Things to do in London today is sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
What we're reading:
- 'Queen of London florists' to create royal wedding bouquets.
- Runaway sheep makes a break for King's Cross Waitrose.
- How Islington's police gangs unit achieved a dramatic drop in knife crime.
- Property developers are rebranding London with New York names.
- Ducks and swans let loose on flooded Richmond street.
Things to do:
SPACE SAFARI: Take the tots on a holiday that's totally out of this world. The Royal Observatory's space safari gives your little astronauts the chance to get a closer look at our solar system as they follow Ted on his quest to find the great big bear. Suitable for ages 4-7. Royal Observatory (Greenwich), £8.20, book ahead, 10am-11.30am
EARN YOUR KEEP: Kids already complaining of Easter holiday boredom? A visit to the Ragged School Museum's Victorian Careers Service will remind them just how lucky they are. From gutting fish to selling matches, they'll learn all about the Dickensian daily grind and be matched with their very own not-so-ideal 19th century kiddie career. Ragged School Museum (Mile End), free, just turn up, 10am-5pm
LOOMING MARVELLOUS: Whatever your skill level, the London Loom's freestyle weaving workshop gives you the chance to create beautifully unique fabric with your own fair hands. So put down your phone, pick out a rainbow of yarn and get ready for some good old fashioned crafting. The London Loom (Hackney Downs), from £45, book ahead, 12pm-10pm
Sponsor message
Are you brave enough to take on the world’s longest tunnel slide this Easter?
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you: they’ve only gone and installed the world’s longest tunnel slide on the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and you’re invited to ride it this Easter.
A trip to the top means you get to take in some of the most spectacular views in London, courtesy of the tower’s two 360-degree viewing galleries — but what goes up, must come down. Visitors can hurtle back to earth via 178m of twisting steel tubes, in what is potentially the most hair-raising experience in the capital (but don’t worry, the stairs or lift are still an option too…).
The exhilarating journey sees you take on 12 twists, loops and curves as you twirl around the structure at speeds of up to 15mph, before emerging into the delightful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at the bottom. Be warned, though — it's a popular one, with tickets almost selling out last year. Booking online is highly recommended if you want to secure your place.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located just 10 minutes from central London. Special extended opening hours operate this Easter, with the attraction open from 10am-7pm from Easter Monday 2 April to Sunday 15 April.
CHARCOAL ART: Before it became a hipster's diet staple, charcoal was better known as the perfect medium for depicting the interplay of light and shadow. Rediscover its artistic properties with a visit to Epping Forest where artist Lisa Ivory will help you create a monochrome masterpiece. The View (Chingford), free, just turn up, 1.30pm-3.30pm
REGGAE RECORD ART: Lovers of vintage album art, listen up! Discover the stories behind your favourite reggae record sleeves at the launch of Alex Bartsch’s new book, Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London. The evening will also include an exhibition of photographs featuring interview excerpts with the recording artists, record company staff and photographers who brought the cover art to life. Plus, there's free refreshments. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 6pm, exhibition until 23 April
SCREECH BATS: Camden Rocks Festival presents extraterrestrial punk rockers Screech Bats, who are coming to roost at The Monarch for the release of their new EP Wish You Were Her. With support including Riot Grrl group The Menstrual Cramps and frantic four-piece Kid Kapichi, it's sure to be a (head)banging night. The Monarch (Camden), £7, book ahead, 6.30pm-11.30pm
HIGH RISE: Fire and explosion scientist Dr Claire Benson returns to PubSci, an informal science-based meetup held at a London pub. This month she's looking at fire safety in tall buildings and, in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, what can be done to prevent future disasters. Old King's Head (Borough), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 7pm
HARRY POTTER QUIZ NIGHT: Calling all witches and quizzards! If you know your Accio from your Alohomora, we've got the pub quiz for you. Test your knowledge of the wizarding world and grapple with (witch)craft challenges in a Siriusly spellbinding trivia night that's as dastardly as the Triwizard Tournament. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 7pm
SECRET VARIETY CLUB: Pun on down to The Secret Variety Club for a medley of stand-up, sketch, character and musical comedy from London's up and coming comics. Tonight's line-up includes BBC New Comedy Award semi-finalist Dave Green and Susan Harrison, of the Oliver-award winning Showstopper: The Improvised Musical. Aces and Eights (Tufnell Park), £3, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm
ANDREAS GURSKY: Experience German landscape photography like never before at the Southbank Centre. The work of Andreas Gursky will be accompanied by live tunes from electronic artist Scanner and mindful improv duo Mandel, who play music inspired by the photographer's work. Southbank Centre, £14.50, book ahead, 8.30pm
Good cause of the day
If you're interested in helping people affected by mental illness but not sure where to start, get yourself down to SANE's Islington office for their volunteer evening. Find out about the various ways in which the mental health charity's volunteers provide support and learn which of their roles could be right for you.
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