🦊 Half Term: The Sequel

Morning, London! Happy Thursday. Midway through half term and still standing? Gold star. Hopefully you had a good bank holiday and managed to catch some of the events from last week’s issue. There’s still plenty to go. A second batch kicked off mid-week, so have a scroll below. So many free events this week!

A couple of weeks ago I asked if you'd prefer to get the Scoop on Wednesdays instead. Turns out a whopping 75 percent of you like to live on the edge and said nah, Thursdays are much cooler. So here we are. To the ultra-organised planners who voted for Wednesday: I tried. Democracy wins. I’ll keep flagging a few things ahead of time, especially the ones that always sell out, to give you a fighting chance.

Also, I genuinely like hearing from you. If you ever end up at something because of the Scoop, just hit reply and let me know. It justifies the effort and the slightly unhinged number of tabs I have open while writing this.

Anyway, here’s today’s Scoop. May your weekend be sunny and only mildly sticky.

. LONDON SNIPPETS .
Bits that caught our eye

🚢 Columbus’ Ship Drops Anchor at St. Katharine Docks. A full-scale replica of the Santa María is sailing into London, 29 May–8 June. It’s the first time the 15th-century replica has visited England, which, to be fair, is still closer than Columbus got to India. Full story

📚 Condé Nast Picks: London’s Best Bookshops. From floating shelves to secret nooks, London’s bookshops are in a league of their own. Condé Nast just named the 15 best. Got any under the radar favourites? Full story

🗃️ V&A East Storehouse: Museum of the Future? Opening 31 May in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the new V&A East Storehouse isn’t your average archive. It flips the script on museum storage, inviting the public behind the scenes to explore over half a million objects. You can pre-book pieces to view. Think less dusty basement, more backstage pass, with giant statement pieces and hands-on exhibits making this feel like the future of museums. Full story

. QUICK BITES .
Tiny Mouths, Smaller Tabs

If you’re out and about and running dangerously low on snack bribes, here’s a list of family-friendly chains where kids eat free this week across London (worth checking individual branches):

🥘 Banana Tree, Bill’s, Brewdog, Côte, Franco Manca, Gordon Ramsay, Pizza Express, Zizzi.

. FAMILY FUN .
Polo in 60 seconds

Last week we shared what’s shaping up to be one of the best family days of the spring: Chestertons Polo in the Park. World-class live polo, street food that’s actually good, and a packed kids’ line-up.

🏇 As promised, if you’ve never seen polo before (or just nodded along pretending), here’s your cheat sheet:

What’s the vibe? Picture this: players galloping across a massive field, mallet in hand, chasing a tiny ball to score a goal. It’s fast, it’s fierce, and it’s all about teamwork.

Who’s playing? Two teams, three players each, all on horseback. No goalies, just wide-open goalposts waiting for you to score. The ball? Small, solid, and ready to fly.

How does it work? Games are split into “chukkas”, seven-minute periods. Most matches have four to six of these, so stamina (for the rider and the horse) is key. Strike the ball through the opposing goalposts. It’s all about timing and precision, like a golfer’s swing, but at full gallop.

What’s the catch? No reckless horse-bumping or wild swings. Umpires keep it fair. Think of it as controlled chaos with a side of sportsmanship. It’s a mix of strategy, balance, and nerve.

📅 Sunday 8 June - Family Day
📍 Hurlingham Park - just off Putney Bridge
👧 All ages welcome, and under 12s go free!

We also sorted a little something for our loyal scoopers. Use the code “LONDONSCOOP” at checkout for a special rate. See you there. Here’s the link.

. CASUAL EINSTEIN .
2 for 1: Wow your kid, and outsmart the other parents

Fun Fact: You can fit all the planets in the solar system, side by side, between Earth and the Moon. The average Earth to Moon distance is about 384,400 km. Line up each planet’s diameter and you'd only need around 380,000 km. Space: bigger than your school run. 🌍🌖

London Fact: Hamleys on Regent Street has been around since 1760, making it one of the oldest toy shops in the world. It now spans seven floors of sensory overload, bubble machines, and “Can I have this?” every 14 seconds. 🎲🧸

. SCOOP BOARD .
The Wall is Yours

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or simply say hi to thousands of Londoners?

SnapSocial - The mirrored cabin that makes your event pop. From birthdays to company bashes, anniversaries to any excuse-for-a-party. SnapSocial brings the ultimate photo-ready backdrop. Delivered, set up, and impossible to forget.

Butter & Crust - Fresh sourdough delivered by bike, before you’ve even wrestled the kids into their uniforms. Butter & Crust delivers handmade bread, pastries, and other breakfast heroes from London’s top bakeries — all by bike, while you snooze.

  EVENTS SCOOP .
What’s on this week?

🎨 Half-term: Gold Reflections @ National Gallery
Date & Loc: May 29, Trafalgar Square
Hunt for gold in paintings, then make your own shiny masterpiece.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🌼 Welcome Day with London Play @ Greenwich Park
Date & Loc: May 29, Greenwich
Explore the new Nature Play Space and get hands-on in the Flower Garden.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🏛️ Mini Museum Makers @ Sir John Soanes Museum
Date & Loc: May 29, Holborn
Celebrate Museum Week by creating your own mini-museum, inspired by the quirky Soane collection!
Age: 4+ | Price: no cost (book req) | Info

🧪 Top Secret - The Magic of Science @ The Exchange
Date & Loc: May 29, Twickenham
Where magic meets science in a spectacular live show full of wonder and surprises.
Age: Everyone | Price: £12 | Info

