There’s loads going on this September for families with children of all ages and we’ve collated the best that London has to offer – if we have missed anything do get in touch and let us know as we’d love to find out about any new events, activities, workshops or exhibitions.
Totally Thames Festival
There’s over 100 events along the Thames this September so get your fix of family friendly arty events celebrating London’s heritage through the river that runs through it. The Young Londoner’s favourites include the Ship of Tolerance by renowned artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov. It brings together the works of 1000 children in the sails of a stunning ship installation, celebrating unity and diversity at the Royal Docks. Our favourites include the Thank you for Having Us is a circus style performance in the City of London on Saturday 7th September and questions the impact of plastics on the environment. On the 15th of September there’s the Kid’s Choir and Sing for Water choral concert and on the 27th there’s a foreshore walk in Hammersmith where families can learn about the changing shoreline of the river.
When: 1-20 September
Where: Throughout London
How much: free
Little Moles Toddler Group
Once a month on a Wednesday during term-time the Museum of London hosts an hours long toddler group with stimulating activities designed for toddlers to play and learn alongside their adults in the unique museum environment. For children from walking to 5 years old, this is a free session, but families must book in advance and tickets are released on the Monday before the session.
When: 4 September
Where: Museum of London
How much: free but book here
Environmental Storytime
Looking after the environment is a very hot topic at the moment (excuse the pun) especially for children, and there are some lovley picture books on the subject. Join Waterstones in the children’s section as we read some of our favourites.
When: 5 September at noon
Where: Waterstones in Westfield White City
How much: free
Family Studio: Put it in print
Experiment with print making in this family friendly day at the Royal Academy. Learn about Félix Vallotton, the Swiss artist who created luminous paintings and atmospheric black and white prints that often look like illustrations or film stills. With their mysterious figures and bold lines, what stories do you think his artworks are telling – can you tell your own?
When: 8 September 11 til 3
Where: Royal Academy of Arts
How much: free
Little sister to Notting Hill Carnival, the Hackney Carnival is perfect for families. Join in with Hackney Playbus, enjoy the parade, dance along to some great music (Disco Loco are playing in St Lukes playground) and treat yourself to some yummy Caribbean treats.
When: 8 September 11 til 6
Where: throughout Hackney
How much: free
Food Festival at Tower of London
Enjoy traditional and vintage games at the festival. All the games are easy to play and great fun for all ages. Games include Coconut Shy, Fete Games, Hoopla, Skittle Alley and more. Get the little ones involved in a hands-on masterclass in The Classroom where they’ll have a go at creating healthy mini fruit pizzas and delicious peppermint creams. Or learn from the masters in a Le Petit Cordon Bleu workshop at the Le Cordon Bleu Skills School.
When: 13-15 September
Where: Tower of London
How much: Adult £25, Concession £19.30, Kids 5-15 £11.70 and under 5s are free. More info and booking here.
Mini Mode London Kids Fashion week
Mini Mode is a family fashion event – a chance for young fashionistas and their parents to be inspired by incredible designers from across the world, models and brand ambassadors. It’s an opportunity to discover ethical brands and looks that you might have never come across otherwise. More info on the event here & an interview with the CEO and founder Amanda Rabor here. The Young Londoner is running a competition to give away two pairs of tickets to the event – check our instagram for full info.
When: 14 September
Where: Wyndham Place
How much: Adult £30, Child ticket 1 to 16 is £10 more info & booking here.
Supa Dupa Fly Kids Party
Apparently this is ‘THE’ R&B and Hip Hop Party for London’s flyest kids and grown ups! You can introduce the little people in your household to the tunes you grew up to. The little ones will be entertained with face painting, hiphop themed dress up & street dance lessons, all at one of the best venues in London. We are in!
When: 14 September 12 til 6pm
Where: The Curtain
How Much: £10 for adults, £5 for kids more info & tickets here.
London Design Festival
Celebrate all things design with the London Design Festival. There’s brilliant artworks and installations, interactive family fun and loads more. The Life Labyrinth outside Westminster Cathedral sounds like a brilliant space for contemplation and make sure you visit the V&A during the festival as they have some brilliant events on.
When: 14 – 22 September
Where: throughout London
How Much: free
Colourscape Music Festival
Colourscapes are walk-in structures of colour and light, originally created by artist Peter Jones in the early 70s. Over 35 have been made, in many different sizes and shapes offering different experiences. Looks very very cool!
When: 14- 22 September
Where: Clapham Common
How much: £11 for an adult and £5 for a child. Tickets cannot be brought in advance.
Abseil the Arcelormittal Orbit with The Kids Network
Experience the most amazing views of London whilst dangling in free space 80m above ground and raise funds for the Kids Network which supports children through the provision of a mentor. The Kids Network builds confidence, resilience and curiosity for ambitious futures through a series of positive experiences and activities. Its bound to be an experience you won’t forget.
