The children’s cultural calendar is truly hotting up with such an exciting offer of family events and experiences happening in London this weekend, from interactive theatre to creative museum outings.
Whether you’re seeing the city come alive with dazzling shows or hands‑on workshops, our top five picks promise memorable moments for every age and a perfect blend of culture and fun in the capital.
1. Ballet Shoes, National Theatre
This show is a wonderfully theatrical live show perfect for families, bringing Noel Streatfeild’s beloved children’s story to life on the Olivier stage. Great for ages 7 and up, this playful and heart-warming adaptation follows three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, as they chase their dreams of acting, flying and ballet in a dazzling production filled with dance, imagination and stage magic.
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Dates: Until 21 February, 2026
Address: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Book tickets here
2. The Roden Centre for Creative Learning
Sitting on the side entrance of The National Gallery is The Roden Centre, a vibrant, free-to-enter creative hub where kids and families can explore art in playful, hands-on ways. It offers drop-in activities on weekends and holidays from imaginative playboxes and immersive hide-and-seek art games to drawing, collage and augmented reality adventures inspired by paintings in the Gallery’s collection. So its a fun, interactive way for children to connect with art while creating their own masterpieces, whilst staying warm.
Weekends and school holidays: 6–9pm Friday, 10am–6pm Saturday, Sunday
Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
3. Notting Hill Farmer’s Market
Take a wander through Notting Hill Farmers’ Market, a lively, weekly farmers’ market where you can wander colourful stalls full of fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, artisan breads, cheeses, and local treats from Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes to Biscuiteers, and taking in all the colourful streets. The market runs on Saturdays (usually 10 am–2 pm) and is perfect for a morning or early afternoon family adventure.
Address: Portobello Road
4. Squirrel, Unicorn Theatre
Opening this weekend, “Squirrel” at the Unicorn Theatre is a wonderfully interactive and playful live show just right for little ones this weekend, particularly for babies to toddlers from 6 months to 4 years. The production follows a curious squirrel searching for its favourite acorns with magic, puppetry and gentle participation from the audience, making it a charming first-theatre experience that invites young children to giggle, explore and engage with the story in a very cosy setting.
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Date: 17 January – 22 February, 2026
Address: 147 Tooley Sreet, London SE1 2HZ
Book tickets here
5. Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is an immersive, real‑world adventure based on Minecraft where fans can step into the game’s world at Corner Corner in Canada Water and work together on an interactive mission to save villagers from danger. You’ll explore multiple themed biomes, collect resources, interact with creatures, and complete fun challenges using a special “Orb of Interaction,” all in about a 45‑minute immersive quest suitable for all ages (kids must be with an adult).
Address: Maritime Street, London, SE16 7LL
Book tickets here
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