How are we already in June? My youngest is in the thick of GCSE exams and my eldest is done with university for the year. When I look at photos on my blog, I’m reminded at how quickly time does zip by, whether it’s the past year or the past 10. One way to suspend time is to do something fun with your loved ones and I’ve found 12 Magical Weekend Activities for the Whole Family for the Weekend Scoop. Summer holidays are coming and my Booking Ahead section is pretty stacked too. Enjoy!
Raising Boys Who Do Better is officially a Toddler!
On Sunday, I celebrated 2 years since the publication of Raising Boys Who Do Better. My baby is officially a toddler! Described as “funny, heartfelt and full of love” by the likes of Rob Delaney, Jeffrey Boakye and Eve Ensler, this book will encourage and inspire you to raise decent boys in an increasingly toxic climate. Buy here: Raising Boys Who Do Better and thanks for the support!
12 Magical Weekend Activities for the Whole Family
Thu-Sun: Earthfest at Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4DR (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
London’s first sustainability festival returns to King’s Cross for a weekend of talks (keynote from Dr Jane Goodall DBE), street food, live music and wellness sessions. There are family friendly activities, interactive demos, installations and more. Come for up cycling workshops, repair cafes, plant-based and zero-waste recipes and more. Weekend activities are FREE (paid tickets required for music summit and industry events on Thu & Fri). All ages welcome. 9.20am-5.30pm (Fri), 10am-5.10pm (Sat), 10am-3.30pm (Sun); FREE but tickets for some events (Jun 5-8)
Thu-Sun: Giffords Circus: Laguna Bay at Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN (Turnham Green tube/Chiswick rail)
The production that was once dubbed ‘the most fun you can have in a tent’ by Hugh Grant returns with a 1950s American theme. It’s their 25th anniversary, so expect new faces and old favourites in a show of acrobats, clowning, comedy, music and poetry. Various shows and times incl. 5pm & 7.30pm (Thu-Fri & Mon), 11am, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (Sat-Sun); from adult £35-£42.50/child 3-14 £25-£32.50/under 3s FREE (Jun 5-22)
Thu-Sun: Serpentine Pavilion 2025 by Marina Tabassum at Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA (Lancaster Gate/Marble Arch tube)
The Serpentine’s annual event features Marina Tabassum’s A Capsule in Time. Drawing on architectural tradition of Shamiyana tents or awnings of South Asia, its kinetic design allows one of the capsule forms to move, connect and transform. Go see it and be inspired. Open daily from around 10am (check website for timing changes); FREE (Jun 6-Oct 26)
Fri-Sun: Helios at Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB (Hounslow rail)
Experience the Sun up close in Luke Jerram’s most ambitious installation, now free to view at Osterley Park. Look up at his 7-metre vision of solar power, set to an evocative soundscape. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. All ages welcome. 10am-9pm (Jun 6-8 & Jul 11-14), 10am-5pm (Jun 10); FREE (Jun 6-10 & Jul 11-14)
Sat-Sun: The Great Exhibition Road Festival, multiple locations along Exhibition Rd, South Kensington (South Kensington tube)
Celebrate the power of STEAM at a three-day annual event with Imperial College, Science Museum, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall and other host venues. There’s loads to explore, from talks and workshops to storytelling and live demos. Discover the butterfly wing workshop, a quantum disco, insect yoga and a family fun zone. All ages welcome. 12pm-6pm, FREE entry (Jun 7-8)
Thu-Sun: London Design Biennale at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail)
I’m excited about checking out the Nigerian Pavilion at this year’s London Design Biennale. The world-leading showcase of design, research and creativity features up to 50 exhibitors from around the world. This year’s theme ‘Surface Reflections’ explores internal and external influences. All ages welcome. Preview Jun 5 at 11am-4pm, £55. All other dates at 11am-6pm daily (5pm last entry); adult from £24.50/youth 16-25 £10/child 12-15 £5/under 12s FREE (Jun 5-29)
Fri: From the Wings at Jacksons Lane, 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Gravity bends and bodies suspend disbelief in this surreal circus show. Celebrating strength, artistry and the unbreakable bonds between humans, this dreamlike show is created by Circus Nebulous — the BA graduating class of 2025 from CIRCOMEDIA, one of Europe’s leading circus institutes. No age guidance but probably suited to ages 5+. 7.30pm; £10 (Jun 6)
Sat-Sun: Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, Brixton, London SE24 0PA (Brixton, Clapham North tube/Herne Hill rail)
Head to Brockwell Park for this countryside jamboree, a weekend of sheep-shearing, welly-wanging, birding displays, animal petting, sheepdog trials, farmer’s markets and more. Don’t forget the live music stages (Loose Ends, Aswad and more), as well as crafting, sports and street food stalls. 1pm-9pm; FREE (Jun 7-8)
Sat-Sun: London Open Garden Weekends, multiple London locations
Take a peek inside London’s hidden green spaces at the popular weekend event. You can visit more than 100 private or little known gardens, from rooftop gems to community allotments. Ticket sales support London Gardens Trust. All ages welcome. Various times; adult weekend ticket £26.40/young adult 12-17 £11/under 12s FREE (Jun 7-8)
