London Kids Weekend Scoop (May 14-17, 2026)

Am I hot, am I cold? Is it summer or are we moving backwards? At least there’s one thing you can count on and that’s the Weekend Scoop. I’ve rounded up 13 family friendly things to do this weekend in London, from a Hogwarts flashback to a fair at the farm. Catch me at Festival of the Boy in east London on Sunday (details below) and have a good one, wherever you go.

13 Family Friendly Things to Do This Weekend in London

Thu: Noughts and Crosses at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Sephy and Callum are a young couple whose happiness is threatened by social divides. Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a Nought and in this segregated society, romance between enemy factions is dangerous. Don’t miss the award-winning stage play (adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz) of Malorie Blackman’s acclaimed YA novel that draws inspiration from Romeo and Juliet to tackle racism, revolution and forbidden love. 1pm & 7.30pm; from £18-£46/concs available (May 12-14)

Thu-Sun: First Year at Hogwarts at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with this brand new feature at the famed studios. You’ll find original props, authentic sets and iconic moments from the first film. See the Golden Snitch, the Hogwarts Express set, and Gryffindor house banners with floating hats suspended from the ceiling like in the first-year End of Term Feast. All ages welcome. NB: Ticket sell out fast, so do book ahead if it’s not available this weekend! Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £58.50/child from £47/family discounts available/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (May 7-Sep 7)

Thu-Sun: Dulwich Festival, multiple locations, SE21 (Herne Hill tube, West Dulwich tube/rail, East Dulwich rail, North Dulwich rail/overground)
The popular arts and culture festival wraps up this weekend. Highlights: Dulwich Wood Pond Dipping (Thu 3.30pm); Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids (Fri 7pm); Dulwich Picture Gallery Open Days (Sat-Sun 11am), Goose Green Fair (Sun 11am) and family events at The Paper Cat Bookshop (Sun from 11am).  Various times and prices, some activities are FREE (until May 17)

Thu-Sun: Hawaiʻi: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
We absolutely loved the TV series Chief of War and so I’m inspired to see this exhibition that closes soon. It’s a vibrant showcase of the ancient kingdom through traditional carvings, cloaks, weapons and contemporary items. Discover more about King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu who embarked on a journey in 1824 that would change their realm forever. All ages. 10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fri); adult from £16/members and under 16s FREE (until May 25)

Fri: Astronights Family Sleepover at Science Museum,  Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Rush, rush! These family sleepover events sell out weeks in advance but (at the time of writing this post) there are still bookable spots. Enjoy a space-themed night at the museum with workshops, interactive shows and a family trail. Explore the galleries after dark, tuck in and wake up to a yummy breakfast. Ages 7-11 and grownup (max 6 kids per adult aged 18+). 6.45pm; £85 standard/£130 VIP (May 15, Jun 19, Jul 10, Nov 14, Dec 5) 

Fri: Planet Play at Chickenshed, Rayne Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE (Cockfosters tube)
The annual Planet Play series is a hugely popular experience for younger audiences created by the Tales from the Shed team. With no edge to the stage, it features singing and rhyme time and playful activities to enhance communication, listening and bonding. Ages 0-3 and parent/carer. 10am (Fris weekly); adult £10/child FREE but ages 6 months plus must have ticket (until Jul 17)

Sat: Grange Festival Family Open Day at The Grange, Northington, Hampshire, SO24 9TZ (M3 J7 from London) (Basingstoke or Winchester rail)
Take a day trip to Hampshire for a Family Open Day at the Grange Festival. It’s jam-packed with hands-on experiences, singing and dancing workshops, stage costumes and promos, musical instruments, face painting and behind-the-scenes magic. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gorgeous grounds or visit the cafe and you can also explore the historic house. All ages. 10am-3pm; adult £12/child under 18 & concs £6/under 5s FREE (May 16)

Sat: Stop the War Coalition and Stand Up to Racism National March, from Exhibition Road, SW7 2DB (South Kensington tube)
With another Tommy Robinson rally planned for Saturday, it has never been more urgent to join the solidarity movement for marginalised communities. This march for Palestine commemorates Nakba Day and welcomes thousands of people from across the country. Walk in peaceful protest with people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths (including a loud and proud block of Jewish marchers, whatever others might claim). Show your support for the people of Gaza and stand tall against the rise of racism and fascism across the UK. Please stay safe! All ages welcome. 12pm-4pm; FREE (May 16)

