Easter Family Fun in London

 
 
 
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Sadler's Wells Family Weekend
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales
Easter at the Southbank Centre
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Discover Children's Story Centre - Fairy Tales
Easter at IWM London
Easter at the London Transport Museum: Discover Billy Brown
ZSL London Zoo: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Power UP at the Science Museum
Chloe and the Colour Catcher
My First Ballet: Cinderella
 

© Now Play This

Looking for something fun to do this Easter? Treat the family to a bank holiday egg-stravaganza! Here's a list of what's going on this Easter in London, so you can get out and about and spend some quality family time together. From musicals and museums to ballet and books, there's a whole lot more to Easter than bunnies. So get cracking!

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The Gruffalo at Kew Gardens

Embark on a special journey meeting Fox, Owl, Snake and maybe even the Gruffalo along the way.

Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens), Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AB

Tube: Kew Gardens Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

Grab your map and paint on some whiskers this Easter ready for a Gruffalo hunt at Kew Gardens. Immersing little ones in the world of Julia Donaldson's much-loved characters, The Gruffalo at Kew Gardens plots a journey through the beautiful Arboretum - home to 14,000 trees - throughout which visitors will encounter Fox, Owl and Snake, joining in on interactive activities along the way and learning all about the different habitats as well as the marks that humans leave on woodland ecosystems. The most adventurous of visitors might even get the chance to meet the Gruffalo himself and there's a pop-up eatery serving a special Gruffalo-themed feast.

 
 
 

Sadler's Wells Family Weekend

Terrific two-day festival for families introducing dance to a new generation.

Sadler's Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN

Tube: Angel Station

 

Dates: 10th - 11th April 2020

 

Spilling out into the foyer with dance workshops and free arts and crafts activities, the Family Weekend really opens up Sadler's Wells to a new generation of dance lovers. In 2020 balletLORENT returns to the Sadler's Wells stage with a new dance based on an original story by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. The piece, narrated by Joanna Lumley and featuring 19 famous fairy-tale characters, takes the audience deep into the forest to meet Jub, a fearless girl with six fingers on each hand. With Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Goldilocks all putting in an appearance, this is the perfect Easter treat for the long weekend. As well as the shows on the main stage fun activities take place across the building including 'one step at a time like this', an interactive storybook where following the clues leads you backstage.

 
 
 

My First Ballet: Cinderella

A charming introduction to ballet for young audiences.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, London, WC2A 2HT

Tube: Holborn Station , Covent Garden Station, Temple Station

 

Dates: 09th - 18th April 2020

 

English National Ballet has partnered with English National Ballet School to produce the My First Ballet series, a number of special performances aimed at children as young as three to introduce them to ballet through the magic of fairytales. Cinderella, the charming tale of rags-to-riches, is performed to music by Prokofiev and accompanied by narration. Tormented by her evil stepsisters, Cinderella dreams of the day she can escape and attend the Prince's enchanting ball. One night, when she's been abandoned for yet more cleaning, Cinderella is visited by her Fairy Godmother and her dreams begin to come true.

 
 
 

Easter at IWM London

A crash spy course is just one of the family activities at IWM London this Easter.

IWM London (Imperial War Museums), Lambeth Road, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6HZ

Tube: Lambeth North Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

The IWM London invites families to enjoy a special line-up of events and activities throughout the Easter holiday, including the chance to become a spy for the day. Coinciding with the release of the latest Bond film, No Time to Die, Spies and Disguise challenges participants to embark in a crash course spy school inspired by real life spies from WWII. Secret missions include an assault course and immersive theatre activities. Other programme highlights include Story Seekers, a drop-in session during which families can learn about the impact of global conflict; We Were There, providing a special opportunity to meet war veterans and eyewitnesses of the Second World War, Cold War and Korean and Falklands Wars; and a Documentary Challenge, a hands-on activity in which visitors can make their very own documentary guided by filmmakers at SMASH TV.

 
 
 

Easter at the London Dungeon: The Backstreet Dentist

Meet the most sinister character to visit the London Dungeon to date.

