What's On in London, West

Uniqlo Tate Play Make Studio: Kinetic

Venue: Tate Modern

Website: www.tate.org.uk

Explore and play with form, space, colour and movement to create artwork that can swing or sway. Make and attach your creations to an ever growing and ever-changing collaborative mobile. Design and construct...

West End Magic

Venue: Leicester Square Theatre

Website: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

An exciting, family-friendly show offering an amazing mixture of magic, comedy and variety acts, featuring British Champion of Magic Oliver Tabor, magical compere Wayne Trice plus special guest acts. The...

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:...

Little People, BIG Dreams

Venue: Osterley Park and House

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

As you visit the house and wander around the grounds, delve into the lives of some extraordinary people including architects, artists, and scientists to name a few. Follow the trail to see how their dreams...

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,...

UK Asian Film Festival: Priya Shakti

Venue: Beck Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/beck-theatre-hayes

The film screenings will be followed by a comic book workshop where participants are able to create their very own one-page comic. Participants will learn about creating characters, stories and colouring....

Ten in the Bed

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Written by award-winning teenage fiction writer Steve Tasane, Ten in the Bed sensitively explores the child refugee experience, where the power of invention offers an escape from reality. Suitable for...

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...

Where the Lost Socks Go

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

Join Milo and Luna on their quest to find Milo’s missing sock. Combining live music, catchy original songs and a host of crazy characters, Where The Lost Socks Go celebrates the odd and invites you to...

Claytime

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging. Suitable for ages...

Home Education Days 2024 – Communities (geography)

Venue: Bekonscot Model Village and Railway

Website: www.bekonscot.co.uk

Two new Home Ed Days will be running during the 2024 season. These days, each on a specific educational topic, include full days entry to the model village, access to downloadable teaching resources and...

Astronights

Venue: Science Museum

Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Sleepovers for children, where you will be able to explore the museum after dark, to the rhythm of music. Inspired by the exhibition Turn it Up: The Power of Music, these evenings will include lots of...

Home Ed Self-led visits

Venue: The Postal Museum

Website: www.postalmuseum.org

Discover over 500 years of social, industrial and people’s history through the post. Explore communication stories that can support and inspire home learning. Includes the Mail Rail ride and exhibition...

Chickenshed: Tales from The Shed

Venue: The Questors Theatre

Website: www.questors.org.uk

An interactive theatre show that is perfect for younger children. They guarantee that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets as you meet new friends big...

Jack and The Beans Talk

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out...

Making mosaics: Rome

Venue: The British Museum

Website: www.britishmuseum.org

Learn about how mosaics were used by the Romans for decoration and what they showed, from animals to dramatic masks, then use tablets to create your own striking design, using colours to convey your personality....

Young Archaeologists Club

Venue: Cranford Park

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

The only UK-wide club where ages 8–16 can participate in real archaeology and discover why it matters. If you want to become a professional archaeologist in the future or just feel like taking up an...

Handra'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. The small audience sit on cushions and mats around the stage...

In The Night Garden Live

Venue: Beck Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/beck-theatre-hayes

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed...

Foodies Festival

Venue: Syon Park

Website: www.foodiesfestival.com

Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours. Meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions...

Free exploration of AI at King's College London

Venue: King's College London

Website: www.kcl.ac.uk/ai

Children will be introduced to age-appropriate concepts and principles of AI with opportunities to play AI games, design patterns to hide from AI, learn how nature inspires AI, use maths to make sure driverless...

Half Term Hoedown

Venue: Odds Farm Park

Website: www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Join expert led Sheep Shearing demonstrations, try your hand at welly wanging, plus join Farmer Oddsocks and friends for interactive country dancing sessions in the Show Marquee, plus Cowboy crafts! Explore...

May Half Term: Routes and Roundels

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Celebrate the iconic London transport Roundel. Starting as a station nameboard, it has grown to become one of the most recognisable logos in the world. Take part in fun activities exploring the history...

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....

SEN Pottery Workshop

Venue: Harrow Arts Centre

Website: www.harrowarts.com

In this workshop, participants will immerse themselves in sensory activities and explore the art of mark making. Get hands-on with clay, experiment with the potter's wheel, and utilise various tools to...

