April 2025: What's on London with kids

April has got London absolutely hopping - and not just with the Easter bunny! Find a giant animatronic praying mantis, meet Victorian mudlarks, parade in snail-inspired art fashion shows, practice keyhole surgery, enjoy chocolate-fuelled trails and singalong to Disney classics, symphonic style. Here’s your handpicked guide to the one-offs, the workshops, and the wonderful weirdness popping up this month - all perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups.

Do we enjoy my “what we did this month” recap? I’ve skipped it this time - but if you miss it, hit reply and say so, and I’ll bring it back!

Out of office (sort of)
I won’t be sending out my usual weekly holiday newsletters over Easter as I’m officially clocking off for a proper breather. I’ve been working in some shape or form nearly every day since January, so it’s high time I pressed pause.

It wasn’t an easy call (I know how much you lovely lot rely on the free holiday guides), but don’t worry, I haven’t left you high and dry. Between this newsletter, my Easter Egg Hunt blog post, and this bumper guide to the Easter school holidays, you have plenty of goodies to dig into. They’re not quite finished yet so keep your eyes on my website for more.

And let’s help each other out. If you go somewhere lovely, tag or DM me on Instagram. I’ll reshare the gems so everyone can get inspired.

London’s best family-friendly museum days, theatre shows, and cultural outings – curated for busy parents. If you love this newsletter, so will your friends. Hit forward.

April 2025: What’s on London with kids

With so much going on this month, it’s a wonder I managed to stop at 20! Here’s my handpicked lineup - and if you’re still hungry for more, hop over to the bumper Easter guide for extra goodies.

1. Bravo! Zippos Circus at Blackheath, SE3: The world’s smallest showman, flying daredevils, and big-top belly laughs return in Zippos’ all-new 2025 spectacular. Acrobatics, clowning, and edge-of-your-seat thrills from a globe-trotting cast. 4-22 April 2025. Paid, book. Use code ZC88 discount code for up to 30% off tickets at all locations.

2. Fixing Our Broken Planet at the Natural History Museum, SW7: The planet’s in a pickle, but this brand new gallery is all about solutions, not doom. Expect bold ideas from scientists, leading environmentalists and young changemakers from around the world. From 5 April 2025. Free, book museum entry. Combine with Lego building workshops, family nature talks and meet the scientist sessions.

3. Nurses, and all that rubbish! Family event at Royal College of Nursing, W1: Make scrap art, hear stories, learn how nurses tackle waste, and have the chance to win a goody bag! A fun, hands-on day blending science, stories, and sustainability. 5 April 2025. Free, book.

4. UNIQLO Tate Play - Bruce Asbestos S/S at Tate Modern, SE1: Snail style takes over the Turbine Hall! Meet a larger-than-life creature inspired by Matisse, craft your own wild fashion pieces with paper, paint and card, then hit the runway to showoff your wearable art. 5-21 April 2025. with a spectacular runway event on 17 April 2025. Free, drop in.

5. Family Workshops at Two Temple Place, WC2: Sculpt paper veggies, map your endz, design fantasy shoes in paper and clay, paint celebrations, and build your dream room in this joyful series of hands-on workshops. Select dates, 10-18 April 2025. Pay what you can, book. Ages 5-12. Combine with the kids’ trail around Lives Less Ordinary.

6. Easter at London Museum Docklands, E14: Inspired by the fascinating archaeology of the Thames, make a clay coin in mudlarking mementos, craft rising river pop-up cards, create a future foreshore find and meet a Victorian mudlark. 8-17 April 2025. Free. Mixture of drop in/bookable activities. Combine with their new Secrets of the Thames exhibition.

7. Discovery Days at Hyde Park Learning Centre, W1: Splash into pond dipping, seedball making, pollinator games, and springtime tales in Spring Surprises (8-10 April 2025). Return for Marvellous Mammals (15-17 April 2025) with acorn hunts, animal tracks, storytelling, and crafty fun. Free.

8. Easter Holidays at the National Gallery, WC2: Take inspiration from Velasco’s natural world to create rich pigments, step into an immersive Mexican landscape, sketch still life drawings, and decode pictures on an interactive tour. 8-17 April 2025. Free, drop in/ spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis. Arrive early to secure a space.

9. The Mantis Muse at Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23: David Shrigley’s giant animatronic praying mantis moves into the Horniman’s conservatory (as you do). Expect weird, wonderful workshops: up-close sketching sessions, screen printing, family yoga, and storytelling and craft. 8-21 April 2025. Mix free/paid and drop in/book. Combine with The Robot Zoo.

10. The Science of Surgery at The UCL Hawkes Institute, WC1: Test your keyhole surgery skills, see live demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment, control a real surgical robot and meet med-tech wizards. 11 April 2025. Free, drop in.

