What's On in London, East

Ballroom Boogie x Toasty Tots XL

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Toasty Tots! was co-founded by three mums from Born N Bread Collective to create an inclusive hangout for parents, carers and their little ones to vibe, dance and unwind together. Now they’re turning...

Astronomy and Islam: Family Special

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Discover the important links between astronomy and Islam in this family-friendly planetarium experience. Learn how to spot the next New Crescent Moon and explore the stories behind Arabic constellations...

Rabbit and Rey and the Lost Things

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk/whats-on

A joyful adventure for families and for anyone who has ever felt a little out of step. This funny and heart-tugging adventure mixes puppetry, visual storytelling and beautiful twists of the imagination,...

RBC Race for the Kids

Venue: Hyde Park

Website: www.race.gosh.org

From walking and wheeling to running and scooting, take on 2k or 5k your way. Whether you're sprinting like a superhero, whizzing on wheels, or simply enjoying a family stroll, every step will help beat...

Tale of the Loneliest Whale

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Join Hoglets Theatre for an exciting deep-sea adventure packed with beautiful puppets, hilarious sea creatures, original songs and lots of audience interaction! The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is a magical,...

Caribbean Journeys

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

From conductor to engineer, learn about the diverse and inspirational careers of London Transport’s Caribbean workforce. This story telling session uncovers how Caribbean culture has shaped the way we...

Jade and the Beanstalk

Venue: Bernie Grant Arts Centre

Website: www.streetzahead.org

A powerful hip hop and dance theatre production for schools, families and young people. Blending hip hop, rap, animation and dance theatre, Jade explores grief, neurodiversity, resilience and belonging,...

Musical Con 2026

Venue: ExCel London

Website: www.excel.london

Thousands of fans, over one hundred of West End stars and all your favourite shows will unite to celebrate all things musicals under one roof. Enjoy exclusive performances, interviews, cosplay, singalongs,...

The Quest for Planet P

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Follow Ozmo and Orbi, two brave little aliens, as they set off on an amazing journey to find the perfect planet. Using projection, dance and storytelling, children interact with the performers throughout...

The Lost Property Library

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Created by Wrongsemble, an award-winning theatre company known for crafting imaginative, inclusive experiences for young audiences, this interactive performance invites you to explore, play and create...

Surinderella

Venue: Stratford East

Website: www.stratfordeast.com

Meet Surinder, sweet, strong, and stuck in a never-ending chore list thanks to her two Insta-fame obsessed stepsisters, Lovely and Bubbly. Her only real support? The one and only Basanti, a cow with the...

Annie

Venue: Brookside Theatre

Website: www.brooksidetheatre.ticketsolve.com

The world’s favourite family musical,Annie, comes to the Brookside Theatre this Autumn.With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy...

The Children's Bookshow with Katherine Rundell

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Be swept away to a land beyond your wildest imagination as Katherine Rundell discusses her epic fantasy series and answers audience questions.Rundell shares the story of her life as a writer and what inspires...

3D Printing Basics at Lab FX

Venue: Fulwell Cross Library

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Learn some of the basics of doing 3D Printing. In this session, you will see how to design your own personalised name badge, how to slice it so that the 3D printer can understand how to print it, and have...

My Rice Is Best! with Selina Brown 

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

A deliciously fun storytelling session with Selina Brown. See if you can help Selina Brown settle the age-old question of which tastie-tastic rice dish is the best.

October half-term: along the Piccadilly line

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Go to the Museum over the October half term and celebrate the 120th anniversary of London’s Piccadilly line. The Piccadilly line opened in 1906 and now stretches over 70km with 53 stations. In 1977,...

Ozobot Halloween Maze: Kids’ Beginner Robotics at Lab FX

Venue: Fulwell Cross Library

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Learn how to control and use the Ozobots to complete the Halloween mazes to collect as many pumpkins as possible. This activity is for ages 7-12.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

This well-known and well-loved tale has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted puppets, original music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic...

The Jurassic Experience

Venue: Exchange Ilford

Website: www.exchangeilford.com

Get ready to step back millions of years and come face-to-face with some prehistoric favourites as Dino Day returns for a day packed full of FREE family fun! There will be a HUGE T. rex and walk-about...

Diwali on the Square 2026

Venue: Trafalgar Square

Website: www.london.gov.uk

Celebrate the Mayor of London's annual Diwali on the Square right in the heart of London. The event runs from 1-7pm, and best of all, it’s free – no need to book a ticket. Includes family-friendly...

