London Kids Weekend Scoop (April 23-26, 2026)

We’re still in some strange sunshine-chilly limbo but don’t let that stop you getting out and about with the kids in London this weekend. I’ve rounded up activities for all tastes, from STEM to literature, a fairy tale exhibition, comedy at the museum, a city marathon, and some raving with your crew. Have a good one and Happy St George’s Day to everyone celebrating!

What to Do Out and About with the Kids in London this Weekend

Thu-Sat: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Lyric Hammersmith,  Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
LAST CHANCE: Don’t miss this Tony Award winning comedy that’s getting rave reviews from audiences. Set in a bustling Harlem hair salon, it’s another hit from playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play). Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & select matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £10 (until Apr 25)

Thu-Sun: Astronomers Take Over at National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
If your kids have been inspired by the stories and messages from the astronauts who visited the moon recently, they will love this interactive, multi-zone exhibition. They’ll get to discover more of the universe’s secrets, meet real astronomers, have a go at landing a Mars rover and more. STEM fun for all ages. 10am-5pm; £8 (experience only) or £16 (experience + planetarium entry)/members 25% off (ongoing) 

Thu-Sun: North London Book Festival at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason introduces her new book To Be Young, Gifted and Black at this book festival that has an immense lineup this year. You can also catch Laura Bates, Natalie Haynes, Michael Rosen, Jeffrey Boakye, Ben Aaronovitch, Kate Muir, Charlotte Mendelson, Natasha Brown, Rachel Parris, Tessa Hadley and many more. Kids can write poems about creepy crawlies and dinosaurs with Simon Mole, dress up as historic women with suffragette descendant Kate Pankhurst, or join a workshop on writing and activism with Onjali Q. Raúf (The Boy at the Back of the Class). All ages welcome (check age guidance for individual events). Various times; £10.50-£20.50/under 16s £8.50 (Apr 23-26)

Sat-Sun: James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks at Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft,St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SR (Holborn/Tottenham Court Rd tube)
James Campbell returns with his youth-friendly comedy playing here every last weekend of the month through June. The creator of popular family standup series Comedy Club 4 Kids, James’ solo show serves up age-appropriate giggles, songs, and an exploding penguin or two! Ages 6+. 3.30pm; £12 + booking fee (Apr 25-26/until Jun 28)

Thu-Sun: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
Munchkins can munch their way (visually) along this vibrant trail with illustrated animals and a colouring booklet to fill in. It’s inspired by the popular Eric Carle picture book and adds to the wonders of this natural reserve where you can also try out angling or birdwatching. All ages. 9.30am-4pm (Oct-Mar) &  9.30am-5pm (Apr-Sep) – last entry 15 minutes before closing (weekdays) or 30 minutes before closing (weekends and Bank Holidays); FREE entry (until Jun 30)

Thu-Sun: Fairy Tales at The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Step into the picture book worlds of fairy tale characters as seen in words, costumes, art, puppetry and illustrations. Discover how these stories have transformed across cultures and generations. Whatever happens, try not to wake the troll! Best for ages 3-10. From 9.30am daily; adult or child 5-16 £11.50/under 5s and concs £5.75/babies under 12 months FREE (until Aug 23)

Fri-Sun: Michael (UK cinemas)
Wanna be starting something? Depending on your views, you might avoid this like the plague or you might be queuing up dressed in an MJ jacket and shiny glove. The reviews are similarly mixed but no doubt, this biopic about the megastar is taking crowds by storm. Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) directs and Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) plays the lead. Rated PG. (out Apr 24)

Sat: Big Fish Little Fish Balham Family Rave at The Bedford Pub, 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD (Balham tube)
Don your hippie gear for this Flower Power rave courtesy of the world-famous Big Fish Little Fish family ravers. DJ Mandy takes over the decks for A Story of Bass and there’s all the usual BFLF fun e.g. Wheadon’s Wacky craft tables, baby chill out, balloons, foam, bubbles and parachute dance finale. As part of the Camp Bestival countdown, one lucky ticket holder will be picked at random to win a Family Pass to Camp Bestival! 2pm-4pm; adult from £12/child from £9/non-walking human FREE (Apr 25)

