Things to do in London in March with kids

Go and see the live-action Mulan movie

Landing in cinemas on March 27, Mulan promises to be one of the most exciting kids' films of the year as the spirited Disney heroine's story gets the live-action treatment, with a cast including Crystal Liu and Jet Li.

In addition to its feminist title character, the film marks the second time in history that a woman has singlehandedly helmed a film project with a budget surpassing $100 million. Expect it to pay homage to wuxia traditions, a genre honouring historical and heroic stories giving clout to Chinese martial arts.

Start encouraging their interest in art with Meet Van Gogh, South Bank

If there's one artist that will get the kids into painting, it's going to be Vincent Van Gogh, with his captivating yellow sunflowers and completely wild personal life (yes, kids will disproportionately focus on the ear story). Take them on a journey through Vincent Van Gogh's life by immersing yourself in his world at this touring exhibition on the South Bank. The show will offer vivid projections, interactive installations and striking sets, all designed to help visitors experience the artist's most loved works and the key moments. Free for kids under 2.

Get your girl power on at Women of the World, Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre's WOW Festival has plenty to inspire, with a weekend packed with talks and workshops. There's stuff on for the kiddos, too, from crafting to feminist corners for boys and girls.

Learn a new appreciation for nature with Among the Trees, Hayward Gallery

Hayward Gallery's exhibition on trees promises to be a celebration of all things arboreal, from the jungles of Japan to the olive groves of Israel. Organised to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this group show will display a wide selection of works from an impressive cast of international artists.

Jump in a ball pit and resist the doughnut wall at The Selfie Factory at The O2

It's officially the year of immersive ball pit experiences for kids and adults - and we couldn't be more excited. The Selfie Factory at The O2 in North Greenwich is every tween and teen's dream come true. Doughnut wall? Yep. Pink supermarket? Oh yeah. Chalk walls? Tick. Giant ball pit? That, too. In addition to jumping in and having fun, there's plenty of opportunity to up your selfie game, naturally... Under 2s go free, and it's suitable for kids of all ages, plus you can book in for a 30 or 60-min slot.

Immerse yourself in WOW: City Lights and Woodland Shade, Japan House

Looking for an immersive, kid-friendly exhibition? Then you'll enjoy WOW's newest projects at Japan House; the first uses digital technology to take visitors through a 360-degree Tokyo night, with neon lights and omnidirectional motion graphics.

In the second, there's also plenty for kids to interact with: the 'POPPO Woods' installation invites visitors to attach magnetic tree segments to the gallery walls to attract digital birds. Guests can also make their own digital kokeshi dolls.

Browse art at the Affordable Art Fair Battersea's inaugural family day

How to get the little ones to like art? Start taking them to see it from the time they're in pushchairs.

The Affordable Art Fair Battersea is launching its first family day this March, catering to parents of kids of all ages. Tots in pushchairs can come from 10am-11am to avoid the crowds, while older kids will enjoy hands-on activities like Mini Picasso's Warhol-inspired mixed-media workshops, where they can make their own Campbell's Soup can using collage and mono-printing (this is also on Sunday, March 15).

There's also a foam printing mandala workshop and a live art session with Robert Dunt, where visitors - of all ages - can help him to create his next abstract work.

Head to the #Identity Festival at the Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands is hosting a weekend of fun cultural events and activities as part of its #Identity festival this March. Created by British-Bangladeshi women with the Osmani Trust, it's a wonderful opportunity to get an insight into Bangladeshi culture, with creative workshops on Bengali street food, hand fan crafting and henna tattoo sessions. There's a Silent Disco Zone with world music, performances from East London art groups and a zine making workshop and catwalk show for kids to share their own identities. Even better? It's all free.

Photo: Museum of London

Take them to a Big Fish Little Fish x Camp Bestival family rave

Camp Bestival has joined forces with Big Fish Little Fish on a UK family rave tour, with dates in London the third weekend in March.

Expect the usual mix of stellar DJs, balloon, bubble, foam and confetti-filled dance floors, themed fancy dress (Silver Screen is the name of the game this season as you channel your favourite on-screen icons) as well as a mega crafting area for kids. Babies are free, adult tickets are £11.

Immerse yourself in Pop Art with the Andy Warhol exhibition, Tate Modern

When it comes to art, children know who Andy Warhol is - chances are they've made a print or a soup can in his style at one point or another. This exciting exhibition includes some of Warhol's best-known works, including his screenprint portrait of Marilyn Monroe, his soup cans and cola bottles, as well as some of his less familiar pieces, such as his performances and paintings. Sometimes, nothing beats a Campbell's soup can when you just want to smile.

Find a new book to read together for World Book Day 2020

World Book Day – 5 March 2020 – has become one of the highlights of the school calendar. In addition to helping your child create their costume, use the occasion as an opportunity to discover an amazing new book, author - or even bookstore - together.

Book in for Oily Cart's Jamboree

Oily Cart is the wildly creative and provocative theatre company challenging conventional kids' theatre norms and putting accessibility at the forefront.

They're performing their highly interactive Jamboree show in Stratford this March - designed for kids 12 and older with complex needs and disabilities, the show was co-created with disabled young people.

A sensory cornucopia with a colourful Spiegeltent set, strong lighting, a mirrored floor and amplified sound, the show features Balkan-inspired tunes from sousaphone player Aaron Diaz and Serbian folk singer/percussionist Dunja Botic and also stars Oily Cart's creative director, Ellie Griffiths.

Photo: Suzi Corker

Don't forget about Mother's Day

Mothering Sunday is on March 22 this year, and while we shouldn't need an excuse to celebrate our mums, it's nice to have one. From afternoon teas to a brilliant day out at Hever Castle (their castle-themed adventure playground is just the bestest!), we've got some inspiring ideas for kids as well as grownups.

Dance your way through a Swan Lake Children's Workshop

Children aged 4-11 can book into a Swan Lake themed ballet workshop to learn about the story behind the iconic ballet through dance, music and acting. Each group will focus on a specific scene in detail, with live piano accompaniment, and sessions for beginners and Grade-level dancers throughout the day. Princess Odette, here we come.