Right, quick check on the calendar—first proper weekend of 2026! If you’re done with the post-Christmas lull, there are a few cracking things on before the inevitable January slump. Don't miss the last chance to catch the dazzling Christmas at Kew light trail, and if you’ve got little ones obsessed with Paddington, you HAVE to book the immersive quest at County Hall. Let’s get out there before the school term properly kicks off!
Quick Picks
Monster Art Club
Barbican Library
Free drop-in session for drawing, colouring, and crafting—perfect for tiny Picassos.
The Snowman
Peacock Theatre
A magical, classic stage adaptation that's a guaranteed winter warmer for all ages.
Singing, stories and crafts for under 5s
London Transport Museum
Interactive fun specifically designed for toddlers at the Covent Garden museum.
Singing, stories and crafts for under 5s
It's a dedicated half-hour of interactive singing and storytelling followed by 15 minutes of craft time, ideal for keeping the little ones engaged. Best bit? Kids get into the museum for free with an adult ticket, so you can explore the buses afterwards too.
Why we picked it: It’s a well-structured, engaging session for the under-5 crowd right at the start of the weekend.
The Paddington Bear Experience
You actually get to help Paddington and the Browns prepare for the Marmalade Day Festival—it sounds like a proper interactive quest with live performers. If your kids love Paddington, this multi-room, sensory experience will blow their minds. Book ahead though, this is always popular!
Why we picked it: A major immersive experience based on a beloved children's character happening all weekend.
Mudlarks family gallery
A brilliant interactive play area specifically for little ones under 8, letting them get hands-on exploring the history of the docks. Since it’s right after Christmas, it’s a great way to burn off some energy indoors. Remember, under-12s go free for general admission, but Mudlarks can be popular, so book ahead!
Why we picked it: A purpose-built, interactive indoor play space for younger children that isn't a commercial play centre.
The Snowman
This stage version of the classic cartoon is back for its 28th year, perfect for getting that last bit of winter magic before everything goes back to normal. It’s a beautiful show for any age that appreciates a good story and stunning visuals. Check the dates as this is part of the extended Christmas run.
Why we picked it: A beloved, high-quality seasonal show still running into the first weekend of January.
Nutcracker (Family Friendly Matinee)
It’s a special family matinee where they explicitly allow under-5s, which is rare for a full ballet at the Coliseum. Kids under 16 only pay the booking fee with a full-paying adult, which is an amazing saving for a big production. A great, grand way to introduce them to ballet before the run ends.
Why we picked it: A rare, discounted, relaxed ballet performance that specifically welcomes very young children.
Gingerbread City 2025
This is probably running for its last few days—it's a huge, scale model city made entirely out of gingerbread and sweets. It smells amazing and is super creative, but you need to check the exact closing date for 2026 as it’s often tight after Christmas. It’s much cooler than it sounds!
Why we picked it: It’s a unique, highly visual, sweet-smelling festive creation that is definitely ending this weekend.
City of London Sculpture Trail
Grab a free map and go on a sculpture hunt around the City, finding 17 modern art pieces dotted between the historic buildings. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and stretch everyone's legs after the holidays. It’s entirely self-guided, so you can make it as long or as short as you like.
Why we picked it: A free, quirky way to explore the Square Mile and see modern art outdoors.
Neverland at Kenwood (Last Chance)
This is the final weekend for the Peter Pan-themed light trail at Kenwood House, featuring glowing installations like giant skulls and pirate ships. It's a bit different from Kew and set in a stunning estate. Don't miss out as it wraps up Saturday!
Why we picked it: This Peter Pan-themed light trail is also ending on Saturday, making it a last-chance, themed evening out.
Christmas at Kew (Last Chance)
It's your absolute final chance to see the famous light trail winding through Kew Gardens this year. Think twinkling tunnels and giant light installations set to music—it's stunning for all ages. Seriously, get tickets ASAP as it closes Sunday!
Why we picked it: This is the final day (Jan 4th) to see one of London's most spectacular seasonal light trails.
Monster Art Club
If you're near the Barbican, pop into the library for this free drop-in art session every Saturday afternoon. They supply all the colouring, drawing, and crafting materials, which is a lifesaver for last-minute plans. You just turn up, which is always a winner for parents.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, no-booking-needed creative activity happening on Sunday afternoon.
Bluey's Big Play
If you have a Bluey-obsessed little one, seeing the show come to life with puppetry is going to be epic. It’s a brand new adaptation, so it’s very current and engaging for preschool/early primary kids. It's running over the weekend, so book for Sunday.
Why we picked it: It's a high-demand show based on a hugely popular TV character, perfect for the pre-school crowd.
Jurassic World - The Experience
If your teens are into dinosaurs or big movie magic, this massive, immersive attraction at Battersea Power Station lets them get up close to life-sized dinos. It’s a huge space over 10 zones, so you can easily spend a good few hours here. Definitely one for the dinosaur fanatics.
Why we picked it: A major, high-production immersive experience that appeals hugely to older kids and teens.
Epping Ongar Lights Express (Last Chance)
Take a ride on a proper steam train covered in fairy lights, looking out at illuminated displays along the tracks outside London. It’s a super nostalgic and atmospheric experience that’s perfect for train-mad kids and finishes on Sunday. A quirky, slightly out-of-town treat!
Why we picked it: This unique, illuminated steam train ride is one of the final seasonal attractions finishing on Sunday.
Moco Museum London
Check out this big immersive art exhibition showcasing digital and contemporary works from major artists—think Banksy and Basquiat. It’s very colourful and interactive, making it great for teens who usually turn their nose up at traditional galleries. It runs until March, so it’s not last chance, but it’s a good rainy-day option.
Why we picked it: A modern, visually stimulating exhibition that offers an alternative to the usual big national galleries.
Art & Music Activities at Foundling Libraries
The Foundling Museum runs free, creative drop-in sessions focused on art and music specifically for under-5s at local libraries. No booking needed, just turn up if you’re in the area for some relaxed creative time. It’s an easy way to do something enriching without committing to a big ticketed event.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free, relaxed, local option for families with toddlers, run by a respected museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in London this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can head to the Monster Art Club at Barbican Library on Saturday afternoon for free creative fun, or check for drop-in Art & Music Activities for under-5s run by the Foundling Museum at local libraries on Sunday. Both are genuinely free with no entry fee!
Are there any unique shows ending this weekend for the kids?
Yes! Sunday, January 4th is the final day for the spectacular Christmas at Kew light trail and the Neverland at Kenwood Peter Pan light trail. Also, the festive Epping Ongar Lights Express steam train finishes on Sunday—great for transport fans.
What's a good, non-traditional activity for my under-5?
For toddlers, the Singing, stories and crafts for under 5s session at the London Transport Museum on Saturday is perfect, offering structured, interactive fun. Alternatively, look for the Foundling Libraries free drop-in art and music sessions on Sunday.