Autumn in London: 24 AMAZING Family Events for All Ages

Autumn in London is an exciting time with apple festivals, bonfire nights, Black History Month, Diwali and more on our cultural calendar. Once again, I’ve curated 24 Amazing Things to Look forward to in London this Autumn for a variety of ages — from pop-up experiences to family theatre, blockbuster movies, art shows and workshops. Enjoy!

Autumn in London: 24 AMAZING Family Events for All Ages

The Friends Experience
The One in London features recreated sets, Rachel and Monica’s iconic purple door, Joey and Chandler’s foosball table (have a go!) and of course that famous Centra Perk sofa. Hang out for selfies and photo ops, snacks, coffee and a chance to pick up some merch in the store. At Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront, E16 1XL (by public transport), E16 IFR (by car) (Canning Town tube/Customs House tube/DLR). 10am-7.15pm (Sun-Fri, last entry 6pm) & 9am-8.15pm (Sat, last entry 7pm); adult from £20/child 11-15 £10/child 4-11 £5/under 4s FREE/family & concs available (from Aug, ongoing)

The Count of Monte Cristo
A riproaring saga by Alexandre Dumas (a French writer of mixed European and African descent), this hugely popular book has been adapted for the cinema again, this time by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière. When Edmond Dantes is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, he forges his way to freedom and fortune and decades later, takes his revenge on those who betrayed him. Rated 12A. (out Aug 30)

Joyway London Wing Chun
Before Bruce Lee, there was Yip Man. This multi-award winning dance drama tells the story of Yip Man through a film crew shooting a movie about the legendary Grandmaster and his influence on Wing Chun. Watch two generations of people chasing their dreams in a show that blends aesthetics and serious martial arts moves. Ages 6+. At Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube). Various shows at 2pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); from £15 (Aug 30-Sep 7)

UNIQLO Tate Play: Make Studio, The Joy of Not Knowing
These popular art sessions at Tate Modern invite the whole family to unleash their imaginations in the galleries. Use recycled materials to create props, costumes and other creative pieces. On Wednesdays, there are special activities for under 5s including sensory play, themed storybooks and more. All ages welcome. At Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube). 10.30-3pm (Weds, families with under 5s), 10.30am-6pm (Sat-Sun); FREE (Aug 31-Oct 23)

Totally Thames 2024
It wouldn’t be our Autumn Hot List without an appearance from this annual festival along the River Thames. Celebrating the world’s most famous river, London’s main artery, this is a vibrant and versatile festival of arts and culture. Highlights include St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival (Sep 7-8), Kids Choir (Sep 15), The Great River Race (Sep 21), Thames Day (Sep 22), and Hands on History: Mudlarking Showcase (Sep 28-29). All ages (some restrictions for events). At multiple locations. Various times and prices, many activities are FREE (Sep 1-30)

Kim’s Convenience
The boys and I loved the Netflix comedy series Kim’s Convenience and so I’m pleased to hear the play is back after a sell-out run at Park Theatre. Follow the funny and heartwarming misadventures of a Korean Canadian family running a ‘mom and pop’ store in Toronto. Written by Ins Choi it’s a “love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home.” Ages 14+. At Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BN (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground). 7.30pm (Tue-Thu), 5pm & 8pm (Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat) & 5pm (Sun); from £25 (Sep 5-Oct 26)

Batman Unmasked in London
Enter the Batcave this Autumn in London at an immersive exhibition marking 85 years of one of DC’s best loved creations. Explore 9 themed rooms and see props, weapons, costumes, comics, vehicles and other Gotham City memorabilia. All ages welcome – PG for some content. At 45 Wellington Street, WC2E 7BN (Covent Garden tube). From 10am daily (book time slot online); adult from £24.50/child from £22/toddlers 2-5 £12 (Sep 6-Nov 3)

Dancing City
Part of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, this outdoor dance take-over features a wide mix of dance styles. With performances popping up across Stratford including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford Cross and the Town Centre, there’s something for all eyes and ages. And it’s all FREE. Just turn up and be moved (Sep 7)

Coriolanus
Catch David Oyelowo (Selma) in the role of Rome’s greatest soldier. When Coriolanus is asked to stand for election, he is refusal to tell the people what they want to hear puts him in danger. A Shakespearean tragedy with plenty of food for thought re today’s political arena. No age guidance but content warnings for loud sounds, flashing lights, violence, warfare and death. At Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). 7pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm & 7pm (select Weds & Sats); £20-£89 (Sep 11-Nov 9)

Little Red Riding Could
In the deep dark woods, nothing is quite what it seems. The main character is not so little, you won’t catch her in a hood and she wants to be known by her real name. This playful retelling of the fairy tale invites you to tread new paths and find your own voice. With songs and signature silliness from Roustabout Theatre, for ages 3-8. At Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail). 11am & 1pm; £10 (Sep 14)

King’s Cross Dog Festival
Dog lovers converge at Coal Drops Yard for another barking mad weekend. Visitors and their furry pals can experience masterclasses, dog shows, workshops and a range of activities from dog yoga and massage to tarot readings for pups! All ages welcome. At Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail). 10am-5pm daily; FREE but book online to secure your spot (Sep 14-15)

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers 
National Gallery is going all out for its 200th birthday with this once in a century exhibition of Van Gogh’s paintings opening over autumn in London. Hang out in the ‘Poet’s Garden’ or underneath a starry night. Immerse yourself without the fancy immersive exhibition tricks, taking a closer look at rarely seen works. But hurry, tickets are sure to fly. All ages. At National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail). 10am-4.45pm (Sat-Thu), 10am-7.45pm (Fri); from £24 (Sep 14-Jan 19) 

Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION
For 2 nights only over Autumn in London, Lagos comes to the Southbank Centre in this explosive dance show that blends Nigerian music, visual art, fashion and performance. Watch 10 dancers and 2 musicians tear up the stage in a high-energy production, followed by a live DJ set (Wed Sep 18) – AFRO SPACE TIME TRAVEL – in the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer. Ages 12+. At Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). 7pm; from £20/limited concs available (Sep 18 & 19)

The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre
Visit the famous puppet theatre for a mystery adventure that’s part live board game, part detective story. Follow super sleuth Danyah Miller as she tries to decipher a barrage of clues and surprises, including camera footage, curious objects and a theatre map. Can you help crack the case? Ages 6+. At Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel/Highbury & Islington tube). Various show times Wed-Sun: 10.30am, 11am, 1.15pm, 2pm, 4pm & 4.45pm (confirm times at booking); adult £15/child 1-17 £13/all tickets Fri 4.45pm £10/previews Sep 21-22 £8 (Sep 21-Nov 17)

BFLF at Fabric: Ultimate Family Rave – Dinosaur Themed!
Another euphoric Big Fish Little Fish family rave session at the legendary Fabric this autumn in London. Slipmatt – Godfather of Rave himself headlines along with DJs Luli, DJ Chef and dnb expert Charlie Wright on the lineup. Alongside dancing, there’s face painting (extra charges), baby chill out zone, buggy parking, licensed bar, cake stall, giant mural, crafting with Nifty Natty, confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. All ages, best for 0-8 and families. At Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail). 2pm-4.30pm; tickets from adult £15/child £10/pre-walking humans FREE (Sep 22)

A Raisin in the Sun
One for older kids and grownups, this bold new staging of Lorraine Hansberry’s barrier-breaking play will give you plenty to think about. Described by the New York Times as “a play that changed American theatre forever”, it describes an African American family on Chicago’s South Side coping with bereavement, changing social dynamics, and racial segregation. Directed by Tinuke Craig (Jitney, The Color Purple) and recommended for ages 14+. At Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), matinees 1.30pm (Wed) & 2.30pm (Sat); from £10 (Oct 8-Nov 2)

Anna Hibiscus’ Song
Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres present a show ‘bursting with happiness’ (The Stage), based on a story by picture book author Atinuke. Anna Hibiscus lives in Ibadan, Nigeria and she’s brimming with so many happy feelings, she might float away. The more she describes it to her family, the more the feeling grows until it has to come out… in song! A joyous tale full of dance, music, puppets and traditional African storytelling. Ages 3-7. At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube). 10.30am & 1.30pm (Wed-Thu), 11am (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from child £10.50-£18.50/adult £16.50-26.50 (Oct 9-13)

The Devil Wears Prada Musical
Strap on your big girl undies for this fun and feisty musical adapted from the hit novel and movie. Newbie journalist Andy becomes the underling to iconic mag editor Miranda Priestly. How far will Andy go to succeed? Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams plays Miranda alongside West End newcomer Georgie Buckland as Andy. Expect big numbers, high fashion and hijinks aplenty. [NB: age guidance TBC, UK movie rating PG]. At Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ (Tottenham Court Rd/Leicester Square/Oxford Circus tube)7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (opens Oct 24)

Tim Burton at Design Museum
As seen on our 2024 London Hot List, this mesmerising walk through the weird and wild imagination of Tim Burton finally opens at Design Museum. Take an inside peek at the visions that helped bring stories like Find out what Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissorhands to life, through art, photos, sketchbooks, clips, costume designs and installations. All ages. At Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube). 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 9pm Sat); £tbc – members FREE (Oct 25-Apr 21)

The Elmer Adventure & Happy Birthday Elmer
Meet the patchwork elephant live on stage at Queen Elizabeth Hall with a colourful show from Tall Stories (The Gruffalo) filled with puppets, songs and storytelling. For ages 3+. Then on Nov 3, there’s a big FREE birthday bash for Elmer with crafts on Level 2 and a party in the Clore Ballroom. Dress up in your colourful outfits, make stuff, play games and dance to a live DJ! All ages. At Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). The Elmer Adventure is on Oct 30-Nov 3 at 11am & 2pm (Wed-Fri), 10.30am, 1pm & 3pm (Sat) & 11am (Sun); from £16. Happy Birthday Elmer is on Nov 3 at 10.30am-2.30pm for crafts, party 12.30pm onwards; FREE. (Oct 30-Nov 3)

Paddington in Peru
The loveable, marmalade munching bear is back. On a visit to Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears in his homeland, Paddington and the Brown family are throwing into a mystery that takes them through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru. Rated U (out Nov 8)

Pan
This Autumn in London, fly to an island full of fairies, pirates, Lost Ones and a boy named Peter who’s chasing his own shadow. Be swept away with Wendy, John and Michael Darling into this magical adventure, performed by a wonderfully large and diverse cast marking 50 years of Chickenshed. Ages 5+. At Rayne Theatre, Chickenshed, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE (Cockfosters tube). 7pm (Mon-Sat), 5.30pm (Sun), matinees at 1.30pm & 3pm (select Sats, Suns and other dates – check box office); from £16 (Nov 20-Jan 11)

Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet
See life through the eyes of pioneer digital artists, including innovators of kinetic, psychedelic and electronic systems. Electric Dreams is an ambitious exhibition that explores the maths, science and technology used by artists who were both remaking the present and imagining future worlds. All ages. At Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube). 10am-4.30pm; adult £22/child 12-15 £5/under 12s and members FREE (Nov 28-Jun 1)

Moana 2
It’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait for Moana 2, reuniting the Disney heroine with her buddy Maui (The Rock) on a new adventure across the sea. After a call from her ancestors, Moana must travel to Oceania to face a daring new challenge. Anticipate more hit tunes and glorious animation. Rating TBC. (out Nov 29)

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**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**