April is upon us, which means spring and Easter are in the air. To celebrate, we’ve compiled the best that the capital has to offer, from immersive exhibitions to free outdoor fun and theatre productions to afternoon tea – we got you covered!. If you still want more family friendly events and activities check out our Instagram.
Superheroes, Orphans & Origins: 125 years in comics
DC’s Superman, who was found by his adoptive parents, is one of many comic heroes who are orphans: Spider-Man’s parents die in a plane crash; Batman’s parents are killed in a street robbery; and Black Panther – whose mother dies soon after childbirth and whose father is killed – is known as ‘the Orphan King’. This first major exhibition to explore the representation of foundlings, orphans, adoptees, and foster children in comics, graphic novels and sequential art from around the globe.
When: 1st April – 28 August 2022
Where: Foundling Museum
How much: £9.50 or £7.50 concessions. More info and bookings here.
Dino Kingdom
An epic dinosaur adventure from the creators of Lightopia is coming to London this easter. It is outdoors and outdoors and bound to be a hit with your dino fans (and their families) with over 100 items in the collection including life-size animatronic dinosaurs and other creatures, AR, Holographic and 3D mapping digital installations and more.
When: 1 -18 April 2022
Where: Gunnersbury Park
How much: £14 for adults and £10 for kids, more info and bookings here.
Hobbledown
Hobbledown is a great day out any time of year but Easter is particularly special and spring 2022 promises to be their biggest event to date. Little Londoners can hunt down the precious missing dragon egg, see the new baby lambs, take in daily animal talks from the experts and take part in Easter themed activities and games. Want more? Well there is also the brand new imaginarium to explore, bird of prey displays and archery to take part in.
When: 1 – 24 April 2022
Where: Hobbledown Epsom
How much: from £14 more info and bookings here.
Story Space Fest
Celebrate the Caribbean with authors, artists, musicians and dancers through mask-making, storytelling and more. Discover new stories about the Caribbean in Tate britain’s Story Space with guest authors Dapo Adeola and Olivia Twist. Hear about and create your own jumbie, a mythological creature from the Caribbean, with author Jasmine Richards in the Fairy Round spotlight display. Drop into a mask-making workshop with Trinidad-born poet, painter, illustrator, educator and curator John Lyons in the Clore Studio. Dance with Kinetika Bloco’s troupe as they liven up the galleries through carnival sounds, or join one of their interactive sessions.
When: 2 April 2022 11am til 4pm
Where: Tate Britain
How much: free more info here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Fizzy lifting drinks, snozzberry jam, chocolate swudge milkshake mixed by waterfall… Indulge your inner child and adventure into the magical, mouth-watering world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with this enchanting afternoon tea inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic story.
When: Ongoing on Wednesday to Sundays from 12pm til 4pm.
Where: One Aldwich
How much: £52 per adult and £35 per child (under 12) more info and bookings here.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Meet the Easter Bunny, take part in an egg hunt and enjoy the many animals as well as indoor workshops, shows and activities.
When: 2 – 18 April 2022
Where: Marsh Farm
How much: £20.99 or £6 for those aged 6 months to 2 years.
Power-Up
This hands-on, fully interactive gaming event features the very best video games and consoles from the past five decades. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.
When: 2 – 19 April 2022
Where: Science Museum
How much: £8 more info and bookings here.
Kids Pizza Making Class
Join Heroica Live x Pepita Coffee for a pizza making masterclass for your little ones. Heroica’s expert pizza makers will guide them through the process of making their own pizza from scratch with a selection of toppings to choose from. Best of all their creations will be wood fired in our oven for them to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
When: 3 April 2022
Where: Pepita Coffee, Chalk Farm
How much: 20 more info and bookings here.
Hew Locke – The Procession
British sculptor and contemporary visual artist Hew Locke has created a new and exciting large-scale installation for the 2022 Commission. A carnival-like procession that invites visitors of all ages to walk alongside the sculptures and celebrate life whilst pondering on some of the history that has brought us to where we are today. It is colourful and children will enjoy walking among The Procession.
When: Ongoing until January 2023
Where: Duveen Galleries Tate Britain
How much: free more info here.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Embark on a transformational journey to becoming a beautiful butterfly, based on Eric Carle’s much-loved book, and wind through sculptures of juicy fruits and a cosy chrysalis along the way. You can also explore the seasonal plants in the Gardens, with tulips, bluebells, magnolias, and cherry blossom all bursting to life as well as the Children’s Garden and the current Zadok Ben-David exhibition that explores the fragility of the natural world. More info and bookings http://www.kew.org
When: 2 – 18 April 2022
Where: Kew Gardens
How much: £19.50 for adults and £5 for adults.
Easter Duck Trail
25 giant ducks have been hidden around the wetlands and you need to find them all and identify their names in order to win a tasty treat. Can you quack the case? Collect your trail card from the information desk, explore the grounds and check out the wildlife. It is £1.00 per trail as well as the cost of entry and there are lots of arts and crafts too.
