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Community and collaboration is the theme of the Southbank Centre’s egg-cellent Easter programme, which includes theatre, dance, play and art workshops, plus free activities all the family can enjoy.
Find and book all Easter events here, or read on for my top picks.
REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground until 12th April
One of our all-time-favourite activities, REPLAY takes the form of a huge indoor adventure playground consisting entirely of recycled materials in a vast variety of colours and textures. Create your own costumes, build secret dens or follow the play prompts from the crowd-sourced play generator to discover new games. Morning sessions are reserved for ages 6 months to 3 years, while afternoon sessions are aimed at ages 4-11. Relaxed sessions for children with sensory sensitivities run on selected days and have a smaller capacity. Tickets from £7.50
Architecture Explorers: Family Trail 1st April to 29th May
Designed to celebrate the centre’s 75th anniversary, this interactive trail invites children aged 5+ and their families to explore the Southbank Centre’s unique Brutalist buildings on a self-led adventure. Co-designed by families and the brilliant MATT+FIONA, the trail takes the form of a series of mini play pavilions and begins at the Blue Side Foyer – just grab a map and get exploring! Free, drop in.
The Koala Who Could 1st-5th April
Based on the award-winning picture book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this empowering outback adventure follows Kevin the cautious koala as he navigates an unexpected event that forces him to embrace change. Aimed at ages 3+, this laugh-out-loud performance uses puppetry and songs to convey the very important message that life can be great when you try something new. Tickets from £16
Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special 3rd April
The Southbank Centre’s free monthly meet-up and dance returns with an all-singing, all-dancing all-ages edition this Good Friday. Led by the Tomorrow’s Warriors house band, vinyl-spinning DJ duo GW Jazz and the Reggae Choir ensemble, Simmer Down invites children and their grown ups to strap on their dancing shoes and feel the reggae beat with other families. Free.
Community Quilting: A Family Workshop 7th-11th April
Ever fancied trying your hand at quilting but weren’t sure where to start? Enter talented textile artist Natasha Shah, who will be leading collaborative community quilting workshops across four days this Easter. Aimed at ages 7+ and their families, these drop-in sessions invite quilters of all skill levels (beginners very welcome) to snip, sew and patch a vibrant communal artwork together. Free, drop in
The Boy at the Back of the Class 7th-12th April
An 2026 Olivier Award nominee for ‘Best Family Show’, this moving piece of theatre tells the story of a nine-year-old refugee called Ahmet and his classmates’ grand plan to reunite him with his family. Based on the best-selling novel by Onjali Q. Raúf and best for ages 7+, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a joyful celebration of friendship, kindness and compassion. Tickets from £16
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