London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 7-10, 2024)

How are you feeling? Still recovering from half-term, or still in a state of disbelief after the US elections? We’ve had a shocker of a week at Babes HQ involving the youngster (trip to A&E, surgery, long road to recovery), so everything else has felt like a bit of a fever dream. It’s actually a relief to get back to putting out the Weekend Scoop and getting a tingle of excitement for all the fun things happening in London this weekend for families. And Christmas is most definitely around the corner too.

Hang in there, folks. As we say in Nigeria, e go better (or sing it with me, things can only get better…). Happy weekend.

13 Fun Things Happening in London this Weekend for Families

Thu-Sat: Coriolanus at Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: David Oyelowo has earned rave reviews for his turn as Rome’s greatest soldier, vying for control in Shakespeare’s provocative and topical drama. No age guidance but content warnings for loud sounds, flashing lights, violence, warfare and death. 7pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm & 7pm (select Weds & Sats); £20-£89 (until Nov 9)

Thu-Sat: The Devil Wears Prada Musical at Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ (Tottenham Court Rd/Leicester Square/Oxford Circus tube)
It’s handbags at dawn at this sparky musical adaptation of the Hollywood movie and bestselling novel about an intern and her fiery fashionista boss. Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams and West End newcomer Georgie Buckland take the leads. Recommended for ages 12+, under 5s not admitted. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (until May 31, 2025)

Thu-Sun: Viva Viva Palestina: The Hope and the Horror at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
For over a year now, so many of us have been horrified by the ongoing assault against Gaza. This exhibition is in solidarity with the Palestinian people and humans across the world experiencing state-sponsored violence, exploitation and oppression. Open to everyone, all ages welcome. Rich Mix opening hours: 9am-late (Mon-Fri), 10am-late (Sat-Sun); FREE (Nov 4-30, private view Nov 15)

Thu-Sun: Picasso: Printmaker at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
Explore the UK’s largest and most representative collection of Picasso’s prints in this brand new exhibition. You can see prints from the early 1900s before the break into Cubism +  linocut printing, 100 etchings from the 1930s, and some of his later life works. All ages.  10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fris); adult from £16/child under 16 and members FREE (Nov 7-Mar 30)

Fri-Sat: Super Chefs at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse rail/DLR)
Manny is a 6-year-old boy who loves getting busy in the kitchen, although unlike his mama Valeria, his grandma thinks he should find more ‘boyish’ hobbies. This popular production features singing, dancing and cooking quite questioning gender expectations and celebrating food, family and fun.  Best for ages 4-8 but all welcome. Available times: 1.30pm (Fri), 10.30am & 2pm (Sat); from £8 (until Nov 9)

Fri-Sun: Paddington in Peru, out in cinemas nationwide
Ben Whishaw reprises his role as the voice of the bear from Peru who, in a brand new adventure, returns to his homeland to visit Aunt Lucy. Of course, mischief, mayhem (and marmalade) ensue. I’m a big fan of the Paddington movies and can’t wait to see what the latest installation has in store. Rated U (out Nov 8)

Fri-Sun: Glide ice rink at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Glide on over to Battersea for a skating session against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings. The city’s only riverside ice skating rink offers 3 interconnecting rinks with dazzling views over the Thames. Warm up before or after in The Glass House bar, with fairground rides and more fun activities and food offers around Battersea Power Station. Skate sessions last 45 minutes from 10am daily (check timings ahead of visit); adult 13+ from £16/child 0-12 from £10.50/private igloo from £17.50/family from £48 (Nov 8-Jan 5)

Fri-Sun: Poppy Fields at the Tower, Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
It’s Remembrance Sunday this weekend and throughout the week you can visit the Tower of London’s latest tribute. In partnership with Luxmuralis, the Historic Royal Palaces installation features sound and light projections with artwork on WW1 and WW2. Running for just 9 nights, this poignant show also gives you a chance to experience the Crown Jewels after-hours without the usual crowds. Timed tickets 5pm-7.30pm; adult £19.50/child 5-15 £12.50/under 5s FREE (Nov 8-16)

