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Things to do

Family festivals in London

By CW Contributor on 5/6/2019

Check out our guide to our fave family-friendly festivals happening in London in summer 2019. You'll be pleased to know that lots offer free events and activities for kids. Score!

Turning Tides Festival, Greenwich Peninsula

Turning Tides Festival, Greenwich Peninsula

This free festival on The Tide, Greenwich Peninsula (designed by NYC High Line co-designers, Diller, Scofidio + Renfro), is hosting two weekends of art, music, wellbeing and family fun this July. There's something for everyone from tai chi and yoga sessions to the Wish Trees art installation from Yoko Ono to music from Laura Mvula. Kids can check out Kinska's immersive Opera House exhibition at the neighbouring NOW Gallery for the real-life doll's house experience, play funfair games and enjoy the Ice Cream Social (July 6) hosted by food futurologists, Robin Collective, where kids can practice churning their own ice cream before eating it.


Read more ...
WHEN
July 5-July 7; July 14-July 16, 2019
WHERE
Gateway Pavilion, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 OSQ
Family fun at ONBlackheath Festival

ONBlackheath Festival

Parents get to rock out to Grace Jones and Jamiroquai, while kids will bop along to music from Andy and the Odd Socks, watch Mister Maker Live, pet animals at Maynard's Mini Zoo, as well as enjoying Boppin' Bunnies music and dance workshops, crafts sessions, circus arts from The Flying Seagull Project and hands-on science demos - including slime-making - courtesy of The Science Museum.

Read more ...
WHEN
13 Jul 2019 – 14 Jul 2019, various
Kids in action at Open House Families. Photo: Luke O'Donovan

Open House Families Festival of Architecture

The best way to inspire future architects? By giving them hands-on experience in one of the world's coolest architectural cities. Open House Families is back this June 2019 to do just that, with a free two-day architecture festival designed for children aged 0-13. Look out for building fun and crafts activities in locations all over the city.

Read more ...
WHEN
22 Jun 2019 – 23 Jun 2019, 12:00 AM
WHERE
The Gherkin
30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8EP
Citadel Festival 2019, Gunnersbury Park

Citadel Festival, Gunnersbury Park

Despite only launching in 2015, Citadel has quickly established itself as a mainstay of London's summer festival scene. This is largely thanks to the diversity of its line-up, which includes live performances from indie bands, fitness workshops, educational activities and comedy gigs. This family-friendly fest has plenty to appeal to the kiddos: Peppa Pig meet and greets, kids yoga sessions, silly sports, science camp, messy art workshops and even a sling library where you can learn how to rock out - while rocking your baby in a carrier.

Read more ...
WHEN
On 14 Jul 2019, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Gunnersbury Park
London, W3 8LQ
Gelato Festival, Kings Cross

Gelato Festival, Kings Cross

Want to win parent of the year? It's easy: just take your kids to sample the delights at the Gelato Festival in Kings Cross. Now in its 10th year, a ticket (£15 for an adult, £10 for a child) entitles you to a day of sampling all flavours of ice cream from 16 delightful artisanal gelato makers from around the globe. There are also plenty of master classes and activities in the day, where kids can learn all about how to make the magical dessert themselves. If you need more ice cream inspo, we've rounded up the best ice creams you can find in London this summer and the top places for dairy-free and vegan ice cream.

Read more ...
WHEN
29 June 2019 - 30 June 2019
WHERE
Canopy Market, 1 Wharf Rd, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4BZ
The Great Exhibition Road Festival, Exhibition Road

The Great Exhibition Road Festival, Exhibition Road

The Great Exhibition Road Festival celebrates the arts and sciences in the spirit of the Great Exhibition of 1851 and takes place at fabulous venues in the Exhibition Road neighbourhood, like the Royal Albert Hall, Science Museum, V&A, Natural History Museum, Imperial College London and on the road itself. Kids will get to play chess with robots, take a trip with VR, see symphony orchestras in action and listen to talks on a variety of current issues, like how to end the plastic crisis in our oceans.

Read more ...
WHEN
29 June 2019 - 30 June 2019
WHERE
Exhibition Road, South Kensington London, SW7 2QG
Underbelly 2019 at Southbank

Underbelly Festival, Southbank

Returning to London's Southbank for the 11th consecutive year, the Underbelly Festival has established itself as one of the city's most vibrant cultural celebrations, promoting the best new British performance art alongside seasoned world-class entertainers. Your toddler will love seeing the Twirlywoos on stage this August.




Read more ...
WHEN
05 Apr 2019 – 29 Sep 2019, Times vary for specific events
WHERE
Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Black Eyed Peas, BST Festival 2019

British Summer Time Festival, Hyde Park

Stevie Wonder is the latest musical sensation to join the all-star line-up of Barclaycard British Summer Time – a festival held over two weekends in Hyde Park, which will also feature performers like Florence & The Machine, Robbie Williams and Barbra Streisand. In the week, don't miss out on loads of free outdoor activities to appeal to kids and adults alike, like circus shows, arts workshops, outdoor movies, live music and street food.


Read more ...
WHEN
05 Jul 2019 – 14 Jul 2019, Times of events vary
WHERE
Hyde Park
Here's how to do Notting Hill Carnival with the fam. Photo: Kelly Robinson

Notting Hill Carnival Family Day

Steel drums, coconuts, jerk chicken, and a whole lot of joy: Notting Hill Carnival is almost here. The annual Bank Holiday celebration features hundreds of sound systems, opulent costumes, singing, dancing, and more food than you could ever eat. Kids will love it, too: Sunday is Family Day, which means a relaxed parade with a calmer atmosphere, but with just as much summer fun.

Read more ...
WHEN
August 24 2019 - August 26 2019
WHERE
various locations, Notting Hill
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