London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 20-23, 2025)

Brrr. I’m feeling the cold in my bones but my insides are warmed by all the wonderful family fun ideas this weekend in London. I’ve been putting together the big Christmas holiday guide but there’s already lots of seasonal attractions in this Weekend Scoop. Wrap up warm and enjoy what’s out there!

12 Wonderful Family Fun Ideas this Weekend in London

Thu-Sat: Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana at Richmond Theatre, The Green, TW9 1QJ (Richmond tube/overground)
Ballet legend Carlos Acosta brings Havana back to London with this exciting adaptation of the classic show. Meet Clara and a host of dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £24 (Nov 18-22)

Thu-Sat: Wendy and Peter Pan at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
LAST CHANCE: Soar to Neverland with Wendy, Peter Pan and Tink in this reimagining of JM Barrie’s children’s story. The Royal Shakespeare Company production brings Captain Hook, Tiger Lily and others to the stage in an exciting new way. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Oct 21-Nov 22)

Thu-Sun: Ballet Shoes at National Theatre, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Back by popular demand, the National Theatre’s adaptation of Noel Streatfield’s much-loved children’s book follows three adopted sisters dreaming of a bigger life. Can they dance their way to a brighter future in a world not built for girls? Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat); £25-£99 (Nov 17-Feb 21)

Thu-Sun: Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
The coolest ice rink in the capital offers sessions for newcomers, youngster and late night skaters (with live DJs). Skate against the backdrop of a giant Christmas tree, shopping arcade, and the popular Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. Skaters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, skating is open for ages 3-4 upwards. Wheelchair skaters have special slots but can join any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 11am-9.45pm (times may vary e.g. Christmas Week & NY Eve); adult tickets from £14-£28.50/child £10 + booking fee £2.95 — pre-booking advised (until Jan 11)

Thu-Sun: Family Threads exhibition at Balcony Gallery (above World Gallery), Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Head to Horniman for a pop-up exhibition of family photos between the early 1900s to 1970s. Exploring the threads that bind us across the Diaspora, these images span Nigeria, South Africa, Trinidad, Antigua and the UK.  Inspired by Pearl Hodgson West who traced her family’s history back to the 1700s include their migration from the Caribbean to the UK. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; FREE (Sep 26-Nov 25)

Thu-Sun: Glide ice rink at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Skate with sparkling lights, a glorious Christmas tree, views over the Thames and the iconic Battersea Power Station looming over the ice rink. London’s only riverside rink has 3 interconnecting skate zones + this year, there’s also a special Skate Trail! Also check out The Glass House bar, with fairground rides and food around Battersea Power Station. Ages 3+. Skate sessions last 45 minutes from 10am daily (check timings ahead of visit); adult 13+ from £19.80/child 3-12 from £12.65/private igloo from £17.50/family from £13.75 each (until Jan 4)

Fri: Wicked: For Good, in UK cinemas
The witches are back. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their parts in the second instalment of the smash hit musical. Glinda and the Wicked Witch join forces once again to face down an angry mob and transform Oz. Rated PG. (out Nov 21)

Fri-Sun: Wes Anderson at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Fresh off my 2025 and Autumn hot lists, this hugely anticipated exhibition takes us into the world of filmmaker Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums), showing off his unique styling, craftt and colour palette. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri/Sat); adult from £19.69-£26/child from £9.84-£13/under 6s FREE (Nov 21-May 4, 2026)

Fri-Sun: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Float across the ice rink at Henry VIII’s palace. This ice rink attracts huge crowds so keep an eye out for the off peak sessions. Skate aids for £5, wheelchair users £12. 10am-8.45pm daily (Quiet Skates at 10am daily for people with sensory or light sensitivities), last skate 8pm (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from off peak £19-peak £21/child ages 3-12 from off peak £14-peak £15.50/family from off peak £56-peak £61/under 3s FREE (Nov 21-Jan 4)

Sat-Sun: The Snowman at Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
Possibly the most magical Christmas adventure in London for younger audiences, The Snowman is a gorgeous piece of theatre that lights up the stage every year. See Raymond Briggs’ picture book transformed into a spectacle of dance, snow, costumes and flight! All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (Wed-Sun); from £18pp (Nov 22-Jan 4)

Sat: Campfire Adventures at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Big kids are invited for scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, Monster Funfair and hot chocolate around a story time campfire. It’s a sleepover style event that gets the kids home in time for bed. Ages 5-11 and their grownups. 5.30pm-8.30pm; £31pp (Nov 22)

Sun: Far Far Away: Mahler and the Mountain Adventure at Kings Place (Hall 2), 90 York Way, N1 9AG (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Hear the valley’s echoes, paddle in the stream, climb Mahler’s mountain. Aurora Orchestra create another musical experience for younger listeners. Writer-in-Residence Kate Wakeling’s new story is set to the music of Gustav and Alma Mahler in new chamber arrangements by Harry Baker. Move, dance and sing along. Part of the Earth Unwrapped series. Ages 4-6 and their grownups. Doors 10am, 11am, 12.45pm & 1.45pm; from £10-£12 + booking fees (Nov 23, Nov 29 & Dec 6)

We also like
Follow Tinkerbell on an enchanting journey in Neverland at Kenwood in Hampstead (from Fri); catch a classic animated movie at the Barbican Centre with Family Film Club: The Iron Giant (Sat); swing your partner around the floor at a Family Barn Dance for all ages (including babies in slings) at Cecil Sharp House in Chalk Farm (Sun); and our favourite family ravers are throwing down with the Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave in Wood Green (Sun) 

Booking Ahead

• The Angels Are Coming! at Southwark Cathedral, SE1 (Nov 24-26)
• Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations, SW3 (Nov 26-Dec 28)
• Zootropolis 2 (out Nov 28)
• Family Film Club: Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse (Nov 29)
• Young V&A Winter Market, Bethnal Green E2 (Nov 29-30)
• Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm, SE11 (Nov 29-Dec 21)
• AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Dec 6) 
• Fireside Tales Punchdrunk Enrichment in Brent, HA9 (Dec 6-Jan 4)
• Winter Funland at The Grand Hall, Olympia (Dec 12-Jan 4)
• Fly-Kid Family Raves at Pop Brixton (Dec 31)

My Big Christmas in London guide will be out next week!

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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!**