What's On in London, South West

Play Works

Venue: Orleans House Gallery

Website: www.orleanshousegallery.org

Play is timeless, ordinary and extraordinary. It is a defining feature of childhood and yet it is increasingly under threat. Play Works gives children the time and the space to do what they do best. This...

Solstice

Venue: Battersea Arts Centre

Website: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on/solstice/

Solstice is a brand new immersive trail through the seasons, with magical creatures and a festive adventure for all the family. Under the light of the moon, you will move through a winter wonderland where...

Dick Whittington

Venue: Richmond Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Join Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents? Find out in...

Dinosaur rEvolution

Venue: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Website: www.horniman.ac.uk/event/dinosaur-revolution

The first UK showing of Dinosaur rEvolution explores the relationship between dinosaurs and birds in a colourful exhibition, including five large animatronic models, many accurate cast fossil skeletons...

Bing's Nature Explorers

Venue: WWT London

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Learn all about wetland nature and wildlife with a little help from Bing and his friends. Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances and much...

PEA

Venue: Puppet Theatre Barge - Little Venice

Website: www.puppetbarge.com

Join Tiffany on her quest to find the PEA and get a good night's sleep. But what is really keeping her awake? All the stories tell us that stepmothers are evil. Maybe the fairy tales are wrong... Age Recommendation:...

Smily World Art Trail

Venue: Battersea Power Station

Website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Making its London debut, the free, self-guided art trail is perfect to explore with family and friends. Each sculpture, created by global art producers Wild in Art, features a fun and identifiable Smiley®...

The Bear Trail

Venue: Kingston upon Thames

Website: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk

The Bear Trail is free to attend and perfect for all ages – from families who are seeking fun activities during the holidays or any after-school entertainment to friends who want something fun to do...

Romeo and Juliet Family Workshop

Venue: Shakespeare's Globe

Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created. Explore Shakespeare’s most famous love story together as...

Macbeth Family Storytelling

Venue: Shakespeare's Globe

Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Enjoy the hurly-burly of Macbeth in a gloriously spooky and bloody storytelling set in medieval Scotland. For ages 5–12 and their families. Recommended for ages 5–12 and their families.

Disney100: The Exhibition

Venue: ExCel London

Website: www.excel.london

Dive into the world of The Walt Disney Company and experience 100 years of magic like never before! Disney100: The Exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating the iconic characters and stories...

Play Works

Venue: Orleans House Gallery

Website: www.orleanshousegallery.org

Play Works gives children the time and the space to do what they do best. This exhibition also gives adults the chance to explore play memories and advocates for richer play experiences beyond the gallery....

Suitcase Circus

Venue: Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice

Website: www.puppetbarge.com

Suitcase Circus features the most unlikely of performers including the world's only acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove, an incredible dancing milkshake straw, the hypnotic tie snake Windsor Knot,...

Ten in the Bed

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting. Framed by an evocative soundscape,...

Zippos Circus

Venue: Wandsworth Common South

Website: www.zippos.co.uk/locations/wandsworth-common-south

Celebrating their very own "Magnificent Showman" Zippos Circus all-new 2024 production "Magnificent!" sees brand new routines from firm favourites within the Zippo core company whilst introducing new guest...

Awful Auntie

Venue: Richmond Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Following their acclaimed productions of Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist, Birmingham Stage Company are proud to present a fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure,...

Branch Line Gala Weekend

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Get ready for the return of one of the most popular events of the year at The Bluebell Railway, welcoming back for 2024 the Branch Line Gala Weekend! This event is a must for all fans of branch line railways,...

The Colour of Dinosaurs

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages. Join five amazing musicians and famous palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs...

Fun Walk 2024

Venue: Keston Common

Website: www.stchristophers.org.uk/funwalk

Time to dust off those walking boots…This year’s Fun Walk will take place on Sunday 12 May, once again at Keston. St Christopher's Hospice want to make this year’s event the biggest and brightest...

Greenwich & Bexley Hospice Mini Marathon

Venue: Greenwich Park

Website: www.communityhospice.org.uk

Help your child to make a positive difference in their local community by running 2.62-miles for special hospice care. Open to children aged 5 to 16, families can come together and enjoy a day of walking,...

Zog and The Flying Doctors

Venue: Churchill Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly...

Claytime

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Go to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly...

Road Meets Rail

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Step back in time for a weekend of steam powered demonstrations and vintage fairground fun! Traction engines, road rollers, steam wagons, showman’s engines, crane engines and more… bringing Horsted...

Young Makers Market

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park/events

Visit the Young Makers Market celebrating the area’s brightest young entrepreneurs, artists and creative talents. Show your support by popping to the Stableyard where you’ll find all the stallholders...

Urban Village Fete

Venue: Greenwich Peninsula

Website: www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/

Savour the flavours on a global culinary adventure with the best street food London has to offer. Fuel your curiosity by diving into interactive workshops designed for all ages. Enjoy non-stop fun and...

