London Kids on May Bank Holiday Weekend Scoop 

The sunshine’s beaming outside my window and I’ve got those Bank Holiday vibes. Let’s just hope the warm weather holds up. In the London Kids May Bank Holiday Weekend Scoop, I’ve curated a mix of outdoor fun, kids’ theatre, exhibitions, talks, family concerts and a baby-friendly rave.

This weekend, I’m celebrating the bookiversary of my debut Bringing Up Race in North America. I’m also marking the 10 year anniversary of my mother’s death. All the feelings. Whatever you’re doing over the long weekend, make it one to remember.

12 Things to do with London Kids for May Bank Holiday Weekend

Thu-Sun: Beegu at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: When Beegu’s spaceship crashes on Earth, she finds the big people aren’t too kind but maybe the smaller ones will be easier to get along with…  Based on Alexis Deacon’s story about friendship and respect, adapted by Debbie Hannan. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Thu), 11am (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from adult £18.50/child £13.50 (until May 4)

Thu-Sun: Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
LAST CHANCE: Explore 2 floors and 9 major gallery spaces at this bloomin’ lovely exhibition. There are 500 unique artworks including a room with 100,000 dried flowers on display. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (last exhibition entry 4.30pm; last gallery entry 5.20pm); from £10 (until May 5)

Thu-Mon: The Great Gatsby Musical at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Covent Garden tube)
Put on your glad rags and shimmy your way through the Roaring ‘20s as the Broadway hit makes its mark in London. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, it centres on an elusive millionaire Jay Gatsby and the woman he yearns for, Daisy Buchanan. With dazzling choreography and a vibrant jazz-pop score, it’s sure to be a wild night at the theatre. Age guidance 10+ (under 5s not admitted). 7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun) & 7pm (Mon); from £20 (Apr 30-Sep 7) 

Fri: Jamie Morgan and Jazzie B in Conversation at National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross tube/rail)
This sounds cool for a Dates with Dads night out. Spend an evening in the company of photographer Jamie Morgan and legendary musician Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) as they chat about music, creativity and ‘80s club culture with writer Charlie Porter. This event is part of a programme around the NPG’s exhibition The Face Magazine: Culture Shift that features both Jamie and Jazzie B. 7-8pm; £15/£12 members & concs (May 2)

Fri-Mon: Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells Theatre & the Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
It’s the 22 year anniversary of the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre. Come for pop-up performances, freestyle, graffiti and live shows with acts from around the globe. The legendary Jonzi D hosts and the fun kicks off on Friday with a whacking battle. On Monday, head to nearby Spa Fields for the annual Park Jam (Mon at 1.30pm-6.30pm; FREE) with live stage, DJs and food stalls. Best for ages 12+ (all ages welcome at Park Jam). Breakin’ Convention live shows at 7.30pm (Fri) & 6pm (Sat & Sun); from £15 + booking fee (May 2-5)

Sat: Carnival: Family Edit (Aurora Orchestra) at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Enter a madcap world of movement and mystery with Dr Frompou and his Most Magnificent Orchestra. See the Aurora musicians pushed to their limits in this dazzling new orchestral production with lights, set design and text by Kate Wakeling. For ages 7-11 and families. Hurry tickets are going fast! 3pm; from £17 (May 3)

Sat-Mon: Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, Paddington, W9 2PF and W2 6NE (Paddington tube/rail, Warwick Avenue tube)
Every year, Little Venice hosts this May Bank Holiday festival to celebrate London’s waterways. Walk by the canal and visit stalls, hear live music, take part in family workshops, watch kids’ entertainment and see an illuminated procession of boats. Expect big crowds. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun) & 10am-5pm (Mon), illuminated boats from 9pm (Sun); FREE (May 3-5)

Sat-Mon: The Koala Who Could at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Enjoy this chuckle-out-loud tale about Kevin the friendly Koala who’s resistant to change. On an adventure in the Australian Outback, Kevin and his mates Kangaroo and Wombat will learn that life can be great when you stop clinging on to what you know. Based on the award-winning picture book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this sweet adaptation is directed by Emma Earle with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer. Ages 3+. 2pm & 4.30pm (Sat), 11am & 2pm (Sun-Mon); from £14 May 3-5)

Sun: Fly-Kid Rave: Bank Holiday special with MC Grammar at Here at Outernet, Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 8LH (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Join the Fly-Kid squad for Bank Holiday family party at one of London’s most exciting venues. There’s a special set by MC Grammar as well as hip hop, soul, R&B and dance floor bangers spun by resident DJ BBC1xtra’s Emily Rawson (Supa Dupa Fly). Also look out for Bluey with treats! Bring your own food, drinks on offer (full bar). Tables available for groups of 10+ (book ahead: email flykid@supadupaflylove.com). Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 11am-3pm; adult from £11/child from £6/family from £29/babies under 1 FREE (May 4)

Sun: West End Does: The Magic of Animation (Heroes and Villains) at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ (Sloane Square tube)
Hear leading stars from the West End run through beloved and nostalgic tunes from some of the biggest animated movies. Classic songs from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Shrek, Anastasia, The Prince of Egypt, Hercules and more are performed by pros with support from West End Does Orchestra, West End Musical Choir and Guildford School of Acting Choir and dancers. Ages 7+. 2.30pm & 6.30pm; from £28-£58 (May 4)

Mon: Make and Race Your Own Toy Car at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
The Broomstick Racers are back! Join the Elite Transformation team at the Transmitter Hall for a chance to make and race your own wooden car! First you’ll build with the materials provided, then you can test your vehicle’s speed on a unique race trace. All ages, best for ages 3+ (parental supervision required). Time slots from 10am, drop-ins welcome; child £10.50/adult FREE (May 5-26)

Mon: Kentish Town City Farm May Day Festival, 1 Cressfield Close, off Grafton Road, NW5 4BN (Gospel Oak overground/Kentish Town tube)
Trot along to this welcoming urban farm for their annual May Day celebration. You’ll find maypole dancing, live music, BBQ, arts and crafts, treasure hunt, outdoor games, clay modelling, face painting and of course a chance to meet the animals. All ages. 1pm-4pm, adult £1/child 50p (May 5)

We also like
The Tulip Festival rounds up at Hampton Court Palace (Thu-Mon); Robbie Williams has a new exhibition at Moco Museum of Contemporary Art (from Fri); Grand Designs Live is at ExCel London (Fri-Mon); you can ride the Ruislip Lido Railway at the May Bank Holiday Steam Gala weekend (Sat-Mon); and if you’ve missed out on Ryan Coogler’s epic new movie, there’s a Parent & Baby Screening of Sinners at Barbican Cinema this Bank Holiday (Mon); or catch Oscar-winning animated movie Flow, suitable for all ages (rated U, in cinemas now)

Booking Ahead

• Baby Knees Up VE Day Special at Woolwich Works, SE18 (May 9) 
• Tate Modern Birthday Weekender at Tate Modern, SE1 (May 9-12)
• Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Dulwich Festival (May 10)
• 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)
• Rembrandt Van Wine Sip & Paint: Neon Taylor Swift Night (for grownups) at Islington Studios, N19 (May 17)
• Gianni Versace Retrospective at Arches London Bridge (presale May 20, public on-sale May 21, exhibition Jul 16)
• 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)
• Jacksons Lane 50th Birthday Party at Jacksons Lane, N6 (Jun 28)
• Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom King’s Cross, N1C (Jul 9-Nov 2)
• Children’s Puppet Festival at Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Jul 28-Aug 31)

**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!**