1. FAMILY WORKSHOP: PLAY SCULPTURES
Design your unique play space inspired by Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture in this all-ages family workshop with artist Emily Hopkins! 01 Sep
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
FREE with admission
Join the celebration of the River Thames with the Totally Thames Festival, a month-long series of arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage, and education programmes. 01 Sep – 01 Oct
Brentford (Weekend One), The Royal Docks (Weekend Two), London Bridge (Weekend Three), Greenwich (Weekend Four), and Kingston upon Thames (Weekend Five)., LONDON
FREE
Run and bounce your way around the many obstacles, including inflatable walls, balls and rings. Bounce for fun, sign up as a team and help each other through or, if you can’t tame your competitive side, power on through and see if you can beat the course record. 01 – 03 Sep
Betteshanger Country Park, Deal KENT
Suitable for ages 3 and above.
PAID
4. DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS
Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical Olivier Award-nominated show for all the family. 01 – 03 Sep
Churchill Theatre, Bromley LONDON
PAID
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. 17 Sep
Churchill Theatre, Bromley LONDON
PAID
5. CREATE! STUDIO FOR FAMILIES: LIGHT AND SHADOWS
Engage the entire family in creative exploration at the Create! Studio, where light and shadows set the stage for the first session; inspired by the museum’s collection of theatre costumes and shadow puppets, you’ll experiment with materials, concoct new designs, and make lasting memories with fellow creators and friends. 02 Sep
Young V&A, Bethnal Green LONDON
Suitable for ages 4 and above.
FREE
6. UNIQLO TATE PLAY SHADOW AND LIGHT MAKE STUDIO
Create magical worlds of shadow and light at Tate Modern Engage your senses and unleash your creativity by casting shadows and exploring enchanting light play. 02 Sep – 18 Oct
Tate Modern, Bankside LONDON
Suitable for under 5s.
FREE
7. DESIGN BABY: EXPLORE THE HALLYU!
Immerse your family in a multi-sensory play session led by artist Rosie S. Kang at the V&A, exploring Korean culture through traditional flower patterns, K-pop music, and an array of scents, textures, and colours; let your child dictate the pace in this non-structured, free-to-roam exploration of old and new Korea. 06 Sep
V&A South Kensington, South Kensington LONDON
Suitable for under 3s.
PAID
Experience London’s architectural splendour during the Open House Festival, a two-week event offering exclusive access to the city’s renowned buildings and hidden gems. 06 – 17 Sep
LONDON
FREE
9. ZIPPOS CIRCUS PRESENTS “NOMADS”
Embark on an enchanting journey with Zippos Circus as their “Nomads” tour travels the UK. From the daring acrobatics of the Temujin Troupe from Mongolia to the hilarious antics of UK comedy star Whimmie Walker, this family-friendly show is a kaleidoscope of international talent and circus arts, celebrating the nomadic spirit of circus culture. 06 Sep – 02 Oct
LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
Visit Castle Farm’s Pick-Your-Own Orchard for a delightful family activity this Autumn. Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am – 5pm starting 8th September ’23, the orchard in Kent is just a 50-minute drive from London and offers a unique opportunity to pick the Norfolk Royal, a heritage apple variety you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out on this short but sweet season! 08 Sep
Castle Farm Orchard, Sevenoaks KENT
Pay-what-you-can
11. FAMILY UNDER 5’S WORKSHOPS: OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL 2023
Join for an architectural escapade during the Open House Festival 2023! The day kicks off with sensory storytelling, featuring a variety of materials, puppets, and even song and dance to take attendees on a journey through an incredible building. After that, unleash creativity by playing with texture, colour, scale, and design in a collective building adventure. Celebrate the people who bring life to the space through work, study, and creativity! 08 Sep
The British Library, Bloomsbury LONDON
Suitable for ages 0 – 5.
FREE
Take part in this creative day for all the family inspired by our world! Celebrate community, language, nature and travel, through various activities taking place all over the Library. Explore, make, sign and touch through fun and play. 23 Sep
The British Library, Bloomsbury LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
FAMILY STATION: EXPLORE AND PLAY
Explore the Library with a creative offer designed for families; no booking required. Situated on the Upper Ground Floor of the British Library St Pancras, the station is stocked with creative resources brimming with ideas for exploration, making, and playing. Start a family adventure here and venture forth to discover the building while learning all about the Library. The station also features interactive activities, sensory materials, and a diverse range of children’s books, including tactile and braille editions. 24 Sep – 26 Nov
The British Library, Bloomsbury LONDON
FREE
12. SEPTEMBER FAMILY DAY (PART OF OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL)
09 Sep
Streatham Space Project, Streatham LONDON
Suitable for ages 3 – 6.