When: 20 September
Where: ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stratford
How much: £32.57 book here.
Open House London
Open House is your chance to see inside lots of buildings both old and new that are not usually open to the public (or carry a sometimes hefty fee to enter) We’re always hoping to see inside Downing Street, The Shard or the BT Tower but there’s lots of family friendly options including New London Architecture’s family workshop on the 21st of September where you can let your child become the architect as you work together with professional educators to design your ideal home and learn the basics of architectural design. Fulham Palace, which is open on the 22 September and running free tours as well as a garden family fun day with live music, a caricature artist, garden games, birds of prey and more and the Unicorn theatre is running a family friendly day on the 22nd as well as tours of the building. Full info on these and loads more events here.
When: 21 & 22 September
Where: Throughout London.
How much: free
Open House Families
Open House Families has teamed up with Regent’s Place to host a day of storytelling, crafting, messy play and Lego building inspired by the architecture and surroundings of the city. Create a bee B&B, join architects from AHMM to paint and collage your own tiny house to add to a miniature city and enjoy interactive storytelling and imagination workouts with Camden Youth Theatre
When: 22 Sep 11 til 4
Where: Old Diorama Arts Centre, London NW1 3FE
How much: free
Our Docks: Local history family fun day
If the Museum of London Docklands has an event – it’s going to be a goodie. This local history family day encourages visitors to voyage through the rich history of London’s docks. Watch the past dance before your eyes in captivating performances by local community groups, inspired by the museum collection. Be enthralled by tales from the docks, join a family tour to discover the secrets of our impressive Grade I listed warehouse building, or take part in creative workshops at this vibrant event for the whole family. More info & booking here.
When: 22 September
Where: Museum of London Docklands
How much: free
Family Takeover : Make & Create
Takeover the learning centre and enjoy playful multi sensory activities exploring the sound collection at the British Library. A selection of children’s books will be available to read and even perform if you wish! A range of materials will be on hand to inspire you to make, create and invent something to take home.
When: 22 September 12 til 4
Where: British Library
How much: free
Kandinsky preschool art club
This is a great opportunity for parents and their children to get creative together. Expect music, crafts and art every Tuesday throughout September. This workshop will experiment with painting music and children can take their artwork home to display on their wall.
When: 24 September
Where: Old Spitalfields Market
How much: £10
Little Feet
The Little Feet events at British Museum are always a success. This one celebrates the 90s and is a great chance to relive your youth alongside your little person! Look back at the decade of neon and nightlife.
When: 27 September
Where: British Museum
How much: free
Eco Festival
Expect live music, loads of family fun, child friendly activities and a wide range of stalls where you can find out about local wellbeing community groups and what they are doing in your area, as well as local volunteering opportunities. Plus, there will be plenty of freebies to give away on the day. Kids can learn interesting facts about the environment and the importance of recycling, with help from special guest Bin Bot – the amazing 15ft 6” tall robot made from wheelie bins!
When: 28 September
Where: Lesnes Abbey
How much: free but booking recommended here.
London Transport Museum Open Weekend
Inspired by the golden age of travel and London’s rich heritage of rail termini, enjoy a peek around the London Transport Museum’s depot in Acton where you can hear about the ambitious visions for these striking buildings, from the celebrated to the condemned. Discover how the creation of new rail routes transformed the lives of city dwellers and continue to play a significant role in how residents and visitors travel around London. There will be craft activities, costumed characters, and you can ride the mini railway on site.
When: 28 & 29 September 11 til 5
Where: Acton Depot
How much: Adults £12; Concessions £10; Children and LTM Friends go free more info here.
Japan Matsuri
This Japanese festival celebrates all things from the country through performances, music, food and crafts. There will be two performance areas – the main stage and martial arts stage as well as a family activity tent with load of cool things going on like manga, calligraphy, and origami. And of course, stalls providing information, Japanese goods and delicious Matsuri food. If Japan is on your list of places to visit – this is the first stop to that a reality.
When: 29 September
Where: Trafalgar Square
How much: free
Fam East Sunday Social
This one-day family social will feature creative workshops for kids, a family friendly pop-up market featuring the coolest kids brands around alongside some London’s finest street food. On the Market’s Mezzanine, the free play space will offer smaller children a place to burn off energy, while the workshop space hosts bookable creative sessions for kids aged 2 – 16 years, as well as drop-in crafts. Dot Kids and Young Double will be returning with creative workshops, while on the Market floor they will be joined by some of the UK’s coolest family-focused, independent and sustainable brands including FAM EAST favourites Annual Store.
When: 29 September
Where: Old Spitalfields Market
How much: Free but some activities need booking – check here.