When: 2 -18 April 2022
Where: WWT London
How much: £14 for adults and £7.54 for children with those under 4 going for free. More info here.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Lindt Gold Bunny Easter hunt is back this Easter! Discover stories from the people that visited, lived and worked at Hampton Court Palace. Match up the name of the important palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue at each location. Explore the gardens and enjoy a play in the Magic Garden.
When: 2 – 18 April 2022
Where: Hampton Court Palace
How much: £27.90 for adults and £12.60 for children with under 5s free
Get Creative
Expression, action, props and poses. Come and make a black and white studio portrait with photographic artist Willie Robb at this workshop inspired by Dexter McLean’s exhibition Tower Avenue. Using a studio set up you can learn how changes in lighting, poses and angles can transform a portrait.
When: 3 April 2022 from 2pm
Where: Orleans House Gallery
How much: free more info and bookings here.
Two Temple Place Family Activities
There are a bunch of family friendly events at two Temple Place to keep you and the kids entertained. Be inspired by the stories in the current exhibition Body Vessel Clay: Black Women, Ceramics & Contemporary Art to make a story dice on the 2nd of April or learn about the pottery technique of coiling and find out how to make your own sustainable pot out of recycled newspaper on the 6th of April or learn about sgraffito techniques as you get scratching away at your own work of art on the 8th of April. There are also workshops to make your own armour on the 9th of April or Nature Tiles on the 11th.
When: various throughout April (check the links above)
Where: Two Temple Places
How much: free
100 Story Hotel
An new immersive exhibition created by Discover Story Centre alongside author and illustrator Rob Biddulph. Expect to find a world of play and storytelling with a mystery that children up to the age of 8 have to help solve.
When: 2 April – ongoing
Where: Discover Story Centre
How much: £3 plus entry to Discover Story more info and bookings here.
Family Art Days
Explore Futurist artist Giacomo Balla’s bold and colourful flower sculptures and learn to make your own to celebrate the spring season on the 4th of April you will learn about different types of flowers looking at their shapes for inspiration before inventing your own Futurist flowers and making them into 3D sculptures. Recommended for ages 5 and above. There is also a Musical String Sculpture art day on the 11th of April.
When: 4 April 11am til 1pm
Where: Estorick Collection
How much: free but booking required here.
Family Make and Create Salon
Work with an artist and take your family on an adventure around the National Gallery. Experiment with playful techniques and discover people and places within the collection.
When: 5, 6, 12 & 13 April 2022
Where: National Gallery
How much: free more info here.
The Royal Parks Nature Roadshow
Join a bug hunt, learn fascinating facts during interactive storytelling and make critter crafts to take home. Budding environmentalists will discover all about the wonderful wildlife that can be found in London’s Royal Parks.
When: 5 -13 April 2022 11asm til 3pm
Where: Various London parks including Richmond, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Bushy Park.
How much: free more info here.
Easter Chocolate Workshop
Calling all chocolate lovers to join us for our Easter-themed Chocolate Workshop. Learn how cacao beans grow, how it is made into chocolate, and design your own chocolate treats with a provided selection of herbs, flavourings, and spices. Workshops designed for chidlren aged 4 and up. The Chelsea Physic Garden also has an Easter Trail on the 15th, 17th and 18th of April.
When: 7 & 12 April 11am – 1pm
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden
How much: £20 more info and bookings here.
Holiday Club: Pinnocchio
Join Pinocchio on a fast-paced adventure of self-discovery, as they try, fail and try again to find their heart and become a real person. It’s a playful story, brought to life by Norwich Theatre, explores what it means to love – with hints of danger, slapstick humour and a very big fish!
When: 8 April 2022
Where: Chats Palace, Hackney
How much: £7 more info here.
Assemble Play
Take part in free play activities with your little people and bring your imagination to life as you enjoy loose materials and getting messy and creative in the space outside Pitzhanger with Assemble Play.
When: 8, 9 & 10 April 2022
Where: Pitzhanger Gallery
How much: free more info here
Zog and the Flying Doctors
Freckle productions have done it again in bringing Zog to life in their latest show. Expect Zog alongside his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, as they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu.
When: 8 – 10th April 2022
Where: Southbank Centre
How much: £24 more info and bookings here.
Children’s Chocolate Workshops
A one hour workshop where you learn about cocoa origins and make your own chocolate creation. Recommended for children aged 4 and above.
When: 8, 17, 18, 23, 24 & 30th April 2022
Where: Cocoa Vaults, Covent Garden
How much: £20 per child. More info and bookings here.
Now Play This
London’s leading festival of experimental games returns to Somerset House showcasing the very latest in independent and experimental game design from across the globe. Power, decision-making and representation serve as inspiration for thought-provoking solo and multiplayer gaming experiences by pioneering creative voices from around the world.
When: 8 -10 April
Where: Somerset House
How much: £9 or £25 for a family of four. More info and bookings here.
Easter Trail at Tumblestone Hollow
Follow the trail around Tumblestone Hollow, a magical adventure playground in the gardens of Stonor Park. Children can get exploring and playing as you make your way through the trail together. Solve the puzzle and bring it back to the Visitor Centre to receive a treat.
