The Babes About Town August Bank Holiday Weekend Scoop is simply bursting with activities for young ones, big kids and kids at heart. From tiny science adventures to immersive concert films, art play and museum fun.
Go dancing by the river, see a book (and bookshelf!) to stage adaptation, sleepover on a boat, watch a CBeebies prom, visit a FREE outdoor festival, or get loose at Europe’s biggest street party!
Also CONGRATULATIONS to all those getting their GCSE results this Thursday. No matter what their grades are, be proud of the efforts they’ve put in and celebrate every step towards their next big stage.
We are super proud of our boy not just for his achievements (under exceptional circumstances) but for the wonderful young man he’s becoming.
August Bank Holiday Weekend: 14 Fantastic London Family Events
Thu: Summer Roller Disco at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, SE8 4RJ (Deptford rail, New Cross rail/overground)
The Albany presents a special summer edition of their popular Roller Disco, kicking off with a family roller party. They’ll play radio friendly tunes and there’s space for all, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater. If you’re sticking around, there’s an adult session later with summer dance anthems. All ages and abilities welcome. 6pm-8pm family session, 8pm-10pm adults session; Pay What You Decide (Aug 21)
Thu-Fri: Mimi’s Tiny Adventure, at Institute of Physics, 37 Caledonian Road, N1 9BU (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
What’s the smallest thing you can think of? An insect? A microbe? An atom? Discover a miniverse of tiny adventures at the Institute of Physics’ free summer exhibition. Get hands-on with fun physics experiments for all the family, be creative with arts and crafts activities, and meet our wonderful physicists to find out how some of the smallest things in the universe can make a big difference in our lives. Perfect for families with children aged 6-11 (younger and older ones welcome).This FREE exhibition is open every weekday (Mon-Fri) from 10am to 4pm (closed Mon Bank Holiday Aug 25). (until Aug 29)
Thu-Sun: Yoshitomo Nara at Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
There’s just over a week left to catch this acclaimed exhibition of the celebrated Japanese artist. See childlike sculptures standing tall, along with paintings, drawings, ceramics and installations that provoke, rebel and resist. All ages welcome. NB: There’s lots to visually appeal to even the youngest child but it’s PG for some adult content (swear words etc). Timed entry slots 10am-7.15pm (Fri-Sat) & 10am-5.15pm (Sun-Thu); from adult £20/child 12-15 £8/under 12s FREE (until Aug 31)
(credit Justin Sutcliffe)
Thu-Sun: Coldplay: A Film for the Future at Lightroom King’s Cross, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Immerse yourself in a concert experience at this limited run of screenings celebrating Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour. Catch the visual accompaniment to the band’s No 1 album, Moon Music, in a film created by over 150 different visual artists from 45 countries. Along with state-of-the-art audio and visual projections inside Lightroom, visitors can enjoy a photo show and a free outdoor exhibition around the cafe bar, spilling out onto benches around King’s Cross. All ages. Various screenings at 6.30pm/7pm, some 3pm & 4pm slots; adult £25 (£30 incl. post show talks on Aug 21 & Sep 2); child under 18 or student £15 (£20 incl. post show talks on Aug 21 & Sep 2) (Aug 21-Sep 8)
Thu-Sun: UNIQLO Tate Play: Monster Chetwynd: Thunder, Crackle and Magic at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube)
This weekend is your LAST CHANCE to experience Monster Chetwynd’s theatrical installation Thunder, Crackle and Magic. This playful, interactive piece is inspired by Bergman’s The Magic Flute opera and features costumed performers, decorated ‘sets’, and handmade puppets. All ages. 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm); FREE (until Aug 25)
Thu-Sun: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Through the wardrobe, you’ll discover a magical world where children Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter must face larger than life characters and learn the true meaning of sacrifice, courage and love. This spellbinding tale adapted from the bestselling Narnia stories has puppetry, music and storytelling. For ages 6+. 7pm (Tue-Sat) & 2pm (Thu, Sat & Sun); from £15 (Aug 20-Sep 7)
Fri-Sun: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, multiple locations around Greenwich
The Greenwich + Docklands takeover of free outdoor arts returns for two weeks. Highlights include a theatre piece on water, an emergency climate message and an all-female high-wire walk! And this weekend is the popular Greenwich Fair with family trails, dance, games, street theatre and stalls. Explore the 2025 programme HERE. All ages unless otherwise stated (check ahead). Various times and performances, FREE (Aug 22-Sep 6)
Sat: Night Voyage on The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, Borough SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail)
Climb aboard the good ship of old Sir Francis Drake himself (well, a life-size replica) and settle in for an evening that includes immersive role play, activities and storytelling. This sleepover event is especially popular with families ages 5-10. NB: No kids without adults or vice versa. 5pm-9am; adult/child £49pp (Aug 23)
Sat: International Slavery Remembrance Day at National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House, Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
