There are a number of child-oriented things to do in London; but parents won't have to ignore the city's historical and cultural opportunities if they plan to visit sites that provide something for everyone. Check out these suggestions for planning a trip filled with fun-filled adventures for the whole family.
Planning the Trip
The city is almost always full of tourists, so plan around the weather. The heat of summer can be unbearable since air-conditioning is rare and winter can be downright frigid. Fall and spring are great times to go, but avoid the October “half-term” when school is out and the children of London will fill the great family attractions of the city.
Fun for Kids at the British Museum
A visit to London with kids would be incomplete without an effort to go to the British Museum (Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1; 020 7323 8181; free admission).
Insider tip: Many of London’s major cultural attractions offer free entry – which makes them perfect fodder for a family vacation, not only does it save money, but if a child’s limited attention span requires an early exit, parents won’t be tempted to force them to stay longer to get their money’s worth.
Adults shouldn’t miss the chance to see the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles among other marvels, and kids, from toddlers to teens, will also find that the museum has plenty to offer. The museum staff has developed a series of trails that lead families through the collections searching for displays with certain colors, shapes and numbers (3-5 years) or details about the Nile, the British Empire, or languages and communication (6-11 years).
The basic principles of the trail system will also give families some great ideas on how to make visits to other museums more interesting for kids. Another option is focusing on the list of the “Top 13 Objects Children Will Enjoy”, available on the museum website or in the Visiting with Children pamphlet available at the information desk.
Fun for Kids on the River Thames
Another great adventure for kids is taking a Thames River cruise up to Kew Gardens with Thames River Boats (020 7930 2062; One-way £12 for adults and £6.00 for children). The trip takes about an hour and half and provides a quiet, comfortable spot for kids and parents enjoy the view. Time will fly while the tour guide provides a great commentary on the historical and pop culture of the city as the boat glides past.
Insider tip: If the weather is chilly, be sure to get a seat inside the boat since it can get breezy and rainy on deck.
Fun for Kids at Kew Gardens
An added bonus of the Thames River cruise is that one of the stops is Kew Gardens, which is a wonderful place for families to burn some energy (£13.50 for adults and children are free; Open daily at 9:30 a.m.). For the kids, try Treehouse Towers, the outdoor play area, or the indoor play area, Climbers and Creepers, where kids get a bug’s eye view of the plant world. For the more adventurous, there is also the new Xstrata Treetop Walkway for a bird’s eye view of the garden itself.
Insider Tip: Call ahead to find out when the petting zoo will be visiting so the kids have the chance to see bunnies, pigs, ducks and other farm friends while visiting the gardens.
Rory Bratcher - Rory is currently a freelance writer and mother of two. Rory travels frequently and has taken her family on a variety of trips including ...
