The Under Five’s Bank Holiday
Our last bank holiday of the year is upon us, so make sure it’s a good one! If you’re still unsure about what to do with your little ones, check out our pick of the best happenings in and around Newham for under-5’s and their families this weekend. Have a great one, whatever you choose to do

Geometric Playground at Discover Children’s Story Centre
Immerse yourself in Kristi Minchin’s interactive artwork and explore its colours, shapes and forms, with cogs to turn, levers to pull and pendulums to swing. This is playtime at its interactive best from the the 3D Artist and Maker who’s passion is to spread positive vibes and happiness through her artwork.
Find out more here
Tuesday 22 August-Sunday 3 Sept. No booking required
383–387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ
020 8536 5555

East London Waterways Festival
Spend bank holiday Monday celebrating East London Waterways and the regeneration of Carpenters Road Lock, which will form the hub of the festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This is set to be a fantastically fun day, with activities ranging from dragon boat racing and free boat and pedalo rides to live music, historical performances and short films. Good job there’ll be plenty of food stalls to keep you going!
Find out more and see the festival programme here
Monday 28 August. Most events are free but some need pre-booking
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST

Core Crafts at Applecart Cafe
The creative vibe is palpable when you step into Applecart Arts performance space, studios and cafe in Upton Park. This relative newcomer to the area (previously based in Tower Hamlets) is injecting a healthy dose of edgy arts-based culture into the area, and they aren’t missing out the little ones either. This weekend sees the final Core Crafts session of this series (back for more in October) and the theme is Rocketships! Recommended for ages 4–5’s but everyone is welcome.
Find out more about Applecart and what they do here
Saturday 26 August, 11am-12.30pm
170, Harold Road, Upton Park, E13 0SE

Woodchips Teddybear’s Picnic
Mini outdoor enthusiasts will love Woodchips, who get out and about to enjoy the elements with 0–3 year olds (older siblings welcome). This Saturday a Teddybear’s Picnic along with games will be held to celebrate summer at Forest Gate Community Garden. Bring along a dish, suggested donation £1.
Find out more about Woodchips on Facebook
Saturday 26 August, 11am-midday
Forest Gate Community Garden, 136 Earlham Grove, E7 9AS

WALALA X PLAY at Now Gallery
A little further afield over at Greenwich Peninsula, children can explore the bold colour, patterns and reflections within digital print designer Camille Walala’s labyrinthine ‘temple of wonder’. Can you identify the inconsistencies between two otherwise identical images? Give it a go! Due to the popularity of this exhibition, entrance is free but ticketed.
Find out more and book here
WALALA X PLAY runs until September 24th. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm and Sat-Sun, 11am-4pm
The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ

Time Tunnellers for Under-5’s at Museum of London Docklands
Don your high vis jacket and become an archaeologist to help uncover the hidden history preserved beneath London’s new Elizabeth line. Handle authentic artefacts and learn how archaeologists work to uncover the past, layer by layer, in this interactive session. Don’t forget to enjoy Mudlarks Children’s gallery afterwards!
Find out more and book here
Open from 10am-6pm daily
№1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL

Flip Out E6
Trampolining fun has come to East Ham! Flip Out’s new home is in the old White House venue on Barking Road. You can expect trampolines (obvs), a laser maze, foam pits, a climbing wall (for older children) and no less than three cafes. Brilliant for chilly or rainy days. There is also a soft play area for younger children but it’s currently closed for further works.
Find out more and book here
Open Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm and Sat-Sun, 9am-10pm
281 Barking Road, London, E6 1LB

Go a little further: Shuffle Festival, Mile End
Danny Boyle’s Shuffle returns for another bank holiday weekend celebration of culture and community. Set within Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and the surrounding area, 2017's schedule is packed full with films, talks, walks, performances, installations, music and food. For the little ones there are film screenings of Inside Out (U) and Spy Kids (PG), art workshops involving paint bombs, potatoes, catapulting, digital self portraiture and muddy play. There’s also a bug safari, music workshops and sports. I could go on! Over at Canary Wharf, catch a performance of The Insect Circus, a show that breathes new life into the traditional techniques used in Victorian trick marionettes.
See the full schedule and book tickets here
Saturday 26th-Sunday 27th August, midday onwards
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Southern Grove, E3 4PX (plus other locations)
