Things to do in London with kids this weekend: 24-25 January

What are you doing in London this weekend with your kids? A lazy day (ha!) or an action packed adventure? Probably something in between. We’ve got five great ideas for family-friendly activities in London this weekend, suiting a wide range of ages and tastes. It’s a big weekend for cultural celebrations and living in this wonderfully diverse city there’s plenty going on to partake in them all without traveling far from home.

Junior Burns Night

Join ‘Cut A Shine’ and ‘Double Bass Dan and Friends’ for an afternoon Ceilidh, sing-a-longs and plenty of dancing at this Family Burns Special. Haggis, Neeps and Tatties will be served, along with a cheeky tipple of single malt. The whole family can join in the fun and easy family ceilidh dances then tuck into some traditional Burns fare or vegan chilli, cakes and treats. Softplay will be set up for the crawlers.

When: 25 January; 12pm-3pm
Where: The Round Chapel, Clapton, 1D Glenarm Rd, E5 0LY
Cost: £5
More info: website

Chinese New Year at the National Maritime Museum

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with colourful crafts, Chinese games, gallery tours and cultural performances. Arrive early as spaces are limited for activities. So much to do, including… watch traditional lion dances and a performance from the Guizhou Song and Dance Ensemble; learn to play Mahjong; create your own origami rat to take on a journey around the museum; and participate in the traditional art of storytelling with the Confucius Institute as they weave a story for families of all ages.

When: 25 January; 11am – 4pm
Where: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF
Age guidance: varies depending on activities
Cost: free
More info: website

Twists and Turns: Explore the places that inspired Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens spent many hours wandering the streets of London, observing and storing for later use, all he saw and experienced. In 1837 he moved to 48 Doughty Street (now the Charles Dickens Museum) and it was here he wrote perhaps his most famous work of all, Oliver Twist. On this walk you’ll follow in his footsteps as he wandered the streets near his home, seeing places and hearing about people and events that inspired him to write this classic.

When: Sunday 26th January & 23rd February; 11am
Where: This tour begins at the Charles Dickens Museum (48-49 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX ) and ends outside The Old Bailey.
Age guidance: 12+
Cost: £10
More info: website

Lightopia at Chiswick House and Gardens

Taking place at Chiswick House Gardens, Lightopia is an immersive and visually-dramatic lantern and light festival. Look out for unique interactive and immersive lights, lanterns, installations and an incredible 3D mapping projection on Chiswick House. The ticketed event will also include live entertainment, such as acrobatic performances, local musicians and family rides, as well as food and drink.

When: 22 Jan – 1 March
Where: Chiswick House Gardens, Burlington Ln, W4 2RP
Age guidance: all
Cost: Advance tickets – children £13, adults £20, family ticket £58
More details: website

Pixie and the Pudding at Little Angel Theatre

This new musical brings a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry, catchy music (that we were still singing days later) and the twinkly mystique of pixie magic.

CLICK HERE TO READ OUR REVIEW