Handa's Surprise

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Go and share in the magical tangerine surprise! Handa’s Surprise...

Zippos Circus

Venue: Beddington Park

Website: www.zippos.co.uk

Celebrating their very own "Magnificent Showman" Zippos Circus all-new 2024 production "Magnificent!" sees brand new routines from firm favourites within the Zippo core company whilst introducing new guest...

Half Term Fun at Battersea Power Station

Venue: Battersea Power Station

Website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Explore Battersea Power Station this May half-term for a host of activities, workshops and events, providing fun for the whole family!

MCM Comic Con

Venue: ExCel London

Website: www.excel.london

Don’t miss the chance to meet your anime, TV and film stars, the joy of browsing art from independent creators, the freedom to be yourself and all the special little moments you don’t get anywhere...

Weekend Wildlife: Small mammal trapping

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

On Friday evening you'll be helping the team to set small mammal traps then, bright and early the following morning you'll be coming back to the traps to count the mice and voles and safely release them...

Clapham Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Clapham Common

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Flower Power Family Rave with Big Fish Little Fish

Venue: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Website: www.horniman.ac.uk

Dance in the Horniman Gardens with your family and join the award winning fun! A max of 3 children per one adult. 2-6pm. Booking essential.

Kids Rule! At Eltham Palace

Venue: Eltham Palace and Gardens

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Visit the grounds of Eltham Palace for hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. Book online and save 15%.

May Half Term: Family Gardening Festival

Venue: RHS Garden Wisley

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Plant the seeds of a lifelong adventure with plants, at RHS Wisley, Surrey this May half term at their Family Gardening Festival with Burgon & Ball. With family craft activities, a garden trail, exciting...

National Children's Gardening Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

An annual celebration of the fun that gardens hold for kids, supporting Greenfingers charity which is dedicated to providing magical gardens for children in hospices suffering from life limiting illnesses....

Royal Mews: Half Term Activities

Venue: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

Website: www.rct.uk

Head to the Royal Mews to enjoy some arts and crafts activities inspired by the amazing horses housed in the Mews. Whilst you are visiting, make sure you also visit the State Stables to dress up in livery,...

Sticks 'n' Sushi - Kids Masterclass

Venue: 1 Nelson Road

Website: www.visitgreenwich.org.uk

It's never too early to learn some serious sushi skills, whether it's for a birthday party or social gathering.Classes are suitable for ages 8-12 years, the teaching is clear, thorough and tailored to...

Weekend of Wildlife: Bat Walk

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

Discover the nocturnal world of bats at Morden Hall Park. Learn about bats and borrow a bat detector to hear their calls and see if you can spot them fluttering above. FREE. Booking essential.

Children's Garden Quiet Sessions

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on

Kew are closing the Children’s Garden to the public to allow children with special educational needs and disabilities, like Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or sensory processing needs, and their parents...

Greenwich Dog Show

Venue: Old Naval College Grounds

Website: www.visitgreenwich.org.uk

Does your dog have the waggiest tail or could they be the prettiest bitch or most handsome dog? Every dog is welcome – big, small, pedigree, mutt, young and old – it’s a celebration of the canine...

Half Term Make and Do Workshops

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Workshops will focus on engineering and will encourage families to engage through creative experimentation with engineering concepts linked to RMG’s collections. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Suitable for all...

Go and see Bluey

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Take a ride on the heritage steam train to Ongar where Bluey will be making appearances. Capacity on each train will be limited and advance booking is essential.

Let's Get Creative - May

Venue: Orleans House Gallery

Website: www.orleanshousegallery.org

Let’s Get Creative is aimed at families with children aged 4-11 years, though all are welcome.  Sessions are free and run regularly throughout the year. Specific details for this event, including...

One Day Ballet Intensives

Venue: Central School of Ballet

Website: www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/

A range of one day dance courses are available May half term, for children aged 4-16. Courses are suitable for all abilities, from dancers aspiring to perform through to those dancing for the first time.Central...

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly...

Family interactive theatre: Robin Hood

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

Shadow Road Productions returns to Morden Hall Park with their own twist on the story of Robin Hood. Participants will be led on a thrilling trail through the Rose Garden to rescue Robin Hood from the...

Mask Making Mayhem

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Inspired by all the animals of Polka’s Half Term shows, make your own mask with paints, colouring pens or glitter! Once your mask is made, it’s time to learn some new mime techniques by using your...

Mish Mash Family Trail

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Gather your family and friends and prepare for an interactive and colourful art journey across the site. The Mish Mash Family Trail was created by the Heart n Soul Feel Good Designers, and guides you to...

How to....Face Paint

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Would you love to learn how to paint dinosaur skin or a giraffe pattern on your child, grown-up, sibling or friend? There’s a lot to learn with face painting so join Polka to find out how to complete...

You Choose

Venue: Battersea Arts Centre

Website: www.bac.org.uk

Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows) bring you an interactive musical show for all the family. But in this...