Sun Bear, Binturong and Otter Weekend

Venue: Hertfordshire Zoo

Website: www.hertfordshirezoo.com

Join the zookeepers as they celebrate Bear Weekend whilst raising vital funds and awareness for the Bornean sun bear conservation centre (BSBCC). Also, enjoy Bear-themed merchandise, treats and much more....

The Not So Big Bad Wolf

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

The Not So Big Bad Wolf is performed by two actor musicians, featuring original live music and puppetry. This production is suitable for the whole family, though some elements may be best enjoyed by those...

Children's Garden Quiet Sessions

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/childrens-garden-quiet-sessions

Kew close 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 or carers...

Roman Gladiators

Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum

Website: www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events

This event promises to be both educational and entertaining, providing a unique opportunity for families to learn about the fascinating world of Roman gladiators while also enjoying an action packed day...

Superstar Wrestling

Venue: Beck Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/beck-theatre-hayes

Expect to see edge of your seat, death defying moves as the stars of Wrestling take part in action packed matches for the whole family to enjoy! Book early for the best seats, this was an immensely popular...

Half-Term Family Workshops at Japan House London

Venue: Japan House London

Website: www.japanhouselondon.uk

Explore the cultures of Japan this half-term with a series of free family workshops at Japan House London. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity...

D-Day Deception

Venue: National Army Museum

Website: www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/d-day-deception

Learn all about how the Allies prepared for D-Day and create your own fake army to fool the enemy. Family drop-in activities are available on a first come, first served basis.This activity is suitable...

Marching Orders: Daring Deception

Venue: National Army Museum

Website: www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/marching-orders-daring-deception

Join this family friendly tour and learn about all about the daring deception tactics the Army has used throughout history. Family drop-in activities are available on a first come, first served basis at...

Princess Smartypants

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

Full of songs and madcap comedy, Princess Smartypants is a treat for all the family. Perfect for anyone who is fed up with traditional fairy tales and wants to see what happens when girls are in charge...

Rabbits Out of the Hat

Venue: Harrow Arts Centre

Website: www.harrowarts.com

With jaw-dropping magic and circus feats plus showstopper songs, Magic Circle magicians Norvil & Josephine share a funny and heartwarming story about being yourself, even if that means standing out from...

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...

Zoolab Animal Encounter

Venue: Osterley Park and House

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-and-house

Meet the likes of snakes, snails and tarantulas in this fun interactive show all about our most loved animal enthusiast Sir David Attenborough. This ticketed session will last 45 minutes and you’ll have...

A Tour for the Curious

Venue: Fulham Palace House and Garden

Website: www.fulhampalace.org

Step through a secret door and travel back in time as you discover Fulham Palace. Explore the house and historic rooms before continuing your adventure outdoors. Complete challenges, take in your surroundings...

Depot Family Tours

Venue: London Transport Museum

Address: Acton Depot

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Exclusively for family groups, join London Transport Museum Depot in Acton, to uncover the stories of some of the very special vehicles in the collection. Family tours are aimed at family groups with children...

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...

Sensory Connections

Venue: The National Gallery

Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

This half-term, help test new ideas and materials as part of an ongoing project with artists, children and community groups. These collaborations will shape new resources and activities for families in...

May Half Term - Gold Reflections

Venue: The National Gallery

Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Enjoy creative play, where you can explore paintings through shapes and mirrors, reflection and sparkling gold. Encouraging problem-solving and collaboration, families are invited to work together. 11am...

The Captain Calamity Science and Bubble Show

Venue: Harrow Arts Centre

Website: www.harrowarts.com

Watch in awe as Captain Calamity and his hilarious crew present an electrifying show filled with mind-blowing experiments and mesmerising bubble magic. Get ready for stretching slime, pop rockets, smoke...

Family Explorer Event

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

This is a safe space to explore and enjoy the Museum in a more relaxed setting, free from the general public, with many of the gallery sounds turned off. This special time offers a calm opportunity to...

Napoleonic Weekend

Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum

Website: www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Napoleonic era at this special Napoleonic Living History Weekend this June. Witness the military encampments of Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon’s...