Fri-Sun: Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The club for those who like to play a sport described as ‘bowling’s cooler cousin’ is back at Coal Drops Yard. Soak in the wintry atmosphere and line up for a game with up to 6 family or friends. All ages welcome. 12pm-9pm daily (last slot 8pm); £9 per person/under 12s FREE (when accompanied by an adult) (Nov 8-Mar 2)

Sat: Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out + The Wrong Trousers at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Madcap pair Wallace and Gromit are back at the Barbican Family Film Club in this double bill of the classic animated comedy. In A Grand Day Out, the duo embark on a cheese-themed holiday to the moon, while in The Wrong Trousers, a pesky penguin (Feathers McGraw) has wily plans for one of Wallace’s inventions. All ages (both films are rated U) – NB: no unaccompanied adults or kids. 11am; adult £5/child £2.50 (Nov 9)

Sat: Lord Mayor’s Show (nearest tubes Bank/St. Paul’s to arrive, Blackfriars or Mansion House to leave, check TFL for best routes)
Once again, the traditionalists and lovers of spectacle will come out in the City of London to mark the crowning of the Lord Mayor of London, in an annual ceremony dating back to the 13th century. It’s a three-mile procession of pageantry and floats from Bank to Aldwych. All ages welcome, expect crowds. 11am-2.30pm; FREE (Nov 9)

Sat: Flawless at Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells), Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
From Britain’s Got Talent to the global stage, Flawless has been thrilling audiences since 2009. Watch them for one night only in Past, Present, Future — eye-popping choreography, infectious energy, and moves influenced by the likes of Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, Missy Elliot and James Brown. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm; from £45 (Nov 9)

Sat: Wembley and Harrow Fireworks event at Byron Park, Peel Road, Harrow, HA3 7QX (Harrow & Wealdstone tube/overground)In case you haven’t had enough explosions over the last few days, there are more bonfire night fireworks in London this weekend. This one features a bang-tastic lineup including Diwali Choreography Dance Team, Fizz Kids entertainment, a world food arena, full size funfair, licensed bar, and of course a show of colour and lights set to music. All ages. Gates 12pm; show approx 7.45pm; Free entry from 12pm-3pm/after 3pm adult from £14.95/child 3-15 from £9/limited family tickets available (Nov 9)

We also like
The Southbank Centre Winter Market opens for the season (from Thu); stop by Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall for a peek at Mira Lee’s Open Wound, a free installation (daily); the Independent Schools Show takes place at Evolution London (Fri-Sat); major new exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence launches at V&A Museum (from Sat); as the new Paddington movie hits UK screens, visit Waterstone’s Piccadilly for a Storytime with Paddington at 1pm & 3pm (Sun); and there are more Remembrance Sunday activities at Imperial War Museum London (Sun-Mon)

Booking Ahead

• VOGUE: Inventing the Runway at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Nov 13-Apr 26)
• Letters for Palestinian Childhoods at Rich Mix, E1 (Nov 14-Dec 6)
• Fujifilm House of Photography Santa’s Grotto, Covent Garden (Nov 15-Dec 24)
• For Crying Out Loud Baby-Friendly Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Nov 22)
• Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, The Duck and the Mouse at Kings Place, N1 (Nov 23)
• Pollocks Live Toy Theatre: Christmas Double Bill at Museum of the Home, E2 (Nov 24)
• Sensory Friendly: Design and Draw with Light at V&A Museum, SW7 (Nov 30) 
• Victoria’s Childhood Christmas at Kensington Palace, W8 (Dec 4-Jan 5)
• Drawing Quest at V&A, SW7 (Dec 7)
• Versailles: Science and Splendour at Science Museum (Dec 12-Apr 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!**