How was your Bank Holiday weekend? It already feels a bit like a distant memory but there’s half term holidays to look forward to (full guide soon) and lots of fantastic family friendly London weekend events to enjoy too.
Meet Mr Punch in Covent Garden, celebrate Medieval Jewish London history, fly a kite on Streatham Common, go family raving in Brixton or Walthamstow, catch some breathtaking circus and more. Don’t miss out on the Nigerian Modernism exhibition which closes this Sunday. There’s SO much wonderful arts and culture for all ages in London, aren’t we the lucky ones?
12+ Fantastic Family Friendly London Weekend Events
Thu-Sun: Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube, Blackfriars tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Don’t miss your opportunity to see some of the biggest and boldest Nigerian artists of the modernist era. From the late great Ben Enwonwu (my uncle!) to El Anatsui, Lady Koala, Uzo Egonu and others, this sweeping show spans textiles, sculptures, paintings, poetry and installations from 50+ artists. There’s a closing night party on Friday too! All ages. From 10am-6pm daily (9pm Fri); from £20/members FREE/concs available (until May 10)
Fri-Sun: Toto Kerblammo at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Effy is sent to live with her relatives in a block that won’t allow dogs. She hides her furry friend Toto under a blanket but how long can she keep him safe? Acclaimed writer and theatre maker Tim Crouch’s play about listening, friendship and hope gets the audience into Effy’s world via headphones with 3D binaural audio technology. Ages 10+. Various shows at 3pm & 7pm (Sat & Sun), 7pm (Wed & Fri), 1.30pm & 7pm (Tue), 10.30am & 1.30pm (Thu); from £14.50-£16.50/concs available (May 8-22)
Fri-Sun: The Revel Puck Circus: A Glimmer Daze Gambit, The Big Tent at Oak Hill Park, Parkside Gardens, East Barnet, EN4 8JS (Oakleigh Park rail, Southgate/Totteridge & Whetstone tube)
The Revel Puck Circus returns with another dazzling show, this time following the adventures of Stella and Kit as arrive at their new circus home. It’s a joyful journey of discovery in the company of circus artists from Argentina, USA, Ethiopia and Canada. In collaboration with Arts Depot. All ages. 4.30pm & 7pm (Fri), 11am, 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat & Sun); from £13.75 (May 8-17)
Sat: Clubhouse Kids Rave at Big Penny Social, Priestley Way, E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
For those familiar with the legendary Big Fish Little Fish (if you follow this blog, then you know the score), here’s a brand new addition to the scene. Clubhouse hops onto the family rave circuit with this day party in Walthamstow. You’ll hear real DJs playing underground sets on high-quality sound systems. The party includes creative activities, chill out space, face paint, bubbles, glow sticks, vinyl workshop and DJ tutorials, baby changing and buggy park. Fully-licensed bar. All ages welcome, max 3 children per adult. 12pm-4pm; from £15 (May 9)
Sun: Medieval Jewish London History Day: Children’s Programme in The Garden Room at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Steps from the City’s original Jewish quarter, this all-day programme is run by The Jewish Museum and they’ll be hosting a morning and afternoon session of kids’ activities. Bring your children along to meet a medieval British Jew, along with sensory play, brick building, clay and collage making and other crafts. All ages, parent or guardian supervision required (NB: this ticket doesn’t give access to the main event speakers, only Garden Room activities). 10.45am-12.45pm & 2pm-4pm; adult £6/under 14s FREE (May 10)
Sun: Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford Street, Covent Garden WC2E 9ED(Covent Garden tube)
Every year, dating back to Samuel Pepys’ first sighting of mr Punch in May 1662, Punch & Judy professors gather in Covent Garden. This all-day festival features a Grand Procession with brass band, a Punch-led church service, puppet theatre, live music, stalls and maypole dancing. All ages welcome. 11am-5.30pm; FREE (May 10)
Sun: Family Barn Dance: Maypole Special at at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Enjoy folk dancing and live music with expert caller Martin Clarke telling you where to put your feet. For the Maypole Special of this lively family event, there will be a special Morris Dancing showcase from Belles of London City. All ages, 0-100. 1.30pm-4.30pm; adult £12/child £10/under 2s £3 – advanced booking recommended (May 10)
Sun: Streatham Common Kite Day, High Rd, SW16 3BU (Streatham/Streatham Common rail)
Fly girls and boys and their super fly mamas and papas are ready to hit the Common for another Kite Day. Grab a kite on site or make one ahead for this day of spectacle, live music, street food, face painting, bouncy castle and more family fun. All ages welcome. 11am-5pm; FREE entry (May 10)
Sun: Rabbits Out of the Hat at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Experience breathtaking circus skills, illusions, comedy and music in this heartfelt tale of a formidable magician and his dutiful assistant sister. Set in 1902, All sails smoothly until she discovers the suffragette movement and prepares to rip up the rulebook. Created by and starring Magic Circle magicians Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød (aka Norvil & Josephine). 11am & 2pm; from £14 (May 10)
Sun: Fly-Kid Family Rave at Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ (Brixton tube)
Dance with your minis and the Supa Dupa Fly posse. BBC1xtra’s Emily Rawson mixes up the old school hip hop, R&B, pop and soul tunes. There’s also street dance lessons, dance battles, games, confetti, themed face painting (optional), props and more. Food and drink on offer. 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 £29.90/babies under 1 FREE (May 10)
Sun: Nick Sharratt’s Picture Book Draw-Along at Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, SE18 6HD (Woolwich tube, Woolwich Arsenal rail/DLR)
Illustrators young and old are invited for this family friendly draw-along led by popular kids’ book author and illustrator Nick Sharratt. Along with his much-loved ‘You Choose’ series, he’s illustrated around 300 books and has loads of ideas to get you and your pen moving. Bring drawing things, paper, and something to lean on. Signed books on sale at venue. Ages 4+. 2pm; adult or child £16.50/family £60 (May 10)
Sun: WiFi Wars at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on the hit TV show Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit) hosts this award-winning show where the audience battles it out as teams and individuals. Blending classic TV game shows to word puzzles, retro video games and modern first person shooters, WiFi Wars offers something for everyone. Come with a smart device (phone/tablet with touchscreen and web browser) for each player and make sure you’re fully charged for action! Ages 6+. 3pm; from £13.75 (May 10
We also like
Skate 50 opens at Southbank Centre celebrating its legendary skate park (Thu-Sun); pick up something new for your home at the Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead Heath (Thu-Sun); Soundbites, London’s newest food and music festival opens at Syon Park — babies and children are welcome! (Fri-Sat); Olaf Falafel and a Family Silent Disco both rock the first weekend of Dulwich Festival (Fri-Sun); the Independent Label Market pops up for a kid-friendly day of vinyl, fashion stalls, live DJs and food at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross (Sat); landmark exhibition Henry Moore: Monumental Nature opens at Kew Gardens (from Sat); and I’m tempted to don my tiger hat for this year’s London Hat Walk, assembling at Tate Modern at 2pm (Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Noughts and Crosses at Hackney Empire, E8 (May 12-14)
- AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (May 15, Jun 19, Jul 10)
- Grange Festival Family Open Day at The Grange, Hampshire (May 16)
- Festival of the Boy at Big Penny Social, E17 (May 17)
- 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)
- 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)
- Death Note: The Musical at Barbican Theatre, EC2 (Jul 30-Sep 12)
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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!**
May Bank Holiday London Kids Weekend Scoop 2026