With rising ‘anti-woke’ messaging and the likes of DJT trying to erase slavery narratives, it’s more urgent than ever to remember the horror and the impact of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. International Slavery Remembrance Day marks the Haitian slave uprising of Aug 23, 1791 that sparked a global abolition movement. Come for a full day of screenings, workshops, games, sonic performances, and an emancipation ceremony at the Thames for all visitors to engage in a collective act of remembrance. All ages (PG for some activities/themes). 11am-5pm; FREE (Aug 23)
Sat-Sun: KPop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event, at select UK cinemas
Grab your crew and hit the cinema for this full-length, sing-along version of the Netflix smash hit. This lively musical that’s been smashing streaming records is on a big screen sing-along version for one weekend only. Help K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey as they use their secret powers to protect fans from supernatural threats. Playing at select cinemas across the UK. Find your local screening HERE.(Aug 23-24)
Sat-Mon: Bard in the Bookshop presents Much Ado About Nothing at Waterstones Gower St, 82 Gower Street, WC1E 6EQ (Goodge St/Euston Square/Russell Square tube
Tumble off bookshelves into the Bard’s imagination at this unique event. Each 45-minute promenade style performance will capture the essence of a Shakespeare play with the scenes unfolding around you, right in the heart of a bookstore. You can even book to see an hour of rehearsal (Sat-Sun) before showtime on Bank Holiday Monday. Open rehearsals 2.30pm-3pm (Sat-Sun), show 7pm (Mon); £5 rehearsals or £10 show (Aug 23-25)
Sun-Mon: Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill and surrounding areas (Westbourne Park tube exit only, see TFL web site closer to date for transport advice)
It’s officially the biggest street party in Europe and we don’t know how much longer this historic event will take place in Notting Hill, so make it if you can. Mix with a diverse, fun loving crowd for an afternoon of dancing, floats, colourful costumes, steel bands, sound systems and street food. Sunday is Children’s Day and a bit more lowkey for those with young kids. All ages. From around 9.30am daily, FREE (Aug 24-25)
Mon: FUN DMC 10th Birthday at Riverside Terrace (Level 2), Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Come and celebrate a landmark moment for founder DJ Spin Doctor and his crew at this daytime block party overlooking the river. Spinning everything from hip hop (radio-friendly) to disco, garage and D&B, it’s a party for both young and old school. There’ll also be beatboxing workshops and dancing instructors, and stick around for the History of Hip Hop party later on (see below). All ages (under 12s must be accompanied by adult). 12pm; FREE (Aug 25)
Mon: BBC Proms: CBeebies Prom – A Magical Bedtime Story at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Experience bedtime hour in the early afternoon at Bedtime Stories with CBeebies friends and a special guest. Aimed at younger audiences, this gentle and relaxed orchestral event is suitable for the whole family and promises music, laughs and chill-out. 11.30am doors, 12.30pm start; £12.20-£30.56 (Aug 25)
Mon: History of Hip Hop at Riverside Terrace (Level 2), Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Pop, lock and Crip walk your way through 50 years of hip hop with the Doctors Orders at this free outdoor event. Party lovers can enjoy a nostalgic journey from hip hop’s soul and funk origins through to UK house, jungle, garage and grime. All ages, under 12s must be accompanied by a grownup. 3pm-around 7pm; FREE (Aug 25)
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: LONDON DAY TRIPS
Escape the Capital over the Bank Holiday weekend…
Theme Parks: Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventure, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Paultons Park, Diggerland
Nature & Wildlife: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable, Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, Port Lympne Hotel & Safari in Kent, Hitchin Lavender and Sunflower farm in Hertfordshire.
Museums & Attractions: Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Beckonscot Model Village & Railway, Chislehurst Caves in Kent.
Castles: Leeds Castle in Kent, Hever Castle in Kent, Warwick Castle in Warwickshire.
Beaches: These seaside escapes are around 2 hours or less from central London (by road or train): Whitstable, Brighton, Margate, Broadstairs, Camber Sands, Ramsgate, West Wittering, Folkestone, Botany Bay, Eastbourne, Bournemouth, Hastings, Herne Bay and Dover.
We also like
The Barbican’s Outdoor Cinema is back, highlights this weekend include Love & Basketball (Aug 22) and Fantastic Mr Fox (Aug 24); Comedy Club 4 Kids serves up laughs for ages 6+ in Finsbury Park (Aug 24); boogie with your kids at Between the Bridges’ Silent Disco Family Edition (Aug 24); join a Bring Your Baby guided walk in Islington (Aug 25); or drop-in for art play at the National Gallery’s Welcome Space for families (open at weekends, Bank Holidays and school holidays)
Booking Ahead
- Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks, E1 (Sep 6-7)
- Comedy Club 4 Kids at Park Theatre, Finsbury Park (Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14)
- Fly-Kid Family Raves at Pop Brixton (Sep 14, Oct 11, Nov 2, Dec 31)
- 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)
- AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Oct 17, Nov 15 & Dec 6)
- 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)
**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!**
How to Make Money Reselling Old Items