👹 That’s Rubbish! @ London Museum
Date & Loc: May 29-30, Docklands
Make your own monster hand puppet using recycled scraps, buttons and bits in this fun drop-in craft session. No two monsters are the same — just bring your imagination!
Age: 5+ | Price: no cost | Info

✏️ May Drop-in Designs @ V&A Museum
Date & Loc: May 29-30, South Kensington
Art, design, and storytelling come together in this creative half-term drop-in.
Age: 5+ | Price: no cost | Info

🎥 Digital Kids: Create with Clay @ V&A Museum
Date & Loc: May 29-30, South Kensington
Shape clay characters, then animate your own mini film.
Age: Family | Price: no cost | Info

🎭 Stories on the Stage: Where the Water Falls @ V&A Museum
Date & Loc: May 29-30, South Kensington
Short puppet show exploring identity and imagination.
Age: 5+ | Price: No cost | Info

🪐 Family Festival: Space @ Natural History Museum
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, South Kensington
Space-themed festival celebrating the museum’s new cosmic exhibition.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🪲 Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt @ London Wetland Centre
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, Barnes
Bug hunts, crafts and critter-themed chaos for half term.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £11 | Info

🖍️ Secret Colouring Experience @ Greenwich Peninsula
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, Greenwich
Creative sessions blending freehand drawing, vinyl culture, and collaborative art.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost (book req) | Info

🧸 The Koala Who Could @ Unicorn Theatre
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, London Bridge
Kevin the koala finds his courage (eventually). Sweet Aussie tale for little ones.
Age: 3+ | Price: £12.50 | Info

🎭 Overheard in a Tower Block @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Loc: May 29 onwards, Islington
Poetic story capturing the sounds and soul of urban life, funny, tender, and quietly powerful.
Age: 7+ | Price: from £13 | Info

🦖 Jurassic World: The Experience @ Battersea
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Battersea
Step through the iconic gates and explore 10 immersive zones from the blockbuster dino franchise.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £25 | Info

🎭 The Paper Dolls @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Islington
When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden.
Age: 3-8yo | Price: from £13 | Info

📖 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Workshop @ Shakespeare’s Globe
Date & Loc: May 31, Southbank
Explore language, characters, and chaos in this interactive workshop.
Age: 9-11yo | Price: £10 | Info

🌲 The Vanishing Forest @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, Wimbledon
A quest to save an enchanted forest — with fairy kings, friendship and action.
Age: 7-12yo | Price: £10 | Info

🎭 Krafty the Urban Fox @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Islington
Follow a curious fox on a magical night-time city adventure.
Age: 2-5yo | Price: from £13 | Info

🪐 Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? @ Natural History Museum
Date & Loc: Ongoing, South Kensington
New! Touch a piece of Mars, hold a fragment of the Moon, and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite — older than Earth itself.
Age: 8+ | Price: £14 (adults) | Info

👽 The Smeds and The Smoos @ Pentland Theatre
Date & Loc: May 29-Jun 1, North Finchley
A star-crossed alien love story with rhymes and rocket ships.
Age: 3+ | Price: £14 | Info

📚 Story Explorers: Imaginary Worlds @ British Library
Date & Loc: Ongoing, King’s Cross
Sold out for May, but June has slots. Expect books, sounds, odd creatures, and a furry octopus.
Age: 2-9yo | Price: no cost (book req) | Info

🌳 Of the Oak @ Kew Gardens
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Kew
An immersive installation celebrating the mighty oak. Nature meets art.
Age: Everyone | Price: Included with entry | Info

🚗 Ready Steady Go! @ Unicorn Theatre
Date & Loc: Ongoing, London Bridge
Build your own cardboard car, zoom through roadworks, stop at a bubbly car wash, and learn road safety while having a blast.
Age: 3-8yo | Price: £12.50 | Info

🎮 Wifi Wars @ Studio Theatre
Date & Loc: May 30, North Finchley
Live comedy game show where the whole audience plays along via smartphone.
Age: 6+ & 11+ | Price: £12.75 | Info

🐘 The Vanishing Elephant @ Southbank Centre
Date & Loc: May 30-Jun 1, Southbank
A tale of friendship between a boy and an elephant — from Bengal to Broadway.
Age: 8+ | Price: £16 | Info

🐄 Spring Fair @ Vauxhall City Farm
Date & Loc: May 31, Vauxhall
From sheep shearing to spinning demos, animal cuddles to silly games — plus live music, herb walks and a BBQ.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost | Info

🎨 Spring Family Festival @ V&A Museum
Date & Loc: May 31, South Kensington
Make, move, boogie and build. A free day of joy and storytelling.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost | Info

✈️ D-Day Weekend @ Royal Air Force Museum
Date & Loc: May 31-Jun 1, Barnet
Kick off summer at the RAF Museum with music to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost | Info

🎨 Beyond Victory: Spread your Wings @ Westminster Abbey
Date & Loc: May 31, Westminster
Flock together for a gentle session of bird crafts, trails and stories as we consider peace through the symbol of birds.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost (book req) | Info

🎨 Family Craft Saturdays @ Horniman Museum
Date & Loc: May 31, Lewisham
Decorate little seedling pots and plant your own seeds this National Children’s Gardening Week.
Age: Everyone | Price: No cost | Info

🎉 Moomin 80: Everybody is Welcome! @ Southbank Centre
Date & Loc: Jun 1, Southbank
Enjoy music, storytelling, and a party inspired by Moominvalley, celebrating 80 years since the first Moomin book was published.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🐎 Family Day @ Chestertons Polo in the Park
Date & Loc: Jun 8, Fulham
World-class live polo, street food that’s actually good, and a packed kids’ line-up. See discount code in the newsletter further up.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £40 (kids free) | Info

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