October Half Term: ZooLab Animal Encounters

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Join Zoolab for a magical potions show including ethical animal encounters.Packed with fascinating facts, hands-on audience participation and a touch of magic, this spellbinding family show blends science...

The Bubble Show

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Step into a world of wonder with the internationally acclaimed bubble show. Created and performed by Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker, this theatrical experience blends storytelling, magic,...

Creepy Creatures with London College of Fashion

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Join London College of Fashion this Halloween to design and create your own creepy character mask. Using a mix of recycled materials, you’ll choose from a spooky pick-and-mix of eyes, noses, mouths,...

Go Slime Spooky Workshop

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

For £12 per child (including one free accompanying adult), children will create their very own DIY slime from scratch, choosing their favourite colours and spooky decorations. The end of the session will...

Half Term Halloween – Creepy Crawly Crafts

Venue: Cutty Sark

Website: www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

This half term, young visitors can take part in a series of creative crafts workshops themed around the world of bugs and pests. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Suitable for ages 5-13.

Halloween Plate Wreath Crafting

Venue: Romford Shopping Hall

Website: www.romfordshoppinghall.com

Free drop in craft session - no booking required. Suitable for all ages. 10am-12noon.

Haven House Halloween Trail 2026

Venue: Haven House Children's Hospice

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk

This family-friendly event invites children and grown-ups alike to wander through the spooktacular trail filled with eerie sights and Halloween magic. Visit the craft station and get creative with Halloween-themed...

Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Mr Sleepybum is sad. He can’t dream. To solve this problem, he invents a machine that magically brings dreams to life, featuring dinosaurs, robots, car chases, the world’s largest blanket, and much...

October Half Term: Storytelling Walk

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Join captivating storyteller Mike Dodsworth for an exciting walk through the garden, filled with fun, seasonal tales for all ages. Meet at the Welcome Building. Storytelling sessions are free. Adult supervision...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude...

Depot Family Tours

Venue: Museum Depot, Acton

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Join one of the enthusiastic Learning Facilitators for a highlight’s tours of the bus and train sheds. Here, you’ll uncover fascinating stories and facts about the incredible vehicles in the Collection....

Early Explorer morning: along the Piccadilly line

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

This session is designed especially for families with children with special educational needs, neurodivergent and disabled children. There will be a sensory space, a quiet space and sensory bags available...

Halloween Creature Encounters with Eden Oasis

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

Join Eden Oasis for an exciting experience with two sessions available. A fun and fascinating event for all ages, perfect for curious minds and animal lovers alike. Don’t miss this unique opportunity...

October Half Term: Kids crafts

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Visit the Hilltop Lodge for some spooktacular crafting fun. Get creative with Halloween inspired activities perfect for little monsters and their grown-ups. This event is suitable for children aged 3 to...

Top Secret – The Magic of Science “High Voltage”

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Top Secret is an action-packed, interactive adventure bursting with jaw-dropping experiments and astonishing magic. Discovering the incredible inventions, legendary scientists, and mysterious magicians...

Who Said Boo? with Jeanne Willis

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Celebrate the launch of Who said Boo? with author Jeanne Willis. Boo! It’s Halloween and you are invited to a fancy dress spooktacular party to celebrate the launch of Jeanne and Brian’s new rhyming...

Festival of the Dead

Venue: Wanstead and Redbridge Library

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Festival of the Dead returns to Redbridge this October Half Term, with two days of vibrant family-friendly activities exploring life, death and different customs from around the world. Wanstead Library...

Musical Storyland LIVE with BBC Symphony Orchestra

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Musicians from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed storyteller Jan Blake come together to bring to life much-loved folk tale favourites, including Three Billy Goats Gruff and Ananse and the Monkeys....

Search for a Story

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Listen out for the Story-collector, popping up throughout the day looking for all the stories they can find. The search is on! With your help, the Story-collector will find everything they need to tell...

Trick or Treat Hunt

Venue: Romford Shopping Hall

Website: www.romfordshoppinghall.com

£3 per child (plus a small booking fee). Fancy dress encouraged - adults too! 10am-3pm.

Cardboard Citizens: The Meaning of Home

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Join theatre company Cardboard Citizens for a creative family workshop exploring the meaning of home, inspired by Jacqueline Wilson’s beloved book The Bed and Breakfast Star.Cardboard Citizens creates...

Family LEGO Railway Challenge, 6-9 yrs

Venue: Fulwell Cross Library

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Experiment with different track layouts, tackle engineering challenges and work with other families to create a large shared railway system. A creative, hands-on session filled with teamwork, imagination...