London Dungeon, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB

Tube: Waterloo Station , Westminster Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

There's a new nefarious resident coming to the London Dungeon this Easter, and he might make you think twice about eating too many chocolate eggs. One of the most sinister characters to enter the venue to date, The Dentist is sure to strike fear among all visitors with everything we worry about dentist visits becoming a terrifying reality. Visitors will be well-advised to keep their pearly whites hidden as they step into the world of Victorian dentistry. Following a brief introduction from The Dentist's assistant it will be time for the barbaric backstreet surgeon to pick his prey, ravishing deep into their cavities without the assistance of anaesthetic. Popping up for two weeks in April, the new Victorian dentistry show is just one of 17 shows within the London Dungeon alongside two thrilling rides.

 
 
 
 

Chloe and the Colour Catcher

Transforming grey into all seven shades of the rainbow.

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, 2 King Street, London, W6 0QA

Tube: Hammersmith Station

 

Dates: 07th - 11th April 2020

 

The story of a girl living in a grey world is by given a sprinkling of colour by Bristol based theatre ensemble Ad Infinitum. Ideal entertainment for children aged four to seven, Chloe and the Colour Catcher tours venues up and down the country including a weeklong run at the Lyric Hammersmith over Easter. Transforming drab grey into a vibrant world in all seven shades of the rainbow, the play is an original tale of bravery, self-expression and fighting for what your heart knows to be true.

 
 
 

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales

Julia Donaldson's bestselling children's books are brought to life on stage.

Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Road, Soho, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 07th - 11th April 2020

 

Adapted from Julia Donaldson's bestselling children's books, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales are brought to life in a delightful production at the Southbank Centre. The much-loved stories of Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and Quash are performed on stage with plenty of live music, puppetry and a host of colourful characters to keep kids entertained. Fun-packed show with lots of groovy music and funky moves, it may prove difficult for grown-ups to hold back from joining in too.Suitable for those aged 3

 
 
 

Gulliver's Travels

Jonathan Swift's surreal masterpiece gets a radical re-imagining at the Unicorn Theatre.

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, More , London, SE1 2HZ

Tube: London Bridge Station

 

Dates: 15th March - 03rd May 2020

 

Jonathan Swift's surreal masterpiece, Gulliver's Travels, gets a radical re-imagining at the Unicorn Theatre in a play for everyone aged seven and above this Easter. In Lulu Raczka's reinterpretation, Lemuel Gulliver sails away to a world of strange islands and even stranger creatures in an epic adventure of survival, unexpected friendship and in the end, self-discovery. Gulliver's fantastical imaginings are vividly brought to life by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart who directs using video camera, intricate table-top sets and projection alongside live performance. This playful, funny and highly inventive show uses Swift's biting satire to explore reality and escapism, and you'll meet the tiny inhabitants of Lilliput, the giants of Brobdingnag and the mysterious Houyhnhnms along the way.

 
 
 

Easter at the Southbank Centre

Hop down to the Southbank Centre for a basketful of family fun.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

This Easter hop down to the Southbank Centre for a basketful of family-friendly shows, outdoor workshops and a pedal-power disco. Free events, workshops and performances include Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, taking Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's books to the stage, intotheclouds - a new play for the very young - and Peppa Pig's first concert. Have a laugh at Comedy Club 4 Kids, enjoy beatboxing, puppetry and singing in Big Up! and see Marin Alsop conducting over 450 performers with National Youth Orchestra and a 300 person choir in the biggest performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony ever staged in the Royal Festival Hall. Free outdoor activities encourage us to pedal away and pull shapes in the Easter sunshine at Pedal Power Disco on Royal Festival Hall's Riverside Terrace and the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden hosts an array of free (but ticketed) eco-friendly gardening and craft workshops. Tying in with Among the Trees at the Hayward Gallery, a family tree trail takes you on a leafy adventure around the Southbank Centre site.

 
 
 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

A cast of loveable puppets tell the much-love children's story.

Southbank Centre: Purcell Room, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 12th February - 14th April 2020

 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Eric Carle's much loved books, Jonathan Rockefeller's family-friendly stage production comes to the Southbank Centre as part of its Imagine Children's Festival. Featuring 75 loveable puppets, this show adapts four of Carle's stories: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

 
 
 
 

Fairy Tales

Enter a magical world of giants, palaces and gingerbread houses.

