What’s on this weekend: 22 & 23 July

Kick start the holidays in style with these fun goings-on in London

Cadbury Little Pi-Cow masterclasses
Get ready to unleash your creative side at the Barbican Centre this weekend as Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons gives young families the chance to meet and draw Buttons, the impressive 8ft animatronic Cadbury cow. Led by renowned artist and illustrator Rose Blake, the sessions give little ones the opportunity to sketch Buttons during a life-drawing class and pose for photos. You’ll also get to sample plenty of delicious Dairy Milk Buttons (free chocolate? Don’t mind if we do…) and leave with fun-filled goodie bags so the kids can continue to channel their inner artist at home. The masterclasses are part of Cadbury’s ongoing Adopt a Cow campaign. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance as spaces are limited.
When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July
Where: Level 4, Frobisher Rooms, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
How much: Free
eventbrite.com

Dusty’s Wildlife Rangers
This weekend marks the start of a whole host of free activity down at the WWT Wetland Centre this summer, including the chance to join Dusty Duck and become a wildlife ranger with your own logbook and stickers to collect. A day of discovery awaits for little ones, including pond dipping, ranger training, and spotlight talks on their favourite animals. Children are encouraged to record their findings and experiences in their log books – like a real-life ranger – as a permanent reminder of the day. Plus, as always, there is a whole host of wildlife to spot, including otters, birds, reptiles and more.
When: Until Sunday 3 September
Where: WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT
How much: Adults, from £11; children, from £6; under-fours go free
wwt.org.uk/london

National Army Museum Play Base
Head down to the National Army Museum in Chelsea for its fun and engaging sessions for kids aged up to eight years. In their very own immersive ‘base camp’ little ones can learn about the museum and its stories – discover the teamwork it takes to drive a tank, learn the rhythm required to drum a battle command and practice your drills with the museum’s own Drill Sergeant. There is even a soft play area for the littlest family members.
When: Until Sunday 3 September
Where: National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT
How much: £4.50 per child
nam.ac.uk

Summer Festival
The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green is always a hub of events, but this Sunday is its annual Summer Festival. This unmissable event features a colourful mix of live music, dance shows, henna, face painting, skills workshops and rickshaw rides, as well as plenty of food and drink.
When: Sunday 23 July, 10.30am to 4.30pm
Where: V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
How much: Free
vam.ac.uk