Psst… the BFLF Family Ravers will also be at The Goodness in Wood Green on Sunday for a pirate themed rave with DJ Toshiki Ohta! (Apr 26)

Sat: Books in the Park at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY (Beckenham Hill/Beckenham Junction rail)
Back by popular demand, this literary festival has a mix of activities for young and old. Some events are sold out already, but you can catch Cerrie Burnell (CBeebies) introducing her new novel, along with a mix of authors, writing workshops, children’s book swap, pop-up poetry, onsite bookshop, Lewisham Libraries treasure hunt, plus food and farmer’s market. Various times and prices from 11am; festival entrance is free (Apr 25)

Sat: Welcome to the World at Grand Junction, Rowington Close W2 5TF (Royal Oak/Warwick Avenue tube)
Bring your little ones for an interactive show that leads kids through the elements with Mother Earth’s children, Tide, Ariel and Blaze. Celebrating Earth Day and the joys of nature, this show uses songs, dances and puppets made entirely from natural and found objects. Ages 0-5 and their grownups. 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm; Pay What You Can options £4/£7/£10pp (Apr 25)

Sun: The London Marathon, across London (multiple locations)
Thousands of runners of all ages, backgrounds, abilities (and costumes) will hit the road this weekend to raise funds for their fave causes. Along the route, there will be bands, DJs and cheer points so line up and make some noise to support. I had such a good time last year cheering on a friend who was running, so I highly encourage you to go go go! All ages. From 8.50am (elite races) & 9.35am-11.30am (mass race); FREE – see spectator guide (Apr 27)

Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Get into the groove with your tiny dancers at this popular afternoon family party. You’ll swing to the sounds of the Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Kinks, Pixies and other classic rock, soul, indie and pop. 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 26)

We also like
David Bowie: You’re Not Alone is the latest multimedia spectacle opening this weekend at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Thu-Sun/until Oct 10); the whole family’s invited for community festival Play Fair in Hackney (Sat); take the kids for a talk from Sheila Kanani (This Book Will Make you a Scientist) at Royal Institution (Sat); join a FREE and family friendly City Nature Challenge in Regent’s Park (Sat); enjoy a magical afternoon of kids screenings at the Little Venice Film Festival (Sat); it’s your LAST CHANCE to see the dazzling installation Dana Fiona-Armour: Serpentine Currents at Somerset House (until Sun)

Booking Ahead

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind at Soho Place (Apr 29-Jul 18)
• Tots at the Docks at London Museum Docklands, E14 (Apr 29, May 27, Jun 24)
• Films in Concert: The Lord of the Rings trilogy at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 (Apr 30-May 10)
• Songlines Encounters festival at Kings Place, N1 (Apr 30-Nov 27)
• Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season, NW1 (May 2-Sep 12)
• AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (May 15, Jun 19, Jul 10) 
• Festival of the Boy at Big Penny Social, E17 (May 17)
• Fight the Power film festival: La Haine at Rich Mix, E1 (May 20)
• Exploring Black British Literature Live with Malorie Blackman at British Library, NW1 (May 22)
• Michael Rosen’s Birthday at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 23)
• Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFun Show at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 30)
• Sinatra the Musical at Aldwych Theatre, WC2 (opens Jun 3)
• Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Greenwich Theatre, SE10 (Jun 6)
• Kids Week, discount West End tickets (on sale from Jun 9, performances Jul 20-Aug 31)
• Summer Exhibition at Royal Academy, W1 (Jun 16-Aug 23)
• Kew the Movies at Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 (Jun 18-21)
• London Children’s Ballet: Anne of Green Gables at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Holborn (Jul 3-5)
• Dog Man the Musical UK tour hits London at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Jul 29-Aug 16)

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**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**