Culture Kit: What To Do This Spring & Summer

Family Events Guide: Spring & Summer 2024

Anoop Bhuller brings you the ultimate family culture guide for this spring and summer.

Read a book

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Christopher is visiting his grandfather when he sees an avalanche of mythical creatures, and discovers his grandfather is the guardian between the non-magical world and Archipelago. As the walls break down, Christopher and a new friend set out on a quest to protect both worlds. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, £14.99

Which Way Round The Galaxy by Cressida Cowell

Four children discover a lost magical creature and set out on an adventure to get him back to his home. They must prove to their parents that they can be trusted with magic along the way. Working together, they must get past the venomous sharks and dangerous killer robots. Hachette Children’s Group, £14.99

The Secret Garden Under The Sea by Neil Griffiths

The book shares the story of Seanna the Seahorse and her friends. Created to teach children about the importance of marine eco-systems, the book teaches about the restorative features of seagrass. Zurich, free e-book available at zurich.co.uk

On Stage

Mean Girls

The iconic movie Mean Girls takes to the stage at the Savoy Theatre this spring, with the new film also hitting the big screen. New girl Cady Heron takes on The Plastics at North Shore High. Expect to see all the characters from the film on stage and get ready for a giggle – some of the lines are hilarious. From June, savoytheatre.com

The Devil Wears Prada

Elton John’s musical The Devil Wears Prada will be thrilling audiences later this year at London’s Dominion Theatre. Journalist Andy lands a job at the most prestigious glossy in New York and faces a raft of challenges – from the sublime to the ridiculous – while trying to please her new boss Miranda Priestly. From 24 October, nederlander.co.uk.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Visit the Theatre Royal Haymarket to see Peppa Pig’s live show, Fun Day Out. Peppa and her family take a trip to the zoo and beach for a party. Expect singing, dancing and, of course,muddy puddles. From 21 February, trh.co.uk

On The Screen

Spy Kids: Armageddon

Now streaming on Netflix, you can watch the Spy Kids spring back into action. Tony and Patty have to save their parents and the world from a dangerous Game Developer who has created a new computer game containing a virus that allows him to control all technology. Can spy kids save the world? netflix.com

Spy Kida: Armageddons (Image from Netflix)

Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4 follows Po as he fights an evil Chameleon who steals the powers of others and has to train a new warrior. Returning after seven years, it is confirmed that Jack Black will continue to play Po. In cinemas 8 March. 

 Inside Out 2

In Inside Out 2 we enter Riley’s mind once again. However new emotions enter her head, leaving Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust confused. The new emotions include Anxiety, who is played by actress Maya Hawke. Other cast members include Phyliss Smith as sadness and Amy Poehler as Joy. In cinemas June.

What To Do

Imagine Children’s Festival

Over spring half-term head to the Southbank Centre for the Imagine Children’s Festival. This year’s event will include storytelling from Rosie Jones, John Agard and more, as well as Tom Fletcher’s There’s A Monster In Your Show. With over 130 events scheduled, there’s something for everyone. 7-17 February. southbankcentre.co.uk

Night Sky Live at Winchester Science Theatre

This March for one night only, you can discover the wonders of the stars and planets live at the Winchester Science Theatre. Tickets include a Planetarium Show, two floors of interactive exhibits, a hosted star-gazing experience and a star-gazing guide to take home. 5 March. winchestersciencecentre.org/whats-on/night-sky-live-march

Hackney City Farm

As we approach warmer days, why not head on a family day out to East London to Hackney City Farm? Home to an array of animals including pigs, goats and sheep, it also offers pottery classes, woodworking and art classes. hackneycityfarm.co.uk/animal

Young V&A

Recently refurbished, take a look at the new exhibitions at the Young V&A. Three new galleries Play, Imagine and Design offer interactive activities for kids to be inspired and learn. Running until 8 September, Myths of Manga explores Japanese art, design and technology. vam.ac.uk/young

Disney’s Frozen The Musical: A Cool School Trip

Disney’s official workshops are the perfect accompaniment for a school visit to Frozen the Musical. Led by Disney Teaching Artists, workshops can be tailored to your group’s needs giving students the opportunity to perform scenes, songs, and dances from the award-winning musical (disneyonstage.co.uk). Backstage tours and post-show talks are available after Thursday matinee and Thursday evening performances. [email protected] or 020 7845 0949

Free Educational Resources

Author Charlie Mackesy has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust, Penguin Random House UK and BBC Teach to share free educational resources inspired by his bestseller The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. These are all available on the BBC Teach platform now. bbc.co.uk/teach