Your weekend, sorted!

TFI Friday everyone! After a tiring week, this issue focuses just on things to do with kids this weekend. I know many of you rely on my suggestions, so read on for 20+ ideas for the next couple of days.

With both kids at Scout camp, last weekend me and Museum Dad had a West End date day. Part of the joy of a Mayfair gallery jaunt is you never know what you’ll see next - liked Warhol’s infamous p!ss paintings at Thaddeus Ropac! Plastic Soup at Centre for British Photography would be good for any budding environmentalist. After a few more forgettable shows, we finished with an unforgettable feast at Bubala Soho.

Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis at Hayward Gallery had me both laughing and crying at the artworks - but frustration was the most unwanted emotion, caused by its confusing layout.

I bumped into the dead famous on my quick stop at the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery - and you can see my resulting picture below. But it was the thoughtful, unexpected curation of Saint Francis of Assisi at National Gallery which really surprised me. There’s plenty of contemporary art and a strong story for those who, like me, aren’t usually into church art.

The final room of Hilma af Klint & Piet Mondrian: Forms of Life, packed with the giant swirling, visionary canvas by Klint is a magical space - unlike the rest of the exhibition.


I'd love to hear what you've been up to - hit reply, post in my Facebook group or DM me on Instagram.

Weekend activities: 24-25 June 2023

All the events listed below are either drop in or still have places left.
Click the links for exact timings and to see if you need to book.

1. First Look family day at National Portrait Gallery. 24 June, free. This will be very popular! Also running 1 July.

2. Land Body Ecologies festival at Wellcome Collection is perfect for eco-conscious teens. Until 25 June, free.

3. Chelsea Summer Programme by The Bomb Factory Art Foundation in Westfield Park, SW10. 24 June, free.

4. The Line Art Walk family Creative Workshop in the Royal Docks. Part of London Festival of Architecture. 24 June, free.

5. The Spirit of Windrush family festival at National Maritime Museum. 24 June, free.

6. All ages welcome to Pride at Vauxhall City Farm. 24 June, free.

7. Mythical Marine Animal Recycled Mask Making and Story Telling at Meanwhile Gardens, W10. 24 June, free.

8. Manor House Gardens Festival celebrates local arts and cultural talent in SE13. 24 June, free.

9. Make It: Sculpture at V&A Museum. 24 June, paid.

10. Oily Cart present… The Lost Feather: A Sensory Storytelling Adventure in Feltham. Especially for disabled children and their families. 24 June, free.

11. Make leaf props in Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery then join in with their Super Solstice Procession. 24 June, free.

12. Meet community elders in The Windrush Front Room at Horniman Museum. 24 June, free.

13. Introduction to Palestinian Embroidery for Young Adults at Leighton House. 24 June, paid. Ages 11-16.

14. Summer Air Show at IWM Duxford. 24-25 June, paid.

15. Follow your senses at the Palace: family fun day at Fulham Palace. 25 June, free.

16. Youth First Look at National Portrait Gallery. 25 June, free. Ages 14+.

17. Sunday Spot with Frank Bowling Studio at South London Gallery. 25 June, free.

18. Mbilla Arts Celebration Day at Crate St James, E17. 25 June, free.

19. Walk-in, kinetic installation Breathing Room at Royal Docks. Until 25 June, free.

20. Open Sunday: Windrush 75 at Pitzhanger. 25 June, free.

21. Last chance to see London Design Biennale at Somerset House. Closes 25 June, paid.

22. Check out the Cathedral of Sewage in Crossness Open Day. 25 June, paid.

On that (bum) note, have a fantastic weekend! I’d love to know what you get up to - please do tag me in your cultural adventures, or send me a message.

And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, please consider forwarding it to a friend -maybe they can join you on your next outing.

Until next time,

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