18 Amazing Things to Look Forward to this Autumn in London

Autumn in London brings so much to look forward to, from Zoo Nation hip hop theatre to blockbuster family films. Once again, I’ve compiled my autumn in London hot list, inspired by the Babes about Town philosophy of parent-friendly entertainment (cool for kids, cool for you too). Enjoy! x

18 Amazing Things to Do this Autumn in London

1. Sylvia Pankhurst goes Hip Hop

Zoo Nation’s Kate Prince directs this fresh, feminist and funky retelling of the story of Suffragette heroine, Sylvia Pankhurst. Featuring soul siren Beverley Knight and a stellar cast of dancers and performers, Sylvia at Old Vic Theatre is a brilliant night out for ages 10+. 7.30pm, and some matinee shows at 2.30pm; £12-£45 (Sep 1-22)

2. It’s Totally Thames, Dude

Another year, another glorious celebration alongside London’s main waterway. Totally Thames offers a mix of arts, culture, live music and performance for all ages. This autumn in London, highlights include colourful photography exhibition, Bengal’s Durga; the London Children’s Curriculum Festival; and Wine over Water Floating Wine Festival. Cheers! Multiple dates and times, all FREE (Sep 1-30)

3. Open House London: Kids Edition

Do you love peeking into other people’s houses? Open House London takes you behind the scenes of some of the capital’s most innovative buildings. Open House Junior is the family-friendly option, with kid-friendly buildings to explore. Plus there’s tons of make and take activities at various venues, from designing a mini skyline, to building blocks challenges. From around 10am daily, multiple venues, FREE (Sep 22-23)

4. Get Squishy at Barbican Centre

Barbican Centre has always been one of our favourite spots to just hang, run and explore with the kids. Now they’re launching Squish Space, a multi-sensory play space for under 5s. Little ones are invited to roll, prod, discover and redesign using versatile materials and their imaginations. Great idea to blow off steam after visiting one of the regular events and exhibitions. Ages 0-5. 10am-4pm (Monday-Friday only), FREE (Oct 1-31)

5. The Sun rises at Science Museum

Discover everything there is to know about our planet’s closest star in the Science Museum’s major exhibition, The Sun: Living with our Star, launching this autumn in London. Even though it’s autumn in London, you can sunbathe on an indoor beach, try on historic sunglasses in a digital mirror or join in solar-powered family festivals over half-term. And you can book ahead for one of several Astronights (ages 7-11, £60) — sun-themed sleepovers scheduled through April 2019. Exhibition from 10am-6pm daily; from £15 (Oct 6-May 6 2019)

6. KERB Street Food 6th Birthday Bash

My man Big Apple Hot Dogs got his big break with Kerb, way back when they were still called eat.st. The street food collective has grown in leaps and bounds since then, and celebrates their 6th Birthday at King’s Cross West Handyside Canopy. Tuck into delicious nosh from some of Kerb’s beloved traders. Plus live music, booze, and a family-friendly vibe. All ages welcome. Find Kerb street food market every Wed-Fri, 12pm-2pm at Granary Square, King’s Cross. Full details of the party times tba (Oct 12)

7. Pirates at V&A Museum of Childhood

Aaargh! Get on board for A Pirate’s Life for Me, the Museum of Childhood’s first major exhibition on pirate culture. Trawl the immersive and playful set design, featuring a pirate ship at its centre. See original costume design for Captain Hook, the first ever painting of Captain Pugwash and more m’hearties. 10am-5.45pm, FREE (Oct 20-Apr 22, 2019)

8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban: Live Orchestra

Be swept away by a big-screen showing of the third instalment of the series, accompanied by a live orchestra, at Royal Albert Hall. See Harry Potter, Hermione, Ron and friends in this rollicking adventure featuring escaped prisoner Sirius Black, a Hippogriff and plenty of magic. 7.30pm (Tue), 1pm & 7.30pm (Wed); from £28 (Oct 23-24)

9. Tap Dogs at Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells)

Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs, the global hit, is back on the London stage this autumn in London. Bringing plenty of raw energy and physicality, Tap Dogs is fast-paced, foot-stomping entertainment for ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); £15-£45 (Oct 23-Nov 10)

10. Museum of London’s Halloween Sleepover

Ready to settle in with things that go bump in the night? Kids ages 7 to 11 and their families are invited to the Museum of London Dockland’s Night Owls Halloween Sleepover. Listen to spooky storytelling, solve crimes by torchlight, and go on a trick or treat trail around the galleries. Refresh yourself with breakfast and a family film in the morning. 6pm-overnight (16 hours duration), £60 per person (Oct 26)

11. The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre

Head to one of London’s finest children’s theatres this autumn in London, to catch a lively adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved tale. The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre has Ratty, Mole and Badger join forces to help Toad out of multiple scrapes. Music, songs and a lot of laughs for ages 5+. 11am, 2pm/2.30pm, 5pm; from £19.50/previews £15 (Nov 9-Feb 17)

12. Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales

Once upon a Christmas… Philip Pullman takes on the Brothers Grimm at the Unicorn Theatre production this autumn in London. An enchantingly twisted series of tales about careless parents, fearless kids, scary witches and creatures that creep in the forest. Ages 8+. Varying times; adult £16-£26/child under 16 £12-£20 (Nov 13-Jan 6)

13. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

In J K Rowling’s highly anticipated screenwriting sequel, Fantastic Beasts 2 follows what happened after Dark wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by the Magical Congress of the United States of America. Young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) recruits former student Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to help combat Grindelwald’s plot for pure-blood wizards to dominate non-magical beings. Spellbinding storytelling from one of the UK’s finest talents. (from Nov 16)

14. Jazz for Toddlers at Stratford Circus

This annual sellout event still has some tickets up for grabs, so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. Award-winning saxophonist Sue McKenzie, and bassist Una MacGlone, lead an interactive session of live music, movement and games to get your little swingers moving and grooving. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2018, Jazz for Toddlers is perfect for ages 2 to 5 and carers. 11am & 2pm; £5 (Nov 17)

15. Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2

In Wreck-It Ralph 2, the eponymous hero and his partner-in-mischief Vanellope von Schweetz enter the world of internet gaming. It’s a desperate attempt to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. But can they make it in the world wide web? John C Reilly and Sarah Silverman return as the lead voices — expect mayhem. (from Nov 30)

16. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells

The convention-smashing Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to Sadler’s Wells with its all-male cast. Swan Lake is reimagined for the 21st century in a breathtaking revival that won an Olivier and three Tony Awards. Ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm(Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); £12-£72 (Dec 4-Jan 27)

17. Rumpelstiltskin at Southbank Centre

Aussie singer and cabaret star Paul Capsis takes on Rumpelstiltskin. This tale of greed and desire gets a fabulous spin, with rocking tunes, silly behaviour and a message that’s pure gold. Times vary 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm; £20-£40/child & concessions half-price (limited availability) (Dec 13-Jan 6)

18. Videogames at the V&A

Drag your kids off Fortnite and take them to Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt at V&A Museum, a fascinating look at video game technology. From concept art to immersive works to large-scale installations, there’s plenty to gawp at — and to play with too. NB: Parental discretion advised for some content. 10am-5.45pm (until 10pm Fri); adult £18/student 12-17 £12/child 11 and under FREE/family of 3 £30/family of 4 £48 (until Feb 24, 2019)