London Kids Weekend Scoop
- Babes About Town
- May 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This weekend’s looking like a charmer weather-wise and of course there are lots of fun outings in London for families in the Weekend Scoop. I’ve handpicked ideas to get you and the kids experiencing the best that the city has to offer. Incredibly, May half term is coming up soon too, so keep an eye out for the bumper edition of the Babes About Town school holiday guide. Happy weekend!
Thu-Sat: Northern Ballet: Jane Eyre at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)The Charlotte Bronte classic is brought to the stage in this captivating ballet. Young Jane accepts a Governess role at Thornfield Hall, not knowing what will spark between her and brooding Mr Rochester… or what’s lurking in the shadows. Cathy Marston choreographs Northern Ballet dancers for an audience of ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £15 (May 14-17)
Thu-Sun: Triwizard Tournament at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)This summer, go behind the scenes of The Making of Harry Potter and find out how they filmed the Triwizard Tournament. Learn how they shot underwater and created the Hungarian Horntail Dragon. Come celebrate 20 years since Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! All ages welcome. Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £56/child from £45/family £180/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (May 15-Sep 8)
Thu-Sun: Ikea Oxford Street, 538-540 Oxford Street, W1C 1LS (Oxford Circus tube)After several delays, the long-anticipated Oxford St store opened this month. Two weeks in, it should be less frenzied and you might have more of a chance to explore its multiple floors of homewares, fashion, kids stuff and deli at your leisure. Meatballs please! All ages. 10am-8pm; FREE entry (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)Travel to new dimensions at the museum’s latest blockbuster exhibition. With more evidence than ever hinting that we’re not alone, this show will open your mind. Touch a morsel from Mars or a bite of the Moon and snap a selfie with the 4.567 billion year old Allende meteorite. All ages, best for life forms aged 8+. 10am-4.30pm daily; adult from £14-£16.50/child 4-17 £7-£8.25/under 4s FREE (May 16-Feb 22)
Fri-Sun: Story Explorers at British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail, Euston rail)Go on a family friendly trip through the library in this specially designed experience for kids. Go beyond the books to discover objects with stories to tell across three imaginary worlds (space, jungle and ocean). There are reading corners, interactive elements, alien zines, braille and tactile editions, baby-changing and buggy park. Best for ages 2-9 and parent/carer but all ages welcome. NB: Tickets are selling out superfast but keep an eye out for returns and upcoming dates! Time slots from 9.30am; FREE but pre-booking essential (May 16-Jan 18)
Fri-Sun: Planet Play at Chickenshed, Rayne Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE (Cockfosters tube)There’s no edge of the stage in this magical experience for the youngest audiences. The popular Planet Play series takes place annually and is created by the Tales from the Shed team. It includes singing and rhyme time and playful activities designed to enhance communication, listening and bonding. Ages 0-3 and parent/carer. 10am (Fris weekly, and Sat Jul 26); adult £10/child FREE (May 16-23 & Jul 4-26)
Sat: Hampstead Heath Walk and Family Fun Day at Maggie’s Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, NW3 2PF (Hampstead Heath overground/Belsize Park tube)Rally your family and friends to raise vital funds for Maggie’s London. Even if you don’t participate in the walk, you can still add to the pot with a small donation at Maggie’s Royal Free centre, where there’s crafting, face painting and refreshments. All ages. 8.30am-2pm; adult registration free £15/under 18s go FREE on the walk and each ticket includes a free t-shirt. Max 2 kids per adult. (May 17)
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