Macbeth: Family Storytelling

Venue: Shakespeare's Globe

Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Macbeth has no real plan in his quest to be king. But he is not going to let that stand between him and power. As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth get what they want, they soon find that their consciences and...

CoderDojo

Venue: Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre

Address: Learning Space

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

The monthly club consists of 90 minutes of programming in which participants can take part in an array of specially designed coding activities inspired by Royal Museums Greenwich’s vast collection. Suitable...

Make, Do and Maintain

Venue: Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Ever wondered how to keep your silver shining or how to mount a picture? Join Prince Philip Maritime Collection Centre’s community of makers and menders. This is a club for old and young to share current...

Southern At War

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

You won’t want to miss out on a weekend filled with re-enactors, classic vehicles, displays, stands, and more. Get into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in your finest period clothing and immersing...

The Mughal Miniatures Dance Party

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Enjoy a vibrant outdoor performance as pop-up pictures come to life, learn new dance moves in a fun workshop, and put them into action with a live DJ to keep the party going.Performances and DJ can be...

The Big Help Out

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.thebighelpout.org.uk

Early involvement in volunteering and social action increases a child’s likelihood of taking part in the future. Working together, teachers have the power to instil the values of compassion and community...

The Railway Children

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

After the sudden departure of their father, Bobby, Peter, and Phyllis are uprooted to a cottage in Yorkshire with their mother. This exciting, heartfelt story by E. Nesbit is given a fresh adaptation for...

My Shadow and Me

Venue: Puppet Theatre Barge - Little Venice

Website: www.puppetbarge.com

My Shadow and Me by Drew Colby is like a cartoon created live out of nothing but darkness and light. One person (and his shadow) meet and go on an incredible, imaginative, shadowy journey where creatures...

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final

Illyria Theatre - Dr Doolittle

Venue: WWT London

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Following the success of 2023’s production of Robin Hood, WWT are delighted to be welcoming back Illyria for their exciting outdoor production of Dr Doolittle. A unique night out for all the family,...

Evening with the Moon

Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Join the Royal Observatory astronomers for an evening of moon-themed family fun, starting with a planetarium show and ending with an opportunity to see the moon through one of the Observatory’s modern...

SENsory Sailors

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities are invited to a monthly session to explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together, and meet other local families....

Home Education Workshops - Pond dipping and outdoor habitats

Venue: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Website: www.horniman.ac.uk

Dip nets in the Horniman’s pond and explore outdoor habitats their wild Nature Trail. Use scientific equipment to collect animals and first-hand observation to learn more about them. Reconnect with nature...

National School Sports Week 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.youthsporttrust.org

This year's theme brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in 60 minutes a day of PE, sport and play. By registering, schools will receive free...

Barnes Children's Literature Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.barneskidslitfest.org

Barnes becomes the children's books capital of the UK with more than 100 fun events, workshops and performances for young book fans. Children can also get involved in creative writing, comics, art, Manga...

Chinese Astronomy

Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Join this live planetarium show to hear an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich explore topics in ancient and modern Chinese astronomy, including the Sun, Moon, stars and space exploration....

Let's Get Creative - June

Venue: Orleans House Gallery

Website: www.orleanshousegallery.org

Let’s Get Creative is aimed at families with children aged 4-11 years, though all are welcome.  Sessions are free and run regularly throughout the year. Specific details for this event, including whether...

Sam WU is NOT Afraid of Ghosts

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Adapted for stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere...

West End Live 2024

Venue: Trafalgar Square

Website: www.westendlive.co.uk

Theatre’s biggest stars will perform some of London’s leading musicals and must-see new shows. Entry to all areas is managed on a first come, first served basis and you will need to queue. Once capacity...

Hamlet - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Ham House and Garden

Website: www.tlcm.co.uk/booktickets

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, arguably the greatest play in the English language. They present this great play as he first saw it – in the open air, with...

Primary Schools Morning: Tavares Strachan

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Take a trip to the Hayward Gallery Tavares Strachan exhibition in a free session for primary school groups. Featuring neon works, bronze and ceramic sculptures, and mixed-media installations, this is...

Safe Harbour

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families. The sessions are an opportunity for families to have fun together in a friendly and welcoming...

Blackheath Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Blackheath Common

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Burntwood School Open Morning

Venue: Burntwood School

Website: www.burntwoodschool.com

Excellent teaching and a commitment to a rigorous academic curriculum means that at Burntwood School there is a culture of excellence which ensures that every student can succeed and is confidently prepared...

Joe Wicks Festival at Kew

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on

Hosted by the much-loved fitness coach who won the hearts and minds of the nation with his daily PE workouts, Joe Wicks in collaboration with Kew Gardens, will host the ultimate feel-good family festival...

Jigsaw Summer Camps

Venue: Venues include Balham, Battersea and Wandsworth

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Students take part in dance, drama and singing classes, prop making workshops, friendship building activities and more! With classes for ages 3 - 16 years, a Jigsaw Holiday Camp will be the perfect choice...