Mother’s Day Weekend in London: 14 Things to Do (March 27-30, 2025)

Apparently the clocks go forward on Sunday, so this Mother’s Day weekend in London and across the UK, mothers will lose an hour of sleep. The irony. Still, at least there are more daylight hours and my Weekend Scoop is packed with ways to celebrate this special weekend.

As expected, the Dino Disco at Natural History Museum is now SOLD OUT (sign up for the waiting list, if you’re super keen). But I’ve found multiple locations to shake a tail feather with your duckies, from barn dances and ceilidhs to classic disco and daytime clubbing. If dancing is not your thing, I’ve also listed ideas for theatre, exhibitions, literary events, comedy and even a giant egg hunt (not the chocolate kind, sadly).

Happy Mother’s Day you beautiful people, thank you for being part of my extended crew.

Featured Event: Meet Me at Forthwrite Festival in Crawley!

Forthwrite Festival, a new writing festival for women writers over 50, rounds up this weekend in Crawley. You can join me on Mother’s Day Weekend on March 30 where I’m appearing on a panel with bestselling authors Kit de Waal, Nicola Williams and literary agent Abi Fellows talking about how to get your work noticed as a writer! Read more about it in this article in The Guardian and get details and tickets here: https://forthwrite.uk/forthwrite-festival/ (Mar 30)

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Mother’s Day Weekend in London: 14 Things to Do with (and without) the Kids

Thu-Sun: Still the Hours at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
What if the palace walls could talk? Experience the historic venue in a new light with this immersive glimpse into the hidden lives of women. This twilight event uses binaural headphone audio and a bespoke sound environment to bring to life the stories of a queen, a maid, a suffragette, a mistress and other unheard voices from 500 years ago. Ages 14+. 6pm-8.30pm; £29 (until Mar 30)

Thu-Sun: Deptford Literature Festival online and at The Library at Deptford Lounge and spaces around Deptford, SE8 (Deptford rail, New Cross rail/overground)
Come for another edition of the Deptford Literature Festival, crammed with talks, readings, workshops and live performances. You can cosy up with esteemed authors Caleb Azumah Nelson, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Emma Warren, Irenosen Okojie, Nathan Bryon, Santanu Bhattacharya and many others. For children and families, workshops include graphic novel making, drawing animals, instruments from around the world and African and Caribbean folk tales. If you can’t make it live, you can catch several events online! Various ages, times and prices (45 of 48 events are FREE); check website for individual event info (Mar 27-30)

Thu-Sun: The Big Egg Hunt, multiple locations around London
Easter comes early with this London-wide scavenger hunt running through the holidays. Trawl the city to spot 100 giant egg sculptures decorated by famous names like Anya Hindmarch, Mr Doodle, Fortnum & Mason, Rana Begum, Chopard and Jimmy Choo! They’ll be spread about major locations from Battersea Power Station to Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Young V&A, Covent Garden and Canary Wharf. Download the free app and collect your eggs as you go. There’s also a silent auction for the eggs with funds raised for Elephant Family and their work in Asian wildlife conservation. All ages, all day (daily); FREE (Mar 24-Apr 27)

Thu-Sun: Picasso: Printmaker at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: If you’re spending Mother’s Day weekend in London, don’t miss your chance to see Britain’s largest collection of Picasso’s prints, ranging from the 1900s through to his later life. All ages. 10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fris); adult from £16/child under 16 and members FREE (until Mar 30)

Thu-Sun: The Pea and the Princess at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
You might know the old fairytale but do you know the real story of the Pea and the Princess? Enter a high-kicking world with a Ninja Princess, an inventive Prince, an obsessive Queen and one very green Baddie. This tale with a twist features catchy songs and is recommended for ages 3-7. 10.15am (Thu); 11am & 2pm (Sat) & 11am & 2.30pm (Sun); from £10 (until Mar 30)

Fri-Sun: Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Dive into the museum’s latest blockbuster exhibition that celebrates our enduring love for the water. See swimwear through the ages (e.g. Pamela Anderson’s iconic Baywatch swimsuit), as well as 200+ objects like an architectural model of the Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 8pm select Fris); adult from £14.38/child 6-15 from £7.19/concs from £10.77/under 6s FREE (Mar 28-Aug 17)

Sat-Sun: Pirates at National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
From heroes and adventurers to rogues and brutes, pirates have captured our imaginations for centuries. This major new exhibition lifts the cloaks of figures like Captain Hook, Jack Sparrow and Long John Silver to unveil the truth behind the legends. Ages 7+. 10am-5pm daily; adult £15/child £7.50 (Mar 29-Jan 4)

Sat: Sharky & George Mama and Mini Disco at 12th Knot, Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank SE1 9PD (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Here’s another Mini Disco, this time in the vibrant rooftop bar and terrace with panoramic views across the River Thames and the City of London. Sharky & George entertainers will lead the way to the dance floor with limbo challenges, dance-offs and more (nautical fancy dress optional). Grownups can kick back with some beer or bubbly, or show off their mum moves and dad dancing. Best for ages 0-8, all ages welcome. 1pm-3pm; adult £15/child £12/family £50/babe-in-arms FREE but require ticket (Mar 29)