When: 9 – 24 April
Where: Stonor Park
How much: £9 for adults and £11.50 for children over 105cm. More info and bookings here.
Easter Egg Hunt
There’s Easter eggs to be found in Hogarth’s Easter Mulberry Garden – can you locate them? Each child will have the opportunity to find and collect two eggs to decorate. Following the hunt, participants will come into the Learning studio where children will decorate their eggs and make an Easter basket using recycled materials to hold their eggs.
When: 9 April
Where: Hogarth’s House
How much: £15 more info and bookings here.
Oi Frog & Friends
Join FROG, CAT and DOG in this Olivier Award nominated action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhyme than you can shake a chime at.
When: 12 – 14th April 2022
Where: ArtsDepot, Finchley
How much: from £9. More info and bookings here.
Pizza Masterclass
For the child who loves to eat pizza, look no further because now they can make it (and eat it)!Hosted by 081 Pizzeria, your children will have fun cooking the pizza crust of their liking. From spinning and playing with the dough, to adding the tasty ingredients that they fancy, and of course eating their own personalised pizza.
When: 13 April 2022
Where: Peckham Levels
How much: £5.50 more info and bookings here.
Dominique Gonzales – Foerster
An immersive, supernatural and sensory environment by artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster. Adults will love the literary and cinematographic, architectural and musical, scientific and pop references whilst children will be into the lights and immersive elements of this exhibition. Plus it is in the heart of Hyde Park so can be combined with a park visit, a boat trip on the Serpentine or a snack at one of the surrounding dining establishments (or a picnic!). http://www.serpentinegalleries.org
When: 14 April – 4 September 2022
Where: Serpentine South Gallery
How much: free more info here.
Meal One
Based on a 1970s children’s book by Ivor Cutler and Helen Oxenbury, Meal One is a journey of discovery filled with breathtaking projections, music and singing, dance and unexpected transformations. Join the production team ahead of the show to uncover augmented reality and other surprises.
When: 14 & 15 April
Where: Southbank Centre
How much: 12 more info and bookings here.
Easter Family Weekend
Families will have plenty to keep them occupied, from balletLORENT new Sadler’s Wells Co-Production The Lost Happy Endings to Xenia Aidonopoulou and Georgia Tegou new multi-sensory dance theatre piece Underwater, for babies aged 0 to 24 months. The whole space will also be transformed into a children’s wonderland with dance workshops, games, arts and crafts and various other hands-on fun throughout the theatre.
When: 15 & 16 April 2022
Where: Sadler’s Wells
How much: Shows start at £12 and the rest of the foyer activities and workshops are free. More info here.
Pedal Power Disco
Get on your bikes and pedal to the disco. But the entire disco stops when the pedalling stops. There are no batteries, just you and the kids to make sure the grooves keep on going.
When: 16 April 2022
Where: Southbank Centre
How much: free more info here.
Kids Easter Egg Making Workshop
Bring the kids to get creative with Easter egg decorating. They will not only be able to decorate the cover but also watch their mouth-wateringly delicious chocolate eggs constructed before their eyes, even choosing which treats go inside. All eggs are vegan. Recommended for children aged 7 and above.
When: 16 April 2022
Where: OmNom Restaurant, Islington
How much: £14.06 more info and bookings here.
Future Shock
Exhibitions at 180 Studios are always immersive and although can sometimes be a little disjointed, little people mostly enjoy them and the staff are very relaxed. Future Shock promises to transform the bowels of this brutalist masterpiece into a space filled with mesmerising and immersive digital technology – from generative and interactive algorithms, AI and 3D digital mapping, to spellbinding laser work, holographic projections and groundbreaking electronic music. Expect a stellar line-up of visionary artists including: Ryoichi Kurokawa, UVA, Caterina Barbieri, Lawrence Lek, Actual Objects, Gener8ion, Weirdcore, Gaika, Nonotak, Ben Kelly, Hamill Industries and object blue – who reimagine our near future with multiple new commissions, site-specific installations and vital sensory experiences that challenge our preconceptions and offer up new possibilities.
When: 28 April – 28 August 2022
Where: 180 The Strand
How much: £20 for adults and under 12s go free. More info and bookings here.
Lily van der Stokker – Thank You Darling
Camden Art Centre presents the first institutional solo exhibition in London by Lily van der Stokker, one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated contemporary artists. Expect paintings and installations.
When: 29 April – 18 September 2022
Where: Camden Arts Centre
How much: free more info here.
Splat
Splat is a physical comedy about art and creativity. Set in an artist’s studio, the show follows two aspiring artists, one dedicated and serious, the other erratic and messy. The two characters attempt to complete their masterpieces whilst antagonising each other in the process. They take a journey through the history of visual art, experiencing the techniques of the great masters and movements, before eventually realising that to achieve anything they must embrace their opposites and work together.
When: 30 April 2022
Where: Lyric, Hammersmith
How much: £8 more info and bookings here.