London Kids Weekend Scoop (June 20-23, 2024) 

Hello again sunshine! Today in London, we have cloudless skies and the promise of a mini heatwave ahead. In our London parents’ best weekend guide there are ideas for book lovers, theatre fans, music heads, artsy kids and fashionistas of all ages. Get out there and soak it up.

I was so excited to visit Northgate Primary School in Crawley to do a reading and book signing of my picture book A World for Me And You, which has been selected for the Northgate School Book Awards! If you’d like to invite me to your school for a reading or talk, head to my author website for more details.

London Parents’ Best Weekend Guide: 12 Cool Ideas

Thu-Sat: Independent Bookshop Week, multiple locations
This week is a huge annual celebration of independent booksellers across the UK and Ireland. So what are you waiting for? Head to your local (bookshop not boozer) and pick up a copy of something for you and/or the kids to read over the weekend. There are lots of in-store activities including readings, talks, workshops and prizes. George the Poet has created a new poem to mark Independent Bookshop Week too! Follow all the action on @booksaremybag across social media. And if you want some of my book recommendations, visit my bookshop on Bookshop.org (proceeds from sales support independent bookshops). Happy reading! (Jun 15-22)

Thu-Sat: YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan/Hinotori: The Wings of Phoenix at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
It’s the final weekend to see the drummers of YAMATO. Showcasing the centuries-old tradition of Taiko drumming, these dramatic performers have wowed crowds around 54 different regions. Best for ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). Expect loud drumming and haze effects. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 8pm (Sun); from £18 (until Jun 22)

Thu-Sun: Legion: Life in the Roman Army at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Travel the Roman Empire, which spanned more than 1 million sq miles at its height, at this blockbuster exhibition that lets you see life through the lens of a Roman soldier, Claudius Terentianus. You can also view tablets from a fort near Hadrian’s wall, papyri letters by soldiers from Roman Egypt and more. 10am-5pm daily (Fris 8pm); adult from £22/child under 16 FREE (until Jun 23)

Thu-Sun: Disney 100, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
LAST CHANCE: Dream a magic dream at this sweeping exhibition of Disney artefacts, props, artworks, costumes and more. Extended by popular demand, it’s finally closing on Sunday so hurry down.  All ages. 9am-4.30pm, last entry 2.30p (Mon-Thu), 9am-6pm, last entry 4pm (Fri-Sat), 9am-4pm, last entry 2pm (Sun); adult from £24/child 5-16 from £21/group of 5 or more from £22.50pp/under 5s FREE (until Jun 23)

Thu-Sun: Chaka Khan’s Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
I’m Every Woman… Chaka! Ms Khan’s curated festival closes with a bang this weekend with Chaka Khan herself on stage. Other nights feature acts like Reuben James, WAR, Morcheeba Judi Jackson, Balimaya Project, Lady Blackbird and House Gospel Choir. Various times and prices (Jun 14-23)

Thu-Sun: Gifford’s Circus: Avalon at Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN (Turnham Green tube/Chiswick rail)
The travelling circus show wraps up their Chiswick House residency. This production mixes poetry, music and performing arts for a story set in Avalon, the medieval island of Arthurian legend. All ages welcome. 7pm (Thu Jun 6); 4.30pm & 7.30pm (Mon), 4.30pm, 7.30pm & 9.30pm (Thu & Fri), 11am, 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 11am, 2.30pm & 5pm (Sun) — NB show times vary, confirm at booking; adult from £25-£40/child 3-14 £15-£30/under 3s FREE (until Jun 23)

Fri-Sun: Wandsworth Arts Fringe, in and around Wandsworth
This weekend is a wrap for the Wandsworth Arts Fringe festival. Come for family arts and crafts, spellbinding theatre, books talks and pop-up activities for all ages (age guidance for some activities, check ahead). Various times, dates and prices/many events are FREE (Jun 7-23)