11. Doodle Day inspired by Tim Burton at the Design Museum, W8: Create your own exquisite corpse drawing book, draw a self-portrait in the style of Tim Burton, create and play with spooky shadow puppets, craft a storytelling mini-theatre, and more! 11 April 2025. Paid, book. For all ages. Combine with The World of Tim Burton.

12. Spring Forward at Cody Dock, E16: Celebrate nature shaking itself back to life with Forest School sessions, live performances, bug hunts, plant sales, bike repairs, and eco-workshops. 12 April 2025. Free, book.

13. Book Buzz at artsdepot, N12: Revel in all things reading-related with interactive storytelling with Rosie Tells Tales and Ella Phillips, joyful comedy with Jude Simpson, edible book making, craft activities, book swapping, dressing up, and lots more! 13 April 2025. Free, small charge badge making. Drop in. Combine with The Worst Princess.

14. Lambing Day at Woodlands Farm Trust, DA16: Get a taste of country life without leaving London. Meet the newest lambs, hitch a tractor ride (mud permitting), get stuck into crafts, and snack on local goodies - wellies very much encouraged! 13 April 2025. Paid.

15. Create a Comic Masterclass with The Beano’s Hugh Raine at the Cartoon Museum, W1: Beano legend Hugh Raine leads a comic masterclass packed with drawing tips, behind-the-scenes secrets, and Betty & the Yeti magic. 16 April 2025. Paid, book. Ages 7+. Combine with their new Cats in Cartoons exhibition.

16. My First Ballet – Swan Lake at Peacock Theatre, WC2: Tutus, Tchaikovsky and true love - Swan Lake gets a gentle, glittering remix. With narration, dreamy costumes and a swan princess in peril, it’s perfect for mini theatre-goers. 16-27 April 2025. Paid, book.

17. Easter Egg Hunts: There’s 19 events already listed in my Egg Hunt guide and more to come! My current picks are Merchant Square, W2 (11 April 2025, free); The Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hampton Court Palace, KT8 (until 21 April 2025, paid); and the Easter Adventure Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens, SE9 - a stunning location that’s never too busy (5-27 April 2025, paid).

18. Horniman Spring Fair at Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23: An Easter bonnet parade, circus tricks workshops, seed planting, a springtime disco, and enough fete games to fill your basket. Add singalongs and street food, and you’ve got the ultimate Spring garden party. 19 April 2025. Paid, book.

19. The Big Disney Bash with Basement Orchestra at Big Penny Social, E17: The 50-piece orchestra lets loose on Disney’s greatest hits - from Frozen to The Lion King - with a few epic orchestral surprises thrown in. With singalongs and beer hall vibes, you’ve got Easter’s grand finale. 21 April 2025. Paid, book.

20. Family Day - Make a Morris at William Morris Gallery, E17: Craft your own Morris-inspired peg doll and immerse yourself in sensory storytelling with local drama group Jabberwocky. 26 April 2025. Free, drop in. Combine with a family trail around their new exhibition, Morris Mania.

The following events are on my book ahead radar:

1. Carnival - Family Edit at Queen Elizabeth Hall, SE1: A mad scientist, a mischievous orchestra, and a magical mash-up of Carnival of the Animals. Aurora Orchestra and Frantic Assembly bring music, movement and mayhem in a riotous show for families who like their classical with a twist. Last few tickets available! 3 May 2025. Paid, book.

2. Birthday Weekend at Tate Modern, SE1: Tate Modern turns 25! This four-day celebration features music in the iconic Turbine Hall, performances in the South Tanks, plus artist-led workshops, tours, film screenings and experiences for all ages. 9-12 May 2025. Free, booking coming soon/drop in.

3. Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom, N1: Step inside some of the most beloved scenes from Apple TV+’s hit show in this high-tech digital immersive space. With life-sized dinos, sweeping 360° landscapes, and a Hans Zimmer score that’ll shake your spine. Paid, book. £5 Universal Credit tickets offer details in my post.

4. The Hunger Games on Stage at Troubadour Theatre, E14: Step into the arena as Katniss Everdeen’s story explodes onto the stage for the very first time. With jaw-dropping stunts, mind-bending illusions, and a powerhouse creative team behind it, this is set to a theatrical knockout. From 20 October 2025. Paid, book.

And if you’re looking for arts without the ankle biters, here’s my picks for culturally curious grown-ups this month and beyond:

1. Secrets of the Thames at London Museum Docklands, E14: Maybe I’m biased (okay, I definitely am, I work there after all), but this one’s close to my heart. Dive into 350+ weird and wonderful finds mudlarked from the riverbed, be they Roman rings, a Tudor wool hat - or false body parts! Properly fascinating. 4 April 2025–1 March 2026. Paid, book.

2. Cartier at V&A South Kensington, SW7: From royal tiaras to rockstar bling, Cartier’s sparkle gets the spotlight in this jaw-dropper of a show. Expect 350+ showstoppers, including panther brooches, maharaja gems, and more diamonds than sense. Opens 12 April 2025. Paid, book.