Origami Family Workshop

Venue: Harrow Arts Centre

Website: www.harrowarts.com

Immerse yourself in a session of creativity as you journey into the intricate Japanese art of paper folding. Led by tutor Wei You, author of the inspiring 'Origami and Kirigami for the Home', this workshop...

Summer Evenings at the Zoo

Venue: Hertfordshire Zoo

Website: www.hertfordshirezoo.com

Encounter the newest additions that are stomping into the World of Dinosaurs that are bigger than ever before. As the evening unfolds, visit our newest animal habitats, including the captivating UK Centre...

Outdoor Theatre: The Comedy of Errors

Venue: Fulham Palace and Gardens

Website: www.fulhampalace.org

Enjoy an outdoor theatre production of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors performed in the picturesque walled garden. Take a picnic or a tasty treat from the drawing room café while you immerse...

String Start-Up

Venue: Global Academy

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Beginner string players are invited to experience what it is like performing with other musicians. This short event finishes with a concert to friends and family. Open to school years 4 to 6, 5-6.30pm....

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 Little Prince

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

Through mesmerising puppetry and beautiful music the boy who fell to earth teaches his friend the Aviator about love, life and real happiness in this adaptation of one of the bestselling children’s books...

Green Festival

Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum

Website: www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events

Engage your children in educational and interactive activities that teach them about the importance of sustainability and taking care of our planet. From water saving initiatives to nature walks, there...

Hamlet - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Osterley Park And House

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...

Wind, Brass and Percussions Start-Up

Venue: Global Academy

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Beginner wind, brass and percussion players are invited to experience what it is like performing with other musicians. This short event culminates in a concert to friends and family. Open to school years...

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,...

Canal Art

Venue: West Drayton Library

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Join Pandora and Huw to learn more about and create your own piece of simple canal art. Suitable for ages 5 to 11, 2-3.30pm. Free but must book in advance at archives@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 250702.

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Lyric Hammersmith

Website: www.lyric.co.uk

Three idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins. Featuring clowning, slapstick and mischievous storytelling,...

Hayes Canal Festival

Venue: Hayes Canal

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

The ever-popular Canal Festival will be returning this year. Organised by the Canal and River Trust, it brings a promise of fun for the whole family with a wide variety of free land and water- based activities...

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...

The Magician's Elephant

Venue: The Questors Theatre

Website: www.questors.org.uk

A magician conjures an elephant from the sky, setting off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that it changes life in this quiet and lonely town forever. This musical for all the family is...

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...

Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine

Venue: National Army Museum

Website: www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/marching-orders-marvellous-medicine-0

What did doctors use to cure headaches? Why did plastic surgery start? What did two women do to challenge the conventions of the world of medicine? Find out on one of our fun-filled family tours all about...

Medieval Jousting

Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum

Website: www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events

Experience the excitement of medieval jousting as it makes a triumphant return to Chiltern Open Air Museum. This highly anticipated event promises to be a feast for the senses, as the clash of steel and...

Nick Cope's Family Show

Venue: Leicester Square Theatre

Website: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and animations to sell-out crowds all over...

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...

Children's Garden Quiet Sessions

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/childrens-garden-quiet-sessions

Kew close 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 or carers...

Joe Wicks Festival

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/joe-wicks-festival

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...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket

Website: www.tigerstealive.com

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs...

British MMA

Venue: The Arts Centre

Address: Hounslow

Website: www.theartscentre.co.uk/classes

Featuring a multi-style combat system, and taught by trusted, experienced coaches, build confidence, and have the opportunity to bring competition into your life. Every Sunday at 12 noon. Suitable from...

Character Creator

Venue: Science Museum

Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Drop-in and try your hand at creating your own Sci-Fi character, from drawing what they look like, to producing their back story and even modelling their costume. Could they have X-ray vision? Wings instead...

Compass Kidz

Venue: Compass Theatre

Website: www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Weekly performing arts classes for children aged 4-16 years. A fun and safe creative environment in which young people can increase confidence, make new friends and enjoy end of term performance opportunities....

