It’s the first official London Kids Weekend Scoop of the season. I don’t know about you but that new school year energy always gives me New Year feels. A blank slate, a fresh (ish) start, time to revive or begin something new. I’m excited to open up UJU Writer’s Space, a virtual studio to encourage more writers to play, create and develop their craft. Find out more here.
In the meantime, check out all the cool stuff happening in London this weekend. Summer’s done but the fun’s not over yet.
London Kids Weekend Scoop: 12 Cool Things To Do Around Town
Thu-Sat: Blippi: the Wonderful World Tour at Harold Pinter Theatre, SW1Y 4DN (Piccadilly/Leicester Square tube)
OJ Twist along to this brand new musical that’s sending toddlers into a spin. The popular kids’ show character returns with special guest Meekah in a musical party full of songs, storytelling and trucks. Ages 2+, babies welcome on grownup’s lap. Post-show photo Meet and Greet with Blippi (£12.50pp, subject to availability). 10.30am & 1pm (Mon-Fri) & 10am (Sat); from £15 + £3.95 fee (until Sep 7)
Thu-Sat: Joyway London Wing Chun at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Discover a masterclass in martial arts in this blockbuster dance drama, following Yip Man, the legend who influenced Bruce Lee among many others. Expect high-flying action and mesmerising aesthetics at a show that broke records in China. Ages 6+. Various shows at 2pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); from £15 (until Sep 7)
Thu-Sun: ZooNation: TheMad Hatter’s Tea Party at Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden)
The incredible ZooNation are back with their bestselling hip hop dance production. At the Institution for Extremely Normal Behaviour, patients say they’ve come from somewhere called Wonderland. They throw a wacky tea party, but can Doctor Ernst add some therapy into the mix? Nostalgic tunes and blockbuster moves for ages 6+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 12.30pm matinees (Sats and some Tue/Thu & Sun), 5pm (Sun); from £5-£50 (Sep 4-24)
Thu-Sun: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, multiple locations
It’s the grand finale for this joyful and free outdoor festival of arts and culture. Highlights on closing weekend: large-scale production From Here On, promoting refugee stories and marking 85 years since 10,000 Jewish children escaped Nazi Europe via Kindertransport (Sep 6 & 8); groundbreaking street roller skate show Wheels & Cello (Sep 5-7); Patois, a blend of Caribbean choreography, language and folk music (Sep 7); and Dancing City, the outdoor dance takeover (Sep 7). See the full programme HERE. All ages unless otherwise stated (check ahead). Various times and performances, FREE (until Sep 8)
Thu-Sun: Japan: Myths to Manga, Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green/Mile End tube)
LAST CHANCE: Don’t miss your opportunity to brush up on Japanese folklore as the Young V&A’s flagship exhibition closes this weekend. Delve into Japanese culture from ancient to modern with plenty of anime, manga, tech and pop culture to keep the youngsters entertained. All ages. Daily from 10am (last entry 4.15pm); tickets from £10 (until Sep 8)
Thu-Sun: Monster Funfair at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Roll up, roll up… The Monster Funfair is now open. Wander through a circus tent into an immersive space built entirely by monsters! There’s a rollercoaster slide, mini bumble bear bumper cars, a dinosaur laser maze and more. All inspired and created with award-winning picture book author Nadia Shireen (The Bumblebear, Billy and Fatcat, Grimwood series). For ages 0-8. Daily entry between 10am-4.10pm; £5 (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: The Wizard of Oz at Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, WC2B 5PW (Holborn tube)
LAST CHANCE: Travel with Dorothy, Toto and her brand new friends in this lavish production featuring songs and music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. With JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West. Best for ages 6+, under 4s not admitted. Various times incl. 2pm & 7pm (Tue-Fri), 1pm & 5pm (Sat-Sun); from £20 (until Sep 8)
Fri-Sun: Batman Unmasked in London at 45 Wellington Street, WC2E 7BN (Covent Garden tube)
Holy Batmobile! The masked avenger gets unmasked at this immersive event that celebrates 85 years of the DC comic book hero. Visit 9 themed rooms filled with comics, props, costumes, weapons, vehicles and other memorabilia. All ages welcome – PG for some content. From 10am daily (book time slot online); adult from £24.50/child from £22/toddlers 2-5 £12 (Sep 6-Nov 3)
Sat: Bust or Trust: A Kids’ Mystery at Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG (King’s Cross & St Pancras tube/rail)
Join a crew of fun-loving families at Kings Place for this special live episode of the award-winning podcast. Bust or Trust is aimed at curious kids, taking you on a detective trail through some of the world’s most fascinating mysteries. Lots of jokes, zany facts and audience interaction for ages 6 to 106. Part of London Podcast Festival. Doors 10.30am, start 11am; adult £14/child £12 + booking fees (Sep 7)
Sat: London Mural Festival: Kachette Pop-Up, 347 Old Street, EC1V (Old St tube)
Paint the city at this celebration of street art. London Mural Festival kicks off at Kachette in Shoreditch (Sep 7), where you can discover some crazy talent and even have a go with a spray can. There’s a family hour for kids (11am-12pm) with arts and crafts and face painting. Throughout the festival, explore more than 100 murals and activities across the capital. All ages. Kachette pop-up from 11am-8pm, family hour at 11am-12pm; adult £12/under 14s FREE (Sep 5-29)
Sat: Sensory Stories at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Join Irish performance storyteller Olivia Armstrong at these sessions crafted for families with special educational needs and disabilities. You’ll celebrate the changing seasons using songs, stories and sensory props, while exploring different parts of the centre. After the stories, there will be a calm pond-dipping session. All ages welcome. 9am stories, 10.15am pond dipping; FREE but booking required (Sep 7)
Sat-Sun: Classic Boats Fest at St Katharine Docks, at 50 St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA (Tower Hill tube)
Bigger and boatier than ever, the 15th edition of this annual festival promises tons to look at and explore. More than 50 vintage vessels arrive to a fanfare, with live music, street food kids activities and nautical antiques. 11am-5pm (Sat), 11am-4pm (Sun); FREE entry (Sep 7-8)
We also like
Loving the the Paralympic Games? Go check out Unlimited at Southbank Centre, a brilliant celebration of disabled creative talent (Thu-Sun); catch Jason Donovan as Dr Frank-n-Furter in the new Rocky Horror Show (opens Fri, until Sep 20); the annual Chilli Fest is heating things up at Fulham Palace (Sun); for Swifties, the V&A Museum’s Taylor Swift Songbook Trail wraps up this weekend (until Sun); and there’s still time to catch The Gruffalo at Lyric Theatre or Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World at The Other Palace (both shows end Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Family Under 5s: Signing Adventures at British Library, NW1 (Sep 13)
- Open House Festival, around London (Sep 14-22)
- Big Fish Little Fish End of Summer ‘Story of Bass’ Family Rave at Fox & Firkin, Lewisham (Sep 15)
- The Museum of Marvellous Things at Jacksons Lane, Highgate (Sep 22)
- 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)
- Toto Kerblammo at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Oct 6-Nov 3)
- For Crying Out Loud Baby-Friendly Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Oct 16 & Nov 22)
- Storyquest Sleepover for ages 6-11 at Discover Children’s Story Centre (Oct 19)
- Windrush Adventures at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Oct 20)
- 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)
- 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!**