Sat: LGBTQ+ Family Network at National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Ahoy! Cast your nets towards the NMM for another get-together with LGBTQ+ families in a safe space. Drop in for artist-led activities inspired by Greenwich, the maritime world, and LGBTQ+ history. A fun way to connect with other families in your hood. All ages. 11am-1pm; FREE (May 16, Jul 4, Sep 19, Nov 21)

Sat-Sun: The Rapping Princess at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Shiloh is a little princess with a big personality and a massive dream to make music – but she can’t sing! Watch as she finds a new way to express herself and shake up the stage. Award-winning Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan’s popular picture book is adapted for a funky new show. Ages 3-6. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £13.50 (May 16-Jun 21)

Sat-Sun: Vauxhall May Fair at Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS (Vauxhall rail/tube)
Bring your kids to the farm for two days of family fun with live music, stalls, workshops and sustainable activities. Play outdoor games, try everything from sheep shearing to wool spinning, meet the farmyard animals, tuck into BBQ and veggie fare, shop for gifts, plants and produce, get your face painted, and hear music from Banjo Chicken Man and others. All ages. 10am-5.30pm (Sat) & 10am-4pm (Sun); FREE but donations welcome (May 16-17)

Sun: Festival of the Boy at Big Penny Social, Priestley Way, Walthamstow E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
I’m delighted to be popping up at Festival of The Boy this Sunday (afternoon session) to sign copies of my book Raising Boys Who Do Better. This exciting new event comes from the team behind Festival of the Girl in partnership with Male Allies UK and takes place the weekend of International Day of the Boy. Boys (and their grownups) are invited to play, connect, meet and greet with authors and artists, pilots and coaches, try new sports, take part in wilderness adventures, explore their creativity, visit stalls, and express boyhood in all its wondrous possibilities. A great chance for young boys to explore identity, creativity, and wellbeing, free from stereotypes and expectations. Food and drink available on site. Aimed at boys aged 7-11 but everyone is welcome. 10.30am-1.30pm & 2pm-5pm; £5.20pp/Pay what you can options: email info@festivaloftheboy.com (May 17)

Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Lewisham Family Rave at Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ (Ladywell rail)
Big Fish Little Fish bring their legendary family fave back to this fantastic Lewisham venue. DJs Baker and Beale spin all the clubbing classics and you can take part in the usual extras e.g. arts and crafts, licensed bar, face painting (separate fee), bubbles, balloons, foam and parachute dance finale. Pirate fancy dress encouraged. One lucky visitor can WIN a family ticket to Camp Bestival (worth over £1,000)! Best for ages 0-8 but all ages welcome. 2pm-4pm; adult from £12/child £9/pre-walkers FREE (May 17)

We also like
The annual Kensington Dollshouse Festival takes over Kensington Town Hall (Fri-Sat); try delicious treats and family activities at Camberwell Food Festival (Sat); take part in orchestral storytelling for ages 5+ in FUNharmonics: Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Sun); multi-million selling author Matt Haig presents his latest novel The Midnight Train at Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross (Sun); Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape promises laugh out loud fun for ages 5+ at Little Angel puppet theatre (from Sun)

Booking Ahead

• Fight the Power Film Festival: La Haine at Rich Mix, E1 (May 20)
• Ballet Black at 25 at Hackney Empire (May 21-23)
• 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)
• Family Film Club: James and the Giant Peach at Barbican Centre, EC2 (May 23)
• The Big One Hundred: Winnie-the-Pooh’s Centenary in Ashdown Forest, RH18 (tickets from May 26, events from Jul 18-19)
• Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFun Show at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 30)
• Love Ssega: The Elementals at Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 (May 31)
• Sinatra the Musical at Aldwych Theatre, WC2 (opens Jun 3)
• Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration at New River Head, EC1 (tickets on sale now, opens Jun 5)
• Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Greenwich Theatre, SE10 (Jun 6)
• Mayfield Lavender Farm 20th Anniversary opening, in Banstead & Epsom (from Jun 6)
• Harry Styles’ Meltdown at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Jun 11-21)
• 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)
• Anish Kapoor at Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre SE1 (Jun 16-Oct 18)
• 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)
• Death Note: The Musical at Barbican Theatre, EC2 (Jul 30-Sep 12)

Enjoyed this guide? Subscribe to Babes About Town and get the London Kids Weekend Scoop straight to your inbox weekly! 

**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!**