September is here and although the school holidays may be over, London is still delivering on the activities front. This month we’ve rounded up a list of our favourites family friendly workshops, exhibitions, museum fun, outdoor adventures and family festivals. Still want more? Follow us on Instagram for daily recommendations
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
GDIF continues to spread magic and cheer with free installations, performances, circus and theatre throughout the Greenwich and Docklands areas. Our favourites include the Island of Foam from artist Stephanie Lüning coming to the Greenwich Peninsula on the 3rd and 4th of September, Unfurl which combines nature, art and technology to bring a magical glowing installation to Bethnal Green Gardens and the Relaxerette which brings a ride made up of rising hammocks with relaxing sounds to Canning Town.
When: ongoing until 11 September
Where: throughout Greenwich and Docklands areas
How much: most events are free, more info here.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, the exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by the beloved films.
When: ongoing until
Where: Excel
How much: £18.50 for kids and £26 for adults more info and bookings here.
Totally Thames Festival
A festival celebrating the River Thames with arts events, active adventures,environmental initiatives, heritage and education programmes. Favourite family picks include the Royal Wharf Summer Fete on the 17th of September, Kelp and Critters recycled materials workshop and the Thames Tidefest on the 4th of September.
When: throughout September
Where: throughout London
How much: mostly free. More info here.
Lambeth Palace Garden Open Day
The Lucy Air Ambulance for children have been given free reign over Lambeth Palace and they are hosting a fun day for families. You can expect plenty of entertainment including fete games, face painting, ice cream and even a prosecco tent. Open from 12-3pm we will offer food and refreshments, along with lots of entertaining activities, including
When: 2 September 12 -3pm
Where: Lambeth Palace
How much: £5.98 more info and bookings here.
National Cinema Day
Love films? This is your chance to head to the cinema and enjoy a movie for £3 at your local cinema.
When: 3 September 2022
Where: cinemas throughout the UK
How much: £3 more info from Odeon here and Cineworld here.
Family Dama Workshop
join resident theatre company Zoo Co as they get you and your small humans playing together, giving you ideas of how to entertain and teach life skills as you play, create stories and become different characters. Ages 5 -7 and 8- 11
When: 3 September
Where: Stanley Arts
How much: free more info here.
Summer Family Activity: Rest is a political act
Children and adults are invited for a restful afternoon in the garden at Camden Arts Centre, connecting with nature through sensory activities. Join artist, Niki Colclough for a free workshop for families that explores ideas for rest through reconnecting with the natural world.
When: 4 September
Where: Camden Arts Centre
How much: £5 more info and bookings here.
Try an Instrument Workshop
Have you ever been on a MUSICAL bus? – We assume not. Join Lycaeum Music for a fantastic opportunity to try out a range of instruments with the guidance of their professional tutors, all taking place onboard our custom built double-decker bus.
When: 4 September from 11am
Where: Richmond Park
How much: £5 more info here.
State of Play
Brooke Benington and Canary Wharf are pleased to present the 2nd edition, State of Play, an exhibition of contemporary sculpture which reconnects us with a foundational characteristic of humanity, and the starting place for all artists. To play; for pleasure, for curiosity, for community, for the pure delight in doing. From theatre to sports, and primary schools to art schools, play is the overlooked epicentre of the human experience. It’s how we learn and how we evolve, adapt and create.
When: 5 September – 11 November 2022
Where: Canary Wharf
How much: free more info here.
Open House Festival
Another brilliant festival with a series of family friendly events to enjoy. Particularly like the sound of the Architecture through the ages family friendly activities at Guildhall Art Gallery, Dinosaur Days at Crystal Palace Park and New London Architecture pop-up gallery at Westfield Stratford.
When: 8 -21 September 2022
Where: throughout London
How much: most are free. More info and bookings here.
Creative Sound Workshop
Soundhoppers, a sound exploration group run by Wajid Yaseen and Mara Bueno, will lead a workshop for children, aged 5-11 and their parents exploring deep listening in response to Nikita Gale’s exhibition.