Sun: Splat! at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES (Greenwich tube/rail, Cutty Sark DLR)
Two very different artists (Messy and Tidy) take you on a breakneck journey through art history in this high-energy show. Enter the artist’s studio and let your imagination loose. Splat! blends movement, slapstick and comedy to celebrate the joy of play. The show is created with award-winning deaf artist and filmmaker Brian Duffy and is accessible to deaf and non-verbal audiences, non-English speakers, and young kids still learning to talk. All ages welcome, best for ages 3-7 and families. 12pm & 2.30pm; adult £14.50/child £10.50/concs £11.50 (Jun 8)
Sun: World Ocean Day Workshop: From Trash to Treasure on The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail, Monument/Borough tube)
All aboard the historic replica ship for a hands-on workshop. To mark World Oceans Day, visitors are invited to transform found materials along the Thames into their own sea-themed collages. Led by a facilitator, there will be creative prompts, storytelling and a chance to take home your sea creations. NB: spaces are limited and first come, first-served. Ages 3+. 11am-12pm; £6 (Jun 8)
Sun: Rainbowsaurus at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Sing, draw, hiss, ribbit and moo at this colourful event marking the start of author/illustrator Steve Antony’s 2025 Rainbowsaurus tour. Follow the rainbow to find the Rainbowsaurus then create your very own colourful creature. Ages 3+. 11.30am-12.20pm; included in Discover admission fee: adult £10/child £10/ages 1 £5/under 1s FREE (Jun 8)
We also like
V&A East Storehouse in E20 is now open, a treasure trove of arts to explore (ongoing); Swifties assemble for the City String Ensemble Taylor Swift tribute concert at Woolwich Works (Fri); grab your mates for late evening fun at Zoo Nights (opens Fri until Jul 25); it’s a Doggie Day takeover at the Brunswick Centre in Bloombury (Sat); Hammersmith holds its Summer Street Festival (Sat); the popular Anya Hindmarch Ice Cream Project launches this Saturday (until Aug 16); see the War of the Roses brought to life at Barnet Medieval Festival (Sat-Sun); party with your crew at another Fly-Kid Rave at Pop Brixton (Sun); celebrate Eid on the Square with music, family fun and stalls in Trafalgar Square (Sun); Big Penny Social hosts a Retro Football Shirts Fair in Walthamstow (Sun); and it’s your last chance to catch Mean Girls the Musical at Savoy Theatre (ends Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Bring Your Own Baby Daytime Comedy at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 (Jun 9)
- Kids Week: free child tickets for West End shows! (priority booking opens Jun 10, performances Jul 21-Aug 31)
- Little Simz Meltdown at Southbank Centre (Jun 12-22)
- Alice in Wonderland at Marylebone Theatre, WC2 (Jun 12-Jul 31)
- Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival (Jun 13-29)
- Brixton Windmill Open Days, SW9 (Jun 14-15)
- RA Family Studio: Cardboard Figures at Royal Academy, W1 (Jun 15)
- Summer Exhibition at Royal Academy, W1 (Jun 17-Aug 17)
- One Way Out at Brixton House, SW9 (Jun 18-Jul 5)
- AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Jun 20, Jul 11, Oct 17, Nov 15 & Dec 6)
- LSE Festival Family Day, WC2 (Jun 21)
- Windrush Day at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Jun 21)
- Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, SW13 (Jun 21-22)
- The Boy With Wings at Polka Theatre, SW19 (Jun 21-Aug 16)
- Tiny Tales Takeover festival at Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford (Jun 23-27)
- Jacksons Lane 50th Birthday Party at Jacksons Lane, N6 (Jun 28)
- Everyman on the Canal at King’s Cross, N1C (Jun 30-Aug 17)
- London Children’s Ballet presents Ella’s Big Chance: a Jazz Age Cinderella at Peacock Theatre, Holborn WC2 (Jul 4-6)
- Pride in London parade, Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place (Jul 5)
- Big Fish Little Fish Midsummer Daydream Family Rave at Horniman Museum Gardens (Jul 5)
- Big Fish Little Fish Outdoor Summer Family Rave at Museum of the Home, Hackney (Jul 6)
- Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom King’s Cross, N1C (Jul 9-Nov 2)
- Helios at Osterley Park and House, TW7 (Jun 6-10 & Jul 11-14)
- Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace (Jul 12)
- Gianni Versace Retrospective at Arches London Bridge (opens Jul 16)
- Children’s Puppet Festival at Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Jul 28-Aug 31)
- The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at Sadler’s Wells, Angel (Aug 20-Sep 7)
- Public Night Voyage family sleepover on The Golden Hinde, SE1 (Aug 23)
- History of Hip Hop at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre SE1 (Aug 25)
- Big Fish Little Fish Ultimate Family Rave at Fabric (Sep 28)
- How Does It Feel To Be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, W1 (Sep 28)
- Little M: A Reimagining of The Little Mermaid at The Place, WC1 (Oct 24-25)
- Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (official previews from Nov 1)
- Punchdrunk Enrichment World Premiere: Fireside Tales, Wembley Park (Dec 6-Jan 4)
- Kids Do Soho: Mario the Maker Magician at Underbelly Boulevard (Jul 26-27)
**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!**
May Half Term 2025 School Holiday Guide
