We’re reached the last weekend of April and it feels like we’re on cruise control towards actual summer. Next week, warm weather is on the cards and I’m already putting together the Bank Holiday guide. In the meantime, check out the fantastic family fun ideas in London this weekend. As always, there’s no shortage of things to do for all ages and tastes. Enjoy!
12 Fantastic Family Fun Ideas in London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: A Squash and a Squeeze at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Angel tube, Highbury & Islington tube/rail)
Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all alone in a cosy cottage, but she wanted company. However, was bringing in a bunch of scratchy, noisy, greedy farm animals the right idea? This lively puppet show is based on the picture book by bestselling duo Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, adapted for the stage by Oliver-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane. Hurry, tickets are flying! Ages 3-8. 10.30am, 1.15pm & 4.45pm (Thu-Fri) & 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Sat-Sun); adult £15/child 1-17 £13/under 1s FREE on carer’s lap/all tickets £10 at 4.45pm shows (Apr 24-May 10)
Thu-Sun: My First Ballet: Swan Lake at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Take your little ballet fans along to this specially adapted version of the popular ballet. The English National Ballet’s series My First Ballet introduces the art form to young audiences. Ages 3+. 10.30am, 2.30pm & 5.30pm (some shows at 11am & 3pm, check at booking); from £12 (until Apr 27)
Thu-Sun: Retrograde at Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Welcome to Hollywood’s ‘Golden Age’ where a young Sidney Poitier is on the brink of signing a contract that could transform his career but also rewrite American history. What’s he going to do? Written by Ryan Calais-Cameron (For Black Boys), Amit Sharma’s 5-star production features Ivanno Jeremiah, Stanley Townsend and Oliver Johnstone, and is backed by Oscar and BAFTA nominee Colman Domingo. Best for ages 14+ (content warnings: explicit language, racial slurs, racism, McCarthyism). 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun) or 2.30pm (Wed & Sat matinees). Tickets from £20 + booking fees, running time 90 minutes (no interval) (until Jun 14)
Read my full review of Retrograde!
Thu-Sun: Sisters 360 at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Skateboarding hijab stepsisters Fatima and Salima are out to win the Tiny is Mighty boarding competition but their parents might be planning to separate them. Can they still go for gold? Inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Layna, Maysa and Amaya, and their hero Olympic Medallist Sky Brown. For ages 8-12. Previews 2.30pm (Sat-Sun Mar 22-23), various showtimes at 10.30am, 11.30am & 2.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £11 (until Apr 27)
Thu-Sun: Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, Immerse LDN at Excel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL
Learn all about the Boy Wonder of ancient Egypt through this immersive exhibition. All ages but Metaverse and VR elements recommended for ages 5+. Strictly limited 14 week run! Timed slots 9am-6pm daily (90 minute experience); adult £25/child 4-15 £19.50/family £23.50pp/under 4s FREE (until Jun 29)
Fri: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with Live Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Head to the Royal Albert Hall to see the European premiere of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with live orchestra. This film blew me away when I first saw it in the cinema. It would be a treat to experience the stunning martial arts action, sweeping landscapes and gorgeous romance as part of the Films in Concert series. Ages 12+, ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7.30pm; £43-£87 (Apr 25)
Sat: Books in the Park at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY (Beckenham Hill/Beckenham Junction rail)
After a successful 2024 debut, this new literary festival returns with a bigger programme for young and old. See an exciting mix of adult and children’s authors (including Kaliane Bradley, author of the amazing The Ministry of Time), along with workshops, tastings, pop-up bookshop and drop-in stitching. Various times and prices from 11am; festival entrance is free (Apr 26-27)
Sat: Art Party at Grand Junction, Rowington Close W2 5TF (Royal Oak/Warwick Avenue tube)
This monthly drop-in art party brings the whole family together for creative fun, courtesy of Social Fabric. Have a go at simple art activities, pick up a new skill or make something for your home. Happy Lizzie and Champagne Shane bring toys, games and kiddy disco. Best for ages 1-10 and their grownups. 10am; FREE (Apr 26)
Sat-Sun: Classic Car Boot Sale, Granary Square and area, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube)
Is it that time again? If you’re into vehicles or vintage, you don’t want to miss the spring edition of this popular event. There are 100+ stalls along with classic cars, live entertainment, family fun zone, repair workshops, street food, and a DJ on a Routemaster bus. Find more in Coal Drop’s Yard and Lewis Cubitt Square. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm); adult £7 adv, £8 door/child under 12 FREE (Apr 26-27)
Sun: The London Marathon, across London (multiple locations)
We’ll be cheering on our mate at this massive race through London, with thousands of athletes of all descriptions (and costumes) raising money for their fave charities. Along the route, there will be bands, DJs and cheer points so come line up and show these heroes some love. Best of luck to all those taking part! All ages. From 8.50am (elite races) & 9.35am-11.30am (mass race); FREE – see spectator guide (Apr 27)
Sun: The Giant Balloon Show at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Dizzy O’Dare’s Giant Balloon Show is a high-energy mix of sculptures, comedy and that impossibly gigantic balloon. This award-winning show is set to an 80s soundtrack. Ages 5+. 11am & 2pm; from £12.75 (Apr 27)
Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The monthly disco is back at The Phoenix bringing feel good soul, pop and indie hits to an easygoing crowd. Party through the afternoon with your whole family. 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) (Apr 27)
We also like
There’s still time to join the Dinosaur Egg Hunt at King’s Cross (Thu-Sun); Chineke! Orchestra join forces with George the Poet as part of Multitudes orchestral festival at Southbank Centre (Fri); climb up to the Rooftop Film Club in Peckham for a sing-along showing of the blockbuster movie Wicked (Sat); learn all about light and the electromagnetic spectrum at Royal Institution’s Let There Be Light for ages 10+ (Sat); and it’s your LAST CHANCE to visit Poppy and Sam’s Garden and Story World Trail, for ages 0-8 at Discover Children’s Centre (ends Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Big Fish Little Fish May Day Family Rave in Barking Riverside, east London (May 3)
- Carnival: Family Edit (Aurora Orchestra) at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 (May 3)
- Tate Modern Birthday Weekender at Tate Modern, SE1 (May 9-12)
- Open Air Theatre Season at Regent’s Park, NW1 (May 10-Sep 20)
- Family Barn Dance: Maypole Special at Cecil Sharp House, NW1 (May 11)
- Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (Priority Booking Opens May 13, official previews from Nov 1)
- 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)
- Helios at Osterley Park and House, TW7 (Jun 6-10 & Jul 11-14)
- 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)
- Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom King’s Cross, N1C (Jul 9-Nov 2)
**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!**
Retrograde at Apollo Theatre: A Sidney Poitier Story for Our Times
