Hello, hello! It’s the first London Kids Weekend Scoop of 2025 and it’s a beauty. I’ve found 13 thrilling London weekend activities for the whole family. We have a starry storytelling show for babies and an out of this world exhibition for all ages. Plus theatre on a barge, music from a mattress, art parties, ice skating and Hogwarts covered in snow (last chance)! Wishing you a wonderful (and warm) weekend.
13 Thrilling London Weekend Activities for the Whole Family
Thu-Fri: Rajiv’s Starry Feelings at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Join in a sparkly storytelling experience for little ones and their grownups. Rajiv is full of feelings, from happiness to confidence, but one day he feels angry and can’t figure out why. So with the help of his dad, he embarks on a journey to make sense of his feelings. Based on the picture book by Niall Moorjani, exploring difficult emotions we can’t always name. For ages 2+. 11.35am, 2.35pm & 3.35pm (Mon-Sun, dates vary); £3.50 (Jan 13-Mar 16)
Thu-Sun: Mars at Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
After the huge success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Luke Jerram is back at the Painted Hall with another stunning installation. See Mars, an artwork that features NASA imagery of the Martian surface recreated to scale, rotating slowly against the spectacular backdrop of the Painted Hall (dubbed the UK’s Sistine Chapel). One not to miss, catch it before it goes. (Also see Helios in the Painted Hall from Jan 25). All ages welcome. 10.15am-4.15pm time slots; adult £16.50/child under 16 FREE (until Jan 20)
Thu-Sun: Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
There’s just about time to catch the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest made over for the festive season. You’ll see a lavish banquet in the hall and the Hogwarts Castle model blanketed in snow. Also take a behind-the-scenes look at wizard props and special effects. All ages welcome. Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £56/child from £45/family £180/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential (until Jan 19)
Thu-Sun: Versailles: Science and Splendour at Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Known as a centre of opulent architecture and history, the Palace of Versaille is not just a former home to royalty or a modern Olympic and Paralympic venue, it was once the site of scientific thinking. This exhibition shows how science was used as a tool of power at the palace in the 17th and 18th centuries. 10am-5.45pm daily; £12/family discount available/under 11s FREE (until Apr 21)
Thu-Sun: Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
You can still have a whizz around the skating rink that opened for the festive season. Glide with your family and friends under a canopy of fairy lights. Stop for refreshments at the rink-side bar or at nearby shops and restaurants. Skate sessions from around 10am daily-late (timings vary, skate sessions 45 mins); adult, teen or child from £13.95/family from £53.95 (until Feb 23)
Fri: Lie Down and Listen: Piano and Cello at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich tube/rail)
Here’s something different to try for the new year. Enjoy a mum’s evening out or a special date night, lying down on a soft mattress in the gallery, immersed in sound. Lay back and listen to the Tibetan bowl sound healing and classical cello and piano performed by cellist Naomi Watts and pianist Christina McMaster. Enjoy Bach, Arvo Pärt and Debussy while surrounded by art works and leave feeling refreshed and inspired. All guests receive a complimentary aromatherapy oil gift from Palm of Feronia. 6.30pm & 8.30pm; £50/£40 for Friends of DPG (Jan 17)
Sat-Sun: Captain Sandy and the Sea Monster at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Climb onto the Puppet Theatre Barge for a rollicking musical adventure. This show written by Maddie Dai tells of Captain Sandy who’s on a mission to find out what happened to all the fish in the little village of Rocky Snore. Look out for sea monsters, stormy seas, grumpy fishermen and seaweed cake! Best for ages 4-10, younger ones welcome but PG for some content (e.g. darkness/peril). 11am & 2pm; adult £14/child 2-11 £10/under 2s FREE on grownup’s lap (until Jan 26)
Sat: Family Event: Curious Corals with Francesca at Grant Museum of Zoology, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE (Euston Sq/Goodge St/Warren St tube)
Can you tell your brain from bubblegum coral? Come and find out at this friendly workshop exploring coral reefs through imagery, myths, games, stories and crafting. Learn how these crucial invertebrates protect themselves from predators, play at being a coral, and create a coral and fact file to take home. All ages. 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm; FREE – prebook to guarantee a spot (Jan 18)
Sat: Pigs and Bears Don’t Come in Pairs at Half Moon, Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse rail/DLR)
They say two’s company and three’s a crowd, but what about a double bill of tales with trios at their heart? Watch these popular children’s stories retold with puppets, music and an original spin, in which Goldilocks might be scarier than the Big Bad Wolf! For ages 3-7. 11am & 2pm; £8 (Jan 18)
Sat: Art Party at Grand Junction, Rowington Close W2 5TF (Royal Oak/Warwick Avenue tube)
There’s a monthly art party happening at Grand Junction thanks to the brilliant Social Fabric. These popular drop-in workshops include simple art activities where you can try out a new skill and make something beautiful for your home. Happy Lizzie and Champagne Shane add to the fun with toys, games and kiddy disco. Best for ages 1-10 and their grownups. 10am (every 3rd Sat); FREE (Jan 18-Jul 19)
Sat: London Women’s March, central London (from Waterloo train/tube)
Is it really 8 years since we marched in London in protest against Donald Trump and to promote women’s rights? Well, here we are again. This year’s London’s Women’s March needs more bodies on the streets to join the campaign against the tangerine tyrant and his minions, and to stand in solidarity with women across the globe. The march will feature speakers including Sabby Dhalu (Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism) and is happening on the same day as the National March for a Ceasefire. Get out and get involved. London’s Women’s March starts at Waterloo train station entrance from 12pm. All ages and abilities welcome. (Jan 18)
Sun: Everyone a Maker: Create with Oitij-jo at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Join Oitij-jo and Rich Mix at this season of family friendly events celebrating food, culture and community. Bringing the British Bangla communities together with wider global communities since 2013, Oitij-jo host workshops to encourage new tastes, sustainable cooking and strategies to reduce food waste at home. 11am; FREE but booking recommended (Jan 19 & Feb 9)
Sun: Sunday Sessions: Shadow Painting at Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB (Westminster tube, Vauxhall/Waterloo tube/rail)
Get artsy with your crew at this drop-in session. Learn to draw the shadows of plants using watercolour to create beautiful, delicate mini masterpieces that you can take home. Best for ages 3-12 and their grownups. 11am; FREE – first come, first served so arrive early! (Jan 19)
Booking Ahead
- Home Education Day at Horniman Museum, SE23 (Jan 24)
- Little London Ballet: Beatrix Potter at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Jan 25-26)
- Helios at Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College SE10 (Jan 25-Mar 25)
- Orchids at Kew Gardens (Feb 1-Mar 2)
- Dickens in Doughty St: 100 Years of the Charles Dickens Museum, WC1N (Feb 5-Jun 29)
- The Flight of Babushka Baboon at Puppet Theatre Barge, W9 (Feb 8-Mar 30)
- Family Workshop for Children with SEND at Royal Academy (Feb 9)
- Flowers at Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea SW3 (Feb 12-May 5)
- The Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23 (Feb 14-Nov 2)
- Lunar New Year Family Day at Museum of the Home, E2 (Feb 18)
- Storytelling & Recycling Fun with Laura Henry Allain at Horniman Museum, SE23 (Feb 19)
- AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Mar 14, May 16, Jun 20 & Jul 11)
- The Boy With Wings at Polka Theatre, SW19 (Jun 21-Aug 16)
Don’t forget to check out my 2025 London Calendar!
**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!**