Pay-what-you-can
13. BEATS AND BLOOMS FAMILY RAVE WITH BIG FISH LITTLE FISH
Mark your calendar for the Museum Depot in Acton’s final event of the year, revealing stories about London’s public transport, its workers, and passengers. This working museum store, typically closed to the public, opens its doors a few times a year, inviting everyone to discover its collection of over 300,000 objects. Attend expert talks, participate in a puppet-making workshop, explore the world’s largest collection of transport signage, and admire vintage Tube carriages, trains, and unique road vehicles. The day also features live music, costumed actors, and delicious street food, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. 09 Sep
Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill LONDON
PAID
14. COLOURSCAPE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dive into the world of vibrant hues with Colourscape’s returning installation on Clapham Common this September, featuring a labyrinth of colourful inflatable tunnels hosting a variety of musicians – from flautists and guitarists to the occasional conch player – ensuring a surprising kaleidoscopic experience. 09 – 17 Sep
Clapham Common, LONDON
PAID
15. MINECRAFT BUILD CHALLENGE – AGES 8+
Unleash your creativity at the Minecraft Build Challenge, a 60-minute event hosted at the Microsoft Experience Centre on Oxford Circus where players of all skill levels can craft everything from Super Hero Bases to Fairy Tale Castles; the Gaming Lounge comes equipped with accessibility options to ensure an inclusive experience for all, so register today and get building! 09 – 30 Sep
Microsoft Experience Centre, Oxford Circus LONDON
Suitable for ages 8 and above.
FREE
16. A BEE STORY
Catch “A Bee Story,” a uniquely Australian physical theatre show perfect for children and families. This vibrant production blends circus, acrobatics, dance, and live music to tell the tale of Queen Bee and Worker Bee, who face a series of challenges as they attempt to rebuild their hive after a bushfire. Expect a buzz of excitement and life lessons in this whimsical show! 10 Sep –
Jacksons Lane, Highgate LONDON
Suitable for ages 3 and above.
PAID
17. HOME ED DAY: MAIL RAIL SCIENCE DAY
Build your tool kit of engineering skills in this themed day of STEM-focused activities for Home Educators. 13 Sep –
The Postal Museum, Clerkenwell LONDON
Suitable for ages 7 – 11.
PAID
18. PECKHAMFESTIVAL
Join in the Peckham Festival, a free event celebrating the creative and cultural spirit of Peckham, showcasing local artists, musicians, and community groups across a myriad of unique venues in this vibrant corner of South London. 15 – 17 Sep
Peckham LONDON
FREE
Celebrate all things Batman at the UK’s first-ever immersive pop-up, Batman Unmasked; the event commemorates multiple milestones, including Batman Day, the 15th anniversary of The Dark Knight, and Warner Bros’ 100th anniversary, all while gearing up for Batman’s 85th anniversary in 2024. 15 – 17 Sep
Piccadilly LONDON
FREE with admin fee
20. YOUTH VOICES TASTER WORKSHOP
Discover your singing voice, make friends and, most importantly, have fun during this taster workshop to launch the new season of Southbank’s youth choir. 16 Sep
Southbank Centre, South Bank LONDON
Suitable for ages 10 – 18.
FREE
THE MULTI-STORY ORCHESTRA: IN TOO DEEP
Feel the power of sound in a family-friendly performance that invites you to get close to the orchestra before lifting you up with a joyous performance. 24 Sep
Southbank Centre, South Bank LONDON
Suitable for ages 7 and above.
FREE
Don’t worry, about a thing – just get down to THIS monthly reggae meet-up, a free daytime dance connecting our local communities through music.
