What activities are you most looking forward to this weekend? Roaming with your babes about town or having some chill time at home? If you fancy experiencing the best of London’s cultural outings for families, I’ve got you covered. From Nigerian dance theatre to a Jewish musical classic, toddler fun at Keats House, a festival on Hampstead Heath and our favourite family ravers, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy!
The Best of London’s Cultural Outings for Families
Thu: Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
It’s the final night for this high-octane dance explosion from Lagos, bringing a burst of Afrobeats-infused fashion, visuals, storytelling and of course music. Ages 12+. 7pm; from £20/limited concs available (Sep 18 & 19)
Thu-Sat: Fiddler on the Roof at Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Matchmaker matchmaker, make me a match…. Hear timeless tunes in this nostalgic musical set in Anatevka 1905. Jewish milkman Tevye turns to familiar sources to find a partner for his daughters, but love (and tradition) are not quite so straightforwards. Best for ages 12+, under 4s not admitted. 7.45pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.15pm (Thu & Sat) (until Sep 21)
Fri-Sun: Escape from The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail, Monument/Borough tube)
Hop onto the Sir Francis Drake ship replica for a spooky(ish) escape room game. The original ship was said to be haunted, so in this experience you’re dared to get locked on board with the resident ghosts and only 60 minutes to escape. Select dates and times (Tue-Sun, confirm at booking); tickets from £33/child under 10 FREE (ongoing)
Sat: Art History Festival: Windrush and Beyond at Imperial War Museum London (Clore Learning Centre), SE1
Meet author Kandace Chimbiri (The Story of the Windrush, Britain’s Black Airmen) for a storytelling workshop about Britain’s African and Caribbean servicemen and women. Sam King MBE from Jamaica to London, from the RAF to the Mayor of Southwark. Kandace will give a talk and reading, then lead a collage-making activity. All ages. 10.30am-4pm; FREE (Sep 21)
Sat: Under 5s Day at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground)
Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers take over at this special day for Under 5s and their parents at the historic home of poet John Keats. You’ll be able to tour the house and learn more about Keats’ life and work, while also finding stuff to keep the little ones engaged such as crafts, toys, refreshments and space to roam. NB: No adults without children will be admitted. Drop-in but booking ahead recommended. 11am-3pm; adult £2.50/child 5 and under FREE (Sep 21)
Sat: Family Day: Marvellous Me at British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Kings Cross St Pancras/Euston tube or rail)
Drop in at the British Library for this creative day, delivered in a mix of British Sign Language and spoken English. Find out what makes you unique in a mix of signing, creating, making, and other activities all over the library. This event is fully accessible for families with D/deaf children, parents and carers. All ages welcome. 12pm-4pm; FREE (Sep 21)
Sat-Sun: The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel/Highbury & Islington tube)
Join super sleuth Danyah Miller on an exciting adventures that’s part live board game, part detective story. Help her crack a series of clues around the famous puppet theatre, with assistance from camera footage and a theatre map. Ages 6+. 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)
Sat-Sun: How The Light Gets In Festival at Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR (Hampstead tube/overground)
The world’s largest festival of philosophy and live music returns to Kenwood House grounds. Come for mind-expanding talks, workshops and activities with cultural icons and creatives, and 7 stages of music. Family activities range from circus skills to sensory STEM. All ages welcome. From 10am; limited day tickets from £108 (Sat) and £68 (Sun)/full festival ticket £158/under 12s FREE (Sep 21-22)
Sun: The Museum of Marvellous Things at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Catch moons in balloons, discover stars in jars, dance with Doo-Dahs, and marvel at the wonders of this magical museum that’s brought to life from the power of your imagination. You’ll meet Norbert Norris and Tilly T Pott, characters from the picture book by Kristina Stephenson, and create your own puppet. For ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; from £14 (Sep 22)
Sun: RAFamily Studio: Take A Line for a Walk, at Royal Academy, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Come to another popular family art session, where this time artists Sarah Hunt will lead a sculpture making activity from a single, continuous line. The workshop is inspired by the playful artworks in the current Michael Craig-Martin exhibition. NB: RA Family Studios are 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 (Sep 22)
Sun: Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
All over the world, the tales of Roald Dahl have been disappearing from books, libraries and the minds of children. Can you assist with the Ancient Guild of Tale Tenders efforts to save Dahl’s stories? Devised for young kids, this interactive theatre show includes games, literacy play and highlights from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the BFG and The Twits. For ages 6-11. 11am & 2pm; from £12 (Sep 22)
We also like
Watch sweet animation Ernest and Celestine (French with English subtitles) at Barbican Family Film Club (Sat); line up along the banks of the Thames to catch the Great River Race, part of Totally Thames festival (Sat); the annual Bermondsey Street Festival offers a mix of family fun (Sat); get your teeny ones gardening with Little Green Fingers at Fulham Palace (Sat); and there’s still time to be dazzled by Colourscape Music Festival on Clapham Common (ends Sun); vibrant exhibition Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence wraps up at V&A Museum (ends Sun); it’s also the final weekend for the Open House Festival (ends Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Silk Roads at British Museum, WC1 (Sep 26-Feb 23)
- Imran Perretta: A Riot in Three Acts at Somerset House, WC2 (Sep 27-Nov 10)
- Wonder Gigs (for ages 0-4) at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Sep 28)
- Story Play: Play Labs at Rich Mix, E1 (Sep 29, Oct 6 & Nov 17)
- National Changgeuk Company of Korea: Lear at Barbican Theatre (Oct 3-6)
- Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London at Fashion & Textile Museum, SE1 (Oct 4-Mar 9)
- Black Culture Market at Department Store, Brixton SW9 (Oct 5-6)
- Apple Day at Fulham Palace, SW6 (Oct 6)
- Toto Kerblammo at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Oct 6-Nov 3)
- Author Event: The Story of Britain’s Black Nurses at Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 (Oct 12)
- A Tiger’s Tale at Jacksons Lane, N6 (Oct 13)
- For Crying Out Loud Baby-Friendly Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Oct 16 & Nov 22)
- Hew Locke: What Have We Here? at British Museum, WC1 (Oct 17-Feb 9)
- Storyquest Sleepover for ages 6-11 at Discover Children’s Story Centre (Oct 19)
- Windrush Adventures at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Oct 20)
- Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at British Library, NW1 (Oct 25-Mar 2)
- VOGUE: Inventing the Runway at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Oct 25-Mar 30)
- FUNHarmonics Family Concert: Stan & Mabel at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Oct 26)
- Telling Tales with Chris Riddell and Ana Sampson at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (Oct 27)
- You Choose at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Nov 3)
- Picasso: Printmaker at British Museum, WC1 (Nov 7-Mar 30)
- Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, The Duck and the Mouse at Kings Place, N1 (Nov 23)
Want More? Check out 24 Things to Do in London this Autumn!
**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!**
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