3. MI5: Official Secrets at The National Archives, TW9: Bugged phones, double agents, Cold War chills - for the first time ever, MI5 opens the vault. Original case files, spy gadgets, and 115 years of real-life espionage secrets give behind-the-scenes intel from Britain’s shadow world. 5 April-28 September 2025. Free, drop in.

4. Morris Mania: How Britain’s Greatest Designer Went Viral at William Morris Gallery, E17: Sofas, submarines, iPhone cases… This sharp, playful show unpacks how Britain’s most radical designer became a 21st-century icon. Think 200+ oddities, pop culture twists, and pattern mania in a mass consumer world Morris never saw coming. 5 April-21 September 2025. Donations welcome.

5. Antony Gormley WITNESS Early Lead Works at White Cube Masons Yard, SW1: Before the angel wings and iron men, there was lead - heavy, toxic, and full of meaning. This quietly powerful show digs into Gormley’s earliest experiments, where he forged a visual language of bodies, space, and vulnerability that still echoes today. 23 April-8 June 2025. Free, drop in.

Been there, done that? I want to hear all about it - hit reply or tag me on Instagram! I use your feedback to help me decide what to feature in future newsletters.

April 2025: What’s On for Under 5s

1. Parent and Baby Screenings at Barbican Cinema, EC2: Catch the latest films in a baby-friendly setting - lights up, sound down, wriggles welcome. Next up are Flow, Mickey 17, The End and La Cocina. Plus it’s a bargainous £6 an adult. Every Monday and Saturday morning, Paid, book. Under 1 years and adults only.

2. Under 5s Explore: Creative Tales at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21: Join Rosie Tells Tales and create a ‘mini make’ to take with you on an imaginative journey, using songs, rhymes, Makaton signs, movement and making. 4 April 2025. Paid, book.

3. Play Studio: Under 5s Pop-up at Tate Britain, SW1: Try on a cape, climb through a tunnel and play peekaboo using artist-designed play items. 4 & 25 April 2025. Free, drop in.

4. Design Baby: Natural Worlds at V&A Museum, SW7: A multi-sensory haven, this child-led play space lets littles explore, create, and just be, on their terms. 9-11 April 2025. Free, drop in. Ages 0-3.

5. Easter Party at Dreami Play Cafe, E2: Peter Rabbit is coming to this welcoming bi-lingual Hackney play cafe. 11 April 2025. Paid, book, tickets coming soon.

6. Pipsqueaks! Toddler Story Sessions at Battle of Britain Bunker, UB10: Join Pilot Tally-Ho and friends for toddler tales, nursery rhyme singalongs and sky-high adventures - all from the safety of the story rug. 11, 12 & 18 April 2025. Paid, book.

7. Baby Gospel at Big Penny Social, E17: It’s baby rhyme time with serious soul. Clap, bop and bounce along to gospel, Motown and Marvin Gaye, sung live by the incredible CK Gospel Choir — plus bubbles, of course. 13 April 2025. Paid, book.

8. Early Years Studio: Colour Play at Royal Academy of Arts, W1: Mix, layer, squish and play at your own pace in this creative, child-led studio. 16 April 2025. Free, drop in. Arrive early - spaces fill fast! Under 5s.

9. Claytime at artsdepot, N12: A lump of clay, a lot of imagination. This joyful, totally unique show lets kids shape the story, then make their own squishy creations after. 16-17 April 2025. Paid, book. Ages 3-6.

10. Little Saplings: Storytime and Adventure at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, E4: Hear a seasonal story, enjoy an activity and sing some nursery rhymes! 25 April 2025. Free, book.

Here’s my comprehensive directory of cultural Under 5s play sessions.

Weekend events 29-30 March 2025

Still stuck for this weekend? These last-minute ideas have you covered - check the links for all the info!

1. Family Event: The Thylacine Diaries at Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E. 29 March 2025, free.

2. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (U) + Intro from director Susanna White at Barbican Cinema, EC2. 29 March 2025, paid.

3. Route 19 Heritage Day. 29 March 2025, free.

4. Deptford Literature Festival children’s workshops. 29 March 2025, free.

5. The Nest Collective: Family Ceilidh at Union Canal, W2. 29 March 2025, paid.

6. Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, NW1. 30 March 2025, paid.

7. Sunday Sessions: Complementary Colour Painting at Garden Museum, SE1. 30 March 2025, free.

8. Family Fun for Mother’s Day and Easter at Jubilee Square, W4. 30 March 2025. Free.

9. London Eye Eid Lights, SE1. 30 March 2025, free.

I’ll be back with a May What’s On Guide in a few weeks - but I’m always around for questions, feedback and chat via my inbox or Instagram DMs.

Until then, happy Mothering Sunday, Eid Mubarak, happy Easter, happy Passover - and have a great April!

Please check listings before heading out. Events can change or be cancelled at short notice; and, despite my best efforts, sometimes I make mistakes.