Discover Children's Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ

Tube: Stratford Station

 

Dates: 15th February - 31st August 2020

 

Tiptoe over the bridge but don't wake the troll as you enter a magical Fairy Tale world at the Discover Children's Story Centre. Enter a world of giants, palaces, gingerbread houses and treasure caves in the immersive exhibition brought to life by illustrator David Litchfield, creator of the award-winning The Bear and the Piano. He has worked with author Ross Montgomery - the pair also collaborated on picture books The Building Boy and Space Tortoise - to create a tall tale about the magical characters who have stayed in the Three Bears' guest house before stepping into a fairy tale town and through into the woods. Children aged 0 to 8 and their grown-ups are invited to join in the palace disco with the musicians of Bremen, sit in a giant's footprint and help Jack win some magic beans. During the 45 minute session, which includes storytelling, you can search for treasures in the magical cave and stop by Grandma's caravan... if you dare.

 
 
 

Now Play This

Interactive arcade games, workshops and a city building game.

Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Tube: Temple Station

 

Dates: 03rd - 05th April 2020

 

A celebration of games and play, popular gaming festival Now Play This returns to Somerset House this April. Coinciding with the city-wide London Games Festival, the festival of play invites visitors to experience works from international multidisciplinary developers, artists and designers, all of whom are creating products that are pushing the boundaries of games and play. Developers taking part include The Grannies, who will take visitors on a journey through the beautiful landscapes of action adventure game Red Dead Redemption 2; Molleindustria, a radical games studio that challenges visitors to create a sustainable human habitat from the ruins of a fallen city in new game Lichenia; and Ip Yuk-Yiu, who present experimental video game To Call a Horse a Deer. Other highlights include a number of interactive arcades, immersive displays, workshops and performances.

 
 
 

Power UP

Gaming fans can get their fix at hundreds of games, computers and consoles.

Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD

Tube: South Kensington Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

Keeping gamers happy at Easter, the Science Museum presents gaming extravaganza Power UP. Returning for its fifth year, the hands-on event invites gaming fans to get their fix with 180 systems and hundreds of games, including video games, computers and consoles from the past four decades. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, Donkey Konga and Guitar Hero, there's something for everyone. With everything from Wii Sports to Fortnite on the PC and Goldeneye on the N64, gamers get the chance to play multiplayer favourites. Adult-only evening sessions and sensory-friendly relaxed morning sessions cater for visitors of all ages.

 
 
 

ZSL London Zoo: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Immerse yourself in the caterpillar's miniature metamorphosis world.

ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park Outer Circle, London, NW1 4RY

Tube: Chalk Farm Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

Ideal entertainment for children aged four to seven, the ZSL London Zoo is bringing the much-loved children's classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life this spring. Kids can immerse themselves in the caterpillar's miniature metamorphosis world. It starts with storytelling sessions inside a giant butterfly egg before you meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar himself. They'll journey through a supersized forest of giant fruit and veg, assault-course style, to emerge into beautiful butterflies. Across the Zoo there are demonstrations and activities including butterfly-themed crafts and seed planting in the Zoo's Wildlife Garden. No caterpillar adventure would be complete without a trip to Butterfly Paradise where you can see the creatures up close and learn how to welcome more butterflies into your own garden.

 
 
 

Easter at the London Transport Museum: Discover Billy Brown

Discover the important role of Billy Brown of London Town with this family friendly trail.

London Transport Museum, 39 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7BB

Tube: Covent Garden Station

 

Dates: 04th - 19th April 2020

 

Discover the important role that Billy Brown of London Town played during the 1940s with a family friendly Easter trail at the London Transport Museum. Running for two weeks in April, the trail will see families learn all about the cartoon character created by David Langdon. A true London gent equipped with a bowler hat and walking stick, Billy used playful rhymes to encourage transport passengers to be on their best behaviour. The trail will see families provided with a hunt card that will help them track down different sized Billy cartoons hidden around the museum's galleries, learning about his important role along the way. A visit to the museum during Easter also brings the opportunity to play in the family play zone, visit the Future Engineers gallery and see a life-size recreation of the tunnelling shield that helped create the world's first electric Tube railway.

 
 
 
 
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