29 Sep
Southbank Centre, South Bank LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
Mark your calendars for the London Design Festival, a citywide celebration that underscores London’s status as the world’s design capital. 16 – 24 Sep
LONDON
FREE
22. THE TEMPEST
Experience Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” like never before in this 75-minute reimagining tailored for audiences aged six and up, where sorcery, shipwrecks, and timeless themes come alive, offering a introduction to the Bard’s world for the younger generation. 19 Sep – 15 Oct
Unicorn Theatre, Souithwark LONDON
Suitable for ages 6 – 11.
PAID
23. FRIEZE SCULPTURE
Experience the transformation of Regent’s Park into an outdoor gallery during Frieze Sculpture, featuring works by world-renowned artists such as Ayşe Erkmen, Ghada Amer, and Hank Willis Thomas, curated by Fatoş Üstek, supplemented with engaging talks and performances. 20 Sep – 29 Oct
The Regent’s Park, LONDON
FREE
24. FIRST LIGHT
Bathe in sound and light with your baby as you explore the wonders of how their senses develop. Sit, lie down or stand while sharing this intimate and immersive experience together. 21 – 22 Sep
Suitable for 0 – 18ms.
Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, LONDON
PAID
25. DEPOT OPEN DAYS: TRANSPORT AND STORIES
Mark your calendar for the Museum Depot in Acton’s final event of the year, revealing stories about London’s public transport, its workers, and passengers. This working museum store, typically closed to the public, opens its doors a few times a year, inviting everyone to discover its collection of over 300,000 objects. Attend expert talks, participate in a puppet-making workshop, explore the world’s largest collection of transport signage, and admire vintage Tube carriages, trains, and unique road vehicles. The day also features live music, costumed actors, and delicious street food, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. 21 – 24 Sep
26. TURNING TIDES
Save the date for Turning Tides, returning to Greenwich Peninsula on September 23 & 24 for a weekend-long celebration featuring global live music & DJ headliners like Afriquoi and Los Bitchos; enjoy performances, indulge in food from Canteen Food Hall & Bar, and sip cocktails at pop-up bars—all in the heart of the Design District, so grab your free tickets and hit the dance floor with friends! 23 – 24 Sep
Greenwich Peninsula, LONDON
FREE
27. APPLE PICKING
Looking for the perfect apple for your autumn crumble or just craving that crunchy first bite? Discover the sensory delights of the Top Orchard at Sissinghurst, an often-overlooked gem. The event is free, with apple-picking bags available for £5 on-site. Remember, all apples must be savoured fresh on the day of picking! 23 – 24 Sep
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook KENT
FREE with admission
28. BIG BAD ME
Discover a fresh take on the classic tale of Red Riding Hood through the eyes of a misunderstood, gentle wolf with a broken heart; this production challenges preconceptions and invites you to never judge anyone by their appearance, offering an enlightening experience for the whole family. 23 Sep – 19 Nov
Little Angel Theatre, Islington LONDON
Suitable for ages 6 and above.
PAID
28. THE BED
Curl up and get comfy for a bedtime story like no other. Go on a journey sprinkled with fantasy and escapism, where you will meet elephants, macaws and parakeets. Venture underwater, to the North Pole and even outer space without ever leaving the comfort of your own bed. Beds come in all shapes and sizes, from cots to king-sized, and some you might never have heard of before – see if you can discover them all along the way. 30 Sep – 04 Nov
Little Angel Theatre, Islington LONDON
Suitable for ages 6m – 3.
PAID
Discover the past in all its variety and enjoy an immersive line-up of events on a historic stage. 26 Sep – 01 Oct
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea LONDON
FREE
Join the Musuem of London at Tots at the Docks, the free monthly play sessions at the museum, where your little ones can delve into the history of the Docklands through river exploration or cargo-stacking challenges; these unticketed, drop-in sessions. 27 Sep 23 – 27 Mar 24
Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay LONDON
Suitable for ages 0 – 4.
FREE
Join acclaimed London storyteller Wendy Shearer to enjoy Caribbean folktales inspired by the sea in this fun-filled session for under 5s. With music, colourful props and songs there will be stories of Caribbean creatures and protectors of the sea. 27 Sep
Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay LONDON
Suitable for under 5s.
FREE
Meet the mudlarks and learn about their finds. You won’t believe what mudlarks have discovered in the Thames! See thousands of historic artefacts recovered from the muddy riverbed and meet the friendly mudlarks who found them. 30 Sep – 01 Oct
Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay LONDON
Suitable for ages 7 and above.
FREE
