Spring is apparently about to spring although the weather’s playing catchup. But this weekend for fun loving families in London you can say goodbye to Club Curling as well as Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, the Percy Jackson musical and the Orchids at Kew Gardens. Don’t worry as there’s plenty to keep you and the kids entertained, from dazzling light shows to art, theatre and markets. Happy wandering!
What’s on this Weekend for Fun Loving Families in London
Thu-Fri: Luminous at St Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Churchyard, City of London, EC4M 8AD (Mansion House tube)
Experience a breathtaking fusion of art, sound, and architecture at the historic Cathedral. Luminous is an immersive sound and light show that’s inspired by the collections and archive and promises to wow visitors of all ages. NB: Might not be suitable for people with epilepsy and other conditions with light sensitivities. All ages. 6.30pm-10pm; adult £17.50/child 6-17 £10/under 6s FREE (until Feb 28)
*Pick of the Week*
Thu-Sat: Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
Run run run to see this show. I can’t tell you how much I LOVED it! From the extravagantly blooming set to the stunning cast (Tom Hiddleston dancing on stage, hello!) + Hayley Atwell as a brilliant Beatrice, it is an absolute JOY to watch. Jamie Lloyd infuses colour, exuberance and pop magic into Shakespeare’s brilliantly witty romcom, with some hilariously modern twists. A perfect adaptation that’s recommended for ages 12+, although I reckon ages 8+ would enjoy at parental discretion (NB: under 4s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £29.50-£273 (until Apr 5)
Thu-Sat: Trash at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Four trash artists create havoc at a garbage recycling centre, transforming various waste into percussion, movement and slapstick. Prepare for mayhem! Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) & 7.30pm (Wed-Sat); from £15 (Feb 19-Mar 1)
Thu-Sun: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA (Victoria tube)
He’s the half-blood son of Poseidon but he’s also just a regular kid from NYC who, despite himself, lands in a fantasy adventure where he has to figure out what it means to be a hero. A musical take on the popular kids’ book series. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm & 6pm (Sun), select matinees at 2.30pm; from £26 (until Mar 2)
Thu-Sun: The Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Why do chameleons change colour? How do bats see at night and do you have any idea how high a grasshopper can jump? Explore all this and more at this interactive exhibition featuring larger-than-life animals reanimated through gadgets and machine parts. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9.75/child from £6.50/family from £19.50/under 3s FREE (Feb 14-Nov 2)
Thu-Sun: Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: It’s the final weekend for Club Curling. Grab your favourite curlers and enjoy 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)
Thu-Sun: Noah Davis at Barbican Centre Art Gallery, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
Everyday Black experience is at the centre of this retrospective of the late Noah Davis, described as one of the most ‘original and uncanny’ painters of our age. You’ll see dreamlike, realistic, melancholic and joyful portraits of figures in pools, asleep and at play. All ages but PG for some content (graphic themes and some nudity). 10am-5pm (Sat-Mon) & 10am-7pm (Thu-Fri); adult £18/ages 14-25 £6/under 14s FREE (until May 11)
Thu-Sun: Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Travel to Peru by way of Kew Gardens at this exhibition of horticultural wonders. Kids will love to spot alpacas, flamingos and spectacled bears tucked among the blooms! All ages welcome. Time slots available 11am-4pm (daily, from 12pm Mons); adult tickets from £20/child 4-15yrs from £5.50/family tickets from £6/under 4s FREE (until Mar 2)
Thu-Sun: Cirque du Soleil: Corteo at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Marking 40 years of the world famous circus, Corteo is another sensational production filled with acrobatics, mesmerising illusion and jaw-dropping stunts. All ages welcome, under 14s must be accompanied, ages 2+ must have own seat/ticket. 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm; £50.40-£187.90/under 2s FREE on parent’s lap (until Mar 2)
Sat-Sun: Black Culture Market, The Department Store (Downstairs), 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8FR (Brixton tube)
It’s the Spring edition of the Black Culture Market. Come to see and celebrate Black enterprises and their range of gifts, fashion, homewares, prints, books and picture books, jewellery, natural hair and skincare. And there’s food too! All ages welcome. 11am-5pm; FREE but advanced registration recommended (Mar 1-2)
Sat-Sun: Winter Sculpture Park at the former Thamesmead golf course, SE28 8QS (Abbey Wood tube/Woolwich Arsenal DLR)
Getting art in front of the public is the mission behind this colossal exhibition of outdoor sculpture. See daring artists showcase 32 new installations on a disused golf course along the banks of the River Thames. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm (Sat) & 12pm-3pm (Sun); FREE (Mar 1-Apr 26)
Sun: The Littlest Yak at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Gertie is a curly whirly yak who’s the littlest in her gang. She doesn’t love being so tiny until she learns that sometimes being small has its perks. Lu Fraser’s award-winning children’s book is adapted for the stage with music, puppets and an upbeat message. All ages (best for 3+). 11am & 2pm; £14 (Mar 2)
Booking Ahead
- Festival of Colours: House of Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen, EC2 (Mar 6-16)
- Helen Oxenbury: Illustrating the Land of Childhood at Burgh House, Hampstead (Mar 6-Dec 14)
- Move It Dance at ExCel London (Mar 7-9)
- Super Science at Tower Bridge, SE1 (Mar 8)
- My Neighbour Totoro in the West End at Gillian Lynne Theatre (opens Mar 8)
- Retrograde at Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (Mar 8-22)
- Fly-Kid Rave at Pop Brixton (Mar 9)
- The Little Prince at London Coliseum, Covent Garden (Mar 12-16)
- AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Mar 14, May 16, Jun 20 & Jul 11)
- Big Fish Little Fish Peckham Rave at Peckham Levels (Mar 16)
- Magic of India: Holi Colour Dance Festival at Waterlow Park, Highgate (Mar 16)
- Big Fish Little Fish Flower Power Mother’s Day Rave at Hackney Wick (Mar 29)
- Pirates at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Mar 29-Jan 4)
- Big Fish Little Fish Flower Power Mother’s Day Rave at Vauxhall (Mar 30)
- The Boat Race, banks of the River Thames (Apr 13)
- The Boy With Wings at Polka Theatre, SW19 (Jun 21-Aug 16)
**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!**
Small Wins That Matter Most for Dads