When: 10 September from 11am
Where: Chisenhale Art Gallery
How much: free more info here.
Colourscape
Colourscape is a music festival inside an art installation filled with colour and strange acoustics. Get lost in this labyrinth made of inflatable tunnels filled with immerse yourself in the colour and strange sounds. It’s a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours and an amazing experience to share with your little people.
When: 10 – 18 September 2022
Where: Clapham Common
How much: from £5 more info and bookings here.
Hackney Carnival
Hackney is set to come alive with a parade of spectacular costumes, captivating rhythms and energetic dance moves! The Main family activities and stage will be in St John’s Churchyard and St John’s Church Garden.
When: 11 September 2022 12 – 7pm
Where: throughout Hackney
How much: free more info here
Roald Dahl Anniversary
Celebrate Roald Dahl with a chocolate themed workshop where you will learn to temper two different types of melted chocolate, decorate a large Wonka chocolate bar and create the bar wrapper.
When: 11 September
Where: Chocolate Museum
How much: £25 for two more info and bookings here.
Frieze Sculpture
Frieze Sculpture is back for its tenth consecutive year with Regent’s Park English garden once again becoming an outdoor gallery and you can expect lots of masterpieces from Ugo Rodinone, Ro Robertson, John Giorno and Robert Indiana. Grab the kids and a picnic and enjoy autumnal colours in one of London’s most iconic parks.
When: 14 September – 13 November 2022
Where: Regent’s Park
How much: free more info here.
Street Dancing Class
Upside Down Dance Academy teach kids how to become dancers, dance teachers and choreographers! They specialise in all street dance styles from Hip Hop, Popping, Locking, House, Breakdancing, Lite feet, Commercial, and Afro dances to name a few and they are offering a FREE class this September.
When: 14 September
Where: Chelsea Theatre
How much: free more info here.
Zippo Circus
Zippo’s Circus is back touring in London from September and you can expect the usual array of slapstick humour, incredible feats and stunning costumes.A fab day out for the whole family. They will be moving on to Norwood Green and palmers Green later this month with more London locations throughout October.
When: 14 – 19 September 2022
Where: Twickenham
How much: £17 for adults and £13 for kids. More info and bookings here.
London Design Festival
One of the jewels in the cultural calendar each year – the London Design Festival is turning 20 in 2022 and you can expect a dazzling array of activities, Design Districts, installations and workshops. Personal favourites include the pneumatic architecture workshop at Peckham Levels, an Immersive Installation by Patrick Nash, Into Sight by Sony Design, Nature’s Architects family friendly Trail and the Return to Love installation.
When: 17 – 25 September 2022
Where: throughout London
How much: mostly free. Check out full programming here.
Chelsea Physic Garden Open Day
Chelsea Physic Garden is opening its doors free of charge exclusively for the Chelsea History Festival. Visit the oldest botanic garden in London, with a collection of over 4,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible and useful plants. You can book in for a storytelling session celebrating African and Caribbean folk tales, pond dipping or just to explore this magical space.
When: 24 & 25 of September
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden
How much: free more info here
William Kentridge
Enter a new, immersive world by the multi-sensory artist and global creative powerhouse William Kentridge, in the Royal Academy of Art’s major autumn exhibition.
When: 24 September – 11 December
Where: Royal Academy of Arts
How much: £22 – £24 more info here.
Crepe Making Class
Let their imaginations run wild as they cook crepes, flip them and then decorate them with chocolate, Nutella, strawberries, berries etc. Simply wonderful!All materials to cook their very own crepes are provided, including any toppings!
When: 24 September 2022
Where: Chelsea Creperie
How much: £29 more info and bookings here.
Sunday Spot
The monthly family workshop from South London Gallery is going to be held by Tyreis Holder, an artist, poet and visual storyteller from south London with heritage reigning from Jamaica / St Vincent. She works in mediums pertaining to installation, textiles, performance, poetry, sculpture and sound.
When: 25 September 2-4pm
Where: South London Gallery
How much: free more info here.