Things to do in London with kids this weekend: 19-20 October

Are you looking for things to do in London with the kids this weekend? This weekend in London families can jam out at rock school, be entranced by magical storytelling and puppetry, or learn how to write in Arabic calligraphy with traditional bamboo qalams (pens). A world of family-friendly fun in London is yours for the taking this weekend.

Rock School at Yamaha Music London

Drumroll please… Yamaha’s flagship music store in Soho is holding its first rock school this Saturday. Come along and try out the latest Yamaha acoustic and electric instruments, work on your beats and maybe learn a new riff from professional music teachers, some pro musicians themselves. There will be the opportunity to join in a group jam session, take free 1-2-1 taster music lessons and those interested in music production or composing can join in group sonic creation sessions.

When: 19 Oct; 10am – 5pm
Where: Yamaha music store, Wardour Street, Soho
Cost: Free, but places are available on a first-come-first-served basis so arrive early
Ages: Children need to be able to hold an instrument and must be accompanied at all times by an adult. The free 1-2-1 taster music lessons are aimed at people aged from 11 to 18.
More info: Website

Family Calligraphy Workshop at Leighton House Museum

Writing Letters into Art is a family-friendly workshop led by master calligrapher in which everyone can have a go at writing Arabic calligraphy with traditional bamboo qalams (pens) and colour inks, whilst using the dot (nuqta) to measure your chosen letter.

See our EVENTS page for more information

Halloween Family Fun at London Zoo

A full week of spooky fun at London Zoo kicks off this weekend. Take part in the Grim Keepers tour, to discover some of the ghastlier undertakings zookeepers are tasked with and explore the gruesome side of the animal kingdom. Take the perfect Halloween family picture at the Pumpkin Patch, before listening to spooky stories on how nature bites back at Halloween-themed animal talks. There will also be themed crafts and face painting and animal talks with a seasonal twist.

When: 19-27 Oct; 11am – 4pm. Grim Keeper tours run every hour and half hour, 11am-4pm (except 12.30pm) and last 20-25mins.
Where: ZSL London Zoo
Ages: all
Cost: Halloween crafts, Grim Keeper tours, talks and demonstrations all included in Zoo entry price.
More info: Website

Storystock Family Shows and Craft Day at Kings Place

Storystock theatre company returns to Kings Place with two magical musical storytelling adventures Goldilocks and Arabian Nights. Included in the ticket price is Family Craft Day.
From 10am till 3pm, the Music Foyer will be transformed into a fun area for art, storytelling, face painting and dress up.

When: Goldilocks Sat 19 Oct – 10am, 11.15am / Arabian Nights Sat 19 Oct – 11.30am, 1.30pm
Where: Kings Place
Ages: Goldilocks is for under 3s / Arabian Nights suitable for ages 5+
Cost: Goldilocks – £8.50 + £3 booking fee. A ticket is required for children aged 6 months and older / Arabian Nights – £12.50 + £3 booking fee
More info: Website

Wildlife Researchers at WWT London Wetland Centre

The London Wetland Centre is a truly wonderful place in London to romp around in nature and learn about wildlife. Kids can become ‘wildlife researchers’ through various activities on this weekend.

See our EVENTS page for more information.