Koo: Haribo Kimchi at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre (May 24 & 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Jul 13)
- 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!**