Empower Arts

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.empower-arts.co.uk

Empower Arts have a range of fun and educational drama classes for ages 18months-18 years and offer a free trial class to try out before signing up to a half term. They offer the option to pay monthly...

Free Family Workshops

Venue: Japan House London

Website: www.japanhouselondon.uk

Explore the cultures of Japan this half term with a series of free family workshops. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity with activities including...

Frozen the Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk

Set the magic free with Disney’s spectacular FROZEN. The award-winning musical brings to life a world of sumptuous beauty, humour and iconic music in a jaw-dropping production to melt hearts of all ages.

Fulham Palace Parkrun

Venue: Bishop's Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/fulhampalace

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Free to join but you must register before you first go along. Take part whatever your pace,...

Grace and Poise Academy Ballet

Venue: The Arts Centre

Address: Hounslow

Website: www.theartscentre.co.uk

Grace & Poise academy is the First Muslim Ballet School offering professional high quality ballet classes from age 2 yrs+, with girls only classes from age 6yrs+. As an Awarding body with a unique ballet...

Horrible Histories tour of the Terrible Thames!

Venue: Tower Bridge Quay (next to Tower Bridge)

Website: www.birminghamstage.com

Climb aboard and prepare to hear the horrible history of the most famous river in the world! Featuring stories about King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain...

Kidzania

Venue: Westfield London Shopping Centre

Website: www.kidzania.co.uk

A child-size city located in Westfield London. Kidzania is a fun and inspiring educational experience for children aged 4 to 14. In this outdoor city run by kids your little ones will have the chance...

Matilda the Musical

Venue: Cambridge Theatre

Website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. The award winning musical from the...

Museum Explorer Trails

Venue: The British Museum

Website: www.britishmuseum.org

Museum explorer trails take you on a fascinating journey of exploration and discovery around the Museum. On the way you'll track down amazing treasures and see intriguing objects from human history.Museum...

Park Play

Venue: Osterley Park and House

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Want to get active? Join ParkPlay at Osterley every Saturday morning from 9.30am, for a play session of fun and games for all the family. Please register for ParkPlay before joining by visiting https://park-play.com/register/...

Pattern Pod

Venue: Science Museum

Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

In Pattern Pod, children can explore water ripples without getting their feet wet, create symmetrical images on touch screens, follow robot trails and much more. Fun, interactive exhibits encourage them...

Peaceful Play

Venue: Oxyden Indoor Activity Parks

Address: Acton

Website: www.oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

Peaceful Play sessions include all the fun of a regular Freejumping session! That’s interconnected trampolines, an obstacle course, activity pit, dodgeball and giant airbag! Peaceful Play sessions in...

Red Arrows 3D

Venue: Science Museum

Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

This stunning 3D film, with flight motion technology, allows you to feel for yourself what it's like in the cockpit as the 'Reds' fly in close formation and perform impressive solo manoeuvres. Then you...

Sumeet's Step to Step

Venue: The Arts Centre

Address: Hounslow

Website: www.theartscentre.co.uk

For more than 13 years Sumeet has trained dancers of all ages and levels. His vision is to imbibe understanding of Bollywood dance in every individual who loves to dream, is willing to work and can visualize...

The Crime Gallery

Venue: National Justice Museum

Website: www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk

Free family activities and exhibitions exploring a range of topics relating to crime. Test your knowledge and discover interesting facts by taking the fun crime-related quiz and play a range of crime-related...

The Heath Robinson Young Art Academy

Venue: Verden Gallery

Address: 1st floor, West House

Website: www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org

A serious art club for young people, teaching traditional and contemporary methods of producing art. Attendees will have the opportunity to work towards attaining Arts Award Qualifications. Tuesday (8-11...

Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery

Venue: Science Museum

Website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

This unmissable interactive experience will ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination, and inspire you to see the world around you in new and exciting ways. Enjoy live science shows and demonstrations...

Zumba with Blossom

Venue: The Arts Centre

Address: Hounslow

Website: www.theartscentre.co.uk/classes

Get moving and grooving every Sunday, 3-4pm with the wonderful Blossom! Zumba is a fun, high-energy dance workout that incorporates music and movement from all over the world. It's a great way to stay...