Sat: Windrush Day 2024 at Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
It’s time to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and the hopes and dreams, achievements and community that marked the arrival of the Empire Windrush on British shores. Family friendly activities include board games, dominoes contests, Caribbean food and crafts, talks, workshops, family histories and more. Part of the Great Greenwich Windrush Trail. 10.30am-5pm (Thu & Sat); FREE (Jun 22)

Sat-Sun: Naomi in Fashion at V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
We’ve been anticipating this one since last year and I’m sure it won’t disappoint. A closer look at the girl from Peckham who became a global superstar, one of the ‘80s IT girls known as supermodels. This groundbreaking show examines her career on and off the catwalk, including her activism, collaborations and photographs. 10am-5.45pm (10pm Fri); £18/concs. available (opens Jun 22)

Sat-Sun: Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, multiple locations (Barnes rail)
Head to west London to experience some of your favourite children’s authors live this weekend. The annual festival offers talks, readings and activities for various ages. This year’s lineup includes: Axel Scheffler, Rob Biddulph, Jacqueline Wilson, Kiran Milwood Hargrave, Michael Rosen, Maz Evans, Cartoon Workshop with Ramzee and more! Various ages, times and prices; book in person or online at www.barneskidslitfest.org (Jun 22-23)

Sat-Sun: Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Sam Wu is definitely NOT a scaredy-cat (or maybe he is). On a trip to the Space Museum that goes haywire, Sam has to prove to everyone that he is an intrepid space adventurer… From the bestselling book by Katie and Kevin Tsang, this exciting stage adventure follows Sam and his deadly pet snake on a quest to face his fears and defeat the Ghost King. Best for ages 6-12. NB: Show contains flashing lights, loud noises, the use of haze, short blackouts, audience interactions and some scenes that young kids may find scary. Previews Jun 22-23 at 2.30pm (Sat), 11am & 2.30pm (Sun) – otherwise various times and dates (Wed-Sun); from £10 (Jun 22-Aug 18)

Sun: Family Studio Summer Celebration at Royal Academy, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Be inspired by the Royal Academy Flags on Piccadilly and create your own colourful flag. Artist Flora Bradwell leads the session which touches on colour theory. She invites families to use fabrics and semi-transparent paper to make striking colour block flags. 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. While you’re here, you might also want to check out the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 (now open until Aug 18). Family Studio runs from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (drop-in); FREE (Jun 23)

Euros 2024: Family Friendly Zones to Watch the Football

• Enjoy street food, drinks and 4 screens at Pop Brixton
• You can catch the action at all three Boxpark venues, book ahead – from £8 (Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon)
• Or try out one of the Bounce ping pong, pizza and football bars – from £10 (Farringdon, Shoreditch and Battersea)
• Head to TOCA Social at the O2 for 360 football immersion with screenings and shootout games – from £5 (North Greenwich)
• There’s foosball, food and drinks and Euros matches at Bar Kick on Shoreditch High St and Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market (Shoreditch/Islington)
• Explore the food hall and watch England games at Market Halls locations (Victoria, Canary Wharf, Oxford St)
• Metropolis is a snazzy new food destination that promises live entertainment and sports screenings (Vauxhall)
• Big Penny Social holds family friendly events and will host Euros 2024 showings too (Walthamstow)
• Kids are welcome all day (Sun-Wed) or until 6pm (Thu-Sat) at Between the Bridges – England games on 3 large screens (South Bank)

Booking Ahead

• Pub in the Park festival, Chiswick (Jun 28-30)
• Pride in London parade, central London (Jun 29)
• 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)
• Just Vibez Windrush Celebration, Brixton (Jun 30)
• River Stage at National Theatre, SE1 (Jul 5-28)
• Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, City of London (Jul 7, 21 or 28)
• Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Jul 12)
• Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Jul 13)
• Monster Jam, London Stadium (Jul 13)
• Theatre on Kew at Kew Gardens (Jul 19-Sep 1)
• Fiddler on the Roof at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park (Jul 27-Sep 21)
• Little Angel Theatre’s Puppet Festival, Angel N1 (Aug 2-Sep 1)

**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!**