On Your Bike Baffo

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Get ready for big laughs as the lovable, bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show. Wondering how to blow up a tyre or ride a bike? Baffo’s got you covered… sort of. Expect wild...

Party Monsters Halloween Party Spooktacular

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

Calling all little ghosts and ghouls. Go down to Thames Chase for a spookly good fancy dress party with Party Monsters. This 2 hour party includes magic, bubbles, snow, games, puppet show, balloons and...

Potion Lab: Spooky Halloween Crafts

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Make your own slime and enjoy a spooky storytelling! Perfect for little wizards, witches and magical makers. This hands-on Halloween workshop is full of storytelling, creativity, and just the right amount...

Flotsam

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

A new opera for young children based on the much-loved picture book by David Wiesner. When a curious child discovers a mysterious camera washed up on the beach, the photos inside reveal a chain of children...

Halloween Craft

Venue: Fullwell Cross and Hainault Library

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Join the Halloween themed arts and crafts session at either Fullwell Cross or Hainault Library to make your very own ghost craft. No need to book ahead, just go by and join in. Limited materials available,...

Something in the Dark with John Dougherty

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

As night falls and strange whispers seem to follow your every step, the question lingers – what’s out there in the dark? Join author John Dougherty for a spooky storytime event on Halloween.There will...

On Your Bike Baffo

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Get ready for big laughs as the lovable, bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show. Expect wild stunts, ridiculous feats and plenty of belly laughs, all set to live music. It’s pure...

Stow Firework Spectacular

Venue: Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis and Squash Club

Website: www.stowfireworkspectacular.co.uk

Three nights of family-friendly firework magic! All nights feature a twlight display and a spectacular display, a great selection of family-friendly funfair rides, delicious local food and drink stalls...

Christmas Gift Fair

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

The Christmas Gift Fair at RHS Garden Hyde Hall is the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts for family and friends from small independent traders. Stalls will include a wide range of jewellery, accessories,...

Groove into Pixel Land

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Packed with spectacular animated visuals, interactive theatre and a soundtrack bursting with funky grooves, pop anthems and rock energy, Groove into Pixel Land is a thrilling, funny and thought-provoking...

K-Pop Princess: Pop Dream Tour

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

The perfect family concert experience. Expect tribute performances inspired by today’s biggest pop icons including Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean — plus high-energy...

Out of the Box

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

With over 20 years of circus and clowning experience, Darryl’s silent comedy blends world-class juggling, inventive physical theatre, and heartwarming audience interaction. His humour transcends age...

Saturday Sessions: Drawing Futures with Matt and Fiona

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Reimagine the world through imaginative design exercises and collective 3D drawing designed to spark your childrens’ imaginations. Learn about the world of design and architecture and encourage your...

Wantead RFC Fireworks Night

Venue: Wanstead RFC, Centenary Field

Address: Roding Lane North, Woodford Green

Website: www.wansteadrfc.com/news/fireworks-night-2026

Light up your November with Wanstead RFC! Join them at Centenary Field on Saturday 7 November 6–11pm. Take family and friends for fireworks, fairground rides, a hog roast, food and craft stalls, and...

School of Rock

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind some of the most loved musicals brings this new, exciting heart-stirring hit! This show is suitable for the whole family. Kids and Big Kids alike will all be rocking...

Robin Hood

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Perfect for the whole family, this action-packed adventure is bursting with catchy songs, dazzling sets and costumes, and side-splitting panto fun. You’ll find heroes to cheer, villains to boo, and more...

Christmas in Ilford – Fireworks and Drone Display 2026

Venue: Ilford High Road

Website: www.ilfordbid.com

Christmas inIlford returns bringing together festive markets, live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks display and a breathtaking drone light show. Ilford Town Centre will transform into a festive destination...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Hackney Empire

Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Climb into a world of magic and mischief this festive season, as we welcome back “panto royalty” (The Times) Clive Rowe to the Hackney Empire stage for Jack and the Beanstalk. Whether this is your...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Jack and his Mother - Dame Dotty Trott - have fallen on hard times, they’ve even been forced to sell their beloved cow Pat! With a sprinkle of magic and a little unexpected help from an unconventional...

Nutcracker

Venue: London Coliseum

Website: www.ballet.org.uk

This festive season, step into a world where anything is possible. Join Clara on a fantastical adventure as English National Ballet’s Nutcracker bursts to life with over 100 dancers and musicians. The...