Play, dance and create at the Serpentine Family Day.
Join us for a day of art, storytelling, music and making inspired by our summer programme at Serpentine. Immerse yourself in creativity and culture with hands-on activities and performances for all ages.
All families are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy on the Serpentine Lawn.
Free, drop-in event.
Photography and filming will take place throughout the day, please speak to our team if you have any concerns.
The 2025 Family Day will take place at Serpentine South and the Pavilion, designed by Marina Tabassum Architects. Drawing on the history and architectural tradition of Shamiyana tents or awnings of South Asia, Marina Tabassum’s Serpentine Pavilion is a space shaped by light and movement. The Pavilion provides a fitting backdrop for the day’s music, dance, poetry and storytelling performances.
Giuseppe Penone’s exhibition of sculptures and installations inside and outside the gallery is inspired by the relationship between humans and nature. Visitors can explore the power and potential of growing at a workshop planting seeds and creating a collaborative sculpture.
With their vivid details, ornate borders and patterns, Arpita Singh’s paintings draw on elements of India’s rich textile and craft culture, which she learnt about during her time as a textile designer at the Weaver’s Service Centre in the 1960s. Participants of all ages will be able to try their hand at weaving, contributing to a large-scale collaborative textile piece.
Incorporating LEGO® Bricks into the design, the Play Pavilion commission offers an immersive environment to explore. Drop-in throughout the day to build, make and play.
PROGRAMME
Seed Saving Workshop with Global Generation
This interactive drop-in workshop invites families to explore the power and potential of seeds through art, storytelling and gardening. Led by two members of the Global Generation team, participants will learn about the beauty and diversity of seeds, create a collaborative clay sculpture inspired by what they see, and take part in hands-on seed sowing activities.
Live Music & Dance Performance by Mukto Arts
Bringing the joyful rhythms of British-Bengali culture to Serpentine, Mukto Arts presents a dynamic performance celebrating Bengali music and dance. The ensemble of five artists—including a singer, musicians playing the Harmonium and Mridanga (also known as Khol), and two dancers—offer a vibrant expression of community, identity and intercultural connection.
Audience members are invited to join in! Some of the choreography will be taught during the session—no experience necessary.
Spoken Word with British Bilingual Poetry Collective
This spoken word session brings together moving stories and traditions from around the world through the richness of multilingual performance. Enjoy bilingual poetry performed in English and four additional languages, celebrating multicultural heritage and shared histories.
Storytelling with Sally Pomme Clayton
Award-winning storyteller and writer Sally Pomme Clayton (aka Pomme) shares an enchanting folk tale from Bengal: The Invention of Shoes. Often attributed to Rabindranath Tagore, the tale humorously depicts the origin of shoes through the eyes of a king named Hobu.
Character Creation Workshop with Mouni Mukta
Following Sally Pomme Clayton’s storytelling session, visual artist Mouni Mukta invites families to create their own imaginative characters inspired by the tale. Using drawing and creative prompts, participants will explore identity and storytelling through art in this hands-on workshop suitable for all ages.
Collective Weaving with Raisa Kabir
Join interdisciplinary artist Raisa Kabir for a drop-in, hands-on weaving workshop. Participants of all ages are invited to contribute to a large-scale collaborative textile piece. Using a simple frame structure Raisa will guide participants in weaving recycled materials into a shared artwork that celebrates the power of community making, and offers the chance to explore a variety of patterns, techniques, and materials.
Helpful information
- Everyone is welcome, activities are designed for ages 5-12.
- The Family Day is free and drop-in any time from 11am-3pm. No booking is required.
- Places for each activity are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Buggies are welcome in the galleries and Pavilion but please keep them with you. Any items are left at the owners risk.
- Baby changing facilities are available at Serpentine South and North.
- Breastfeeding is welcome at Serpentine, please ask a member of staff if you need a stool to sit on.
- You can bring a picnic to have on the lawn or visit the Friends of Ours restaurant at Serpentine North or in the Pavilion cafe.
- Find out more about access and how to get here on our Plan Your Visit page