Sat: The Nest Collective: Family Ceilidh at Grand Junction, Rowington Close W2 5TF (Royal Oak/Warwick Avenue tube)
There’s no dress code and no experience necessary to join in this ‘jolly knees-up’ to celebrate the arrival of spring. London’s most radical and colourful live band, the Ceilidh Liberation Front, will rustle up some stomping tunes to get the whole family moving. Open to all ages and abilities. 3pm-5pm; adult £12/child 2-16 £6/under 2s FREE (Mar 29)

Sat: Family Event: The Thylacine Diaries at Grant Museum of Zoology, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE (Euston Sq/Goodge St/Warren St tube)
Learn all about the Tasmanian Tiger, an extinct species formally known as the Thylacine, at this family friendly workshop. You can find out why it became extinct and how its story has affected how humans protect other animals today. While you’re at it, you can also check out the Grant Museum’s new treasure hunt, inspired by escape rooms and scavenger trails. All ages welcome. 11am, 11.45am, 12pm & 1.15pm; FREE but booking recommended (Mar 29)

Sat-Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Flower Power Mother’s Day Raves at Number 90, 90 Wallis Road, E9 5LN (Hackney Wick overground) and  Fire & Lightbox, 39 Parry Street, SW8 1RT (Vauxhall tube/rail)
Ravers can celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend in London with two fabulous parties at Number 90 in Hackney Wick (Sat Mar 29) and Fire & Lightbox in Vauxhall (Sun Mar 30). You’ll have a blooming lovely time at these Flower Power themed events, with DJ Toshiki Ohta in Hackney Wick spinning classic club tunes, while DJs Mr Switch and Luli take over the decks in Vauxhall. Kids will also love Wheadon’s Wacky Craft Tables, Doxa Faces face painting (extra fee), baby chill out, balloons, foam, bubbles and parachute finale. Plus licensed bar for grownups. 2pm-4pm in Hackney (Sat) & 2pm-4pm in Vauxhall (Sun); adult from £12.91/child from £9.75/pre-walking infant FREE (Mar 29 & 30)

Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
It’s another rollicking good time at this family party that’s been swinging for more than 15 years! There’s a live band and a caller telling you where to put your feet and a fun-loving atmosphere for all ages and stages. Suitable for everyone from grandparents to babies in carriers. Book early to avoid disappointment. 3pm-4.30pm; adult £9.50/child £7.50/under 2s £2.50 (Mar 30)

Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
If the sounds of 60s soul and indie tunes are more your vibe, head to the chilled out family disco to boogie with your minis. The monthly party is all the rage at the End of the Road Festival and has been going strong in its London venue. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Mar 30)

Sun: Comedy Club 4 Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Grab your youngsters for some family friendly, rib-tickling fun this Mother’s Day Weekend in London. The popular comic standup series for big kids and their grownups has jokes for all ages, with most of the rude bits omitted. Ages 6+ and grownups. 12pm & 2.30pm; from £12.75 (Mar 30)

Treat Yourself, Mama
Prefer some time to yourself or with your mum squad instead? Try out Rembrandt van Wine Sip & Paint in the Dark at Islington Studios; have a riotous good time at Plied and Prejudice in The Vaults at Waterloo; enjoy a swoon-worthy production of Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell); catch the buzzy Sidney Poitier drama Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys); or how about Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, still playing in select cinemas nationwide…

We also like
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in London with Flowers at Saatchi Gallery (Thu-Sun); check out Dress Codes at Kensington Palace (Thu-Sun); or catch Naomi at V&A Museum (Thu-Sun); the Ideal Home Show wraps up at Olympia London (Thu-Sun); Barbican Family Film Club is showing Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang + intro from director Susanna White (Sat); or try colour painting at a family workshop at Garden Museum (Sun)

Want more?
Enjoy Mother’s Day at the movies with your baby; find where to eat the best Sunday Roast in London; discover some quirky afternoon teas; or tuck into Sunday dim sum (ongoing)

Booking Ahead

• The Hunger Games on Stage at Troubadour, Canary Wharf (presale from Mar 25, 2025, show launches Oct 2025)
• Make and Race Your Own Toy Car at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Apr 9-May 26)
• The Great Gatsby Musical at London Coliseum, WC2 (Apr 11-Sep 7)
• The Boat Race, banks of the River Thames (Apr 13)
• The Comedy About Spies at Noel Coward Theatre, WC2 (Apr 14-Sep 5)
• The Lion Inside at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 (Apr 16-20)
• Simmer Down Family Party: Good Friday Special at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 (Apr 19)
• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon with Live Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 (Apr 25)
• Tate Modern Birthday Weekender at Tate Modern, SE1 (May 9-12)
• Open Air Theatre Season at Regent’s Park, NW1 (May 10-Sep 20)
• AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (May 16, Jun 20 & Jul 11)
• Moomin 80: The Door is Always Open at Southbank Centre SE1 (May 23-Jun 1)
• This Is My Family at Southwark Playhouse, SE11 (May 23-Jul 12)
• V&A Families Festival at V&A Museum, SW7 (May 31)
• Serpentine Pavilion 2025 by Marina Tabassum at Serpentine Gallery, SW7 (Jun 6-Oct 26)
• Bring Your Own Baby Daytime Comedy at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 (Jun 9)
• 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!**