Okay, so you've updated your passports, bought the tickets, booked your hotel in London and set up an itinerary – you're ready to go. If you're going with kids, you might be anxious about what it is that they can do. You needn’t despair; London is a very kid-friendly destination and there are plenty of things to do that will keep your little ones occupied. Here is a list of my top five:
Museums
Museums don't have to be boring; they can be fun and educational at the same time. They are particularly attractive as a destination for families, as many are free or offer reduced prices for children. The Science Museum, for instance, has free entry for all and is well known for its kid-friendly activities including interactive displays, hands-on exhibitions and plenty to get involved with. The National Gallery also has an abundance of things for kids to see and learn.
If nature is something your children will enjoy more than art, then the Horniman Museum is the perfect place to take them. It's free and houses a plethora of natural and cultural artefacts. There is also an aquarium which as of the beginning of 2011, charges a small entry fee. For a day pass for a family of four, it’s just £5 (approximately $8 USD), while children under the age of three can enter free of charge. Children between the ages of three and 16 can visit for £1 (about $1.60 USD) while adults are £2 (around $3.60 USD) without the family package.
Attractions
There are many things that children can experience in London but the ZSL London Zoo is surely one of its must-see destinations for families. A way to save money on entry to the Zoo is by ordering the tickets online with an Online Saver Package. Using the package deal, you can save 10% when you purchase tickets for two adults and two children or one adult and three children. Children under the age of three also can enter free of charge.
Another good, free activity that will surely interest the children is the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace or at the Horses Guard Arch. Make sure you look up which days and times this event occurs during your stay as the days alternate. These events always draw a crowd so be sure to arrive a little early so the children will be at the front of the masses for a better view. Try staying in a budget hotel or family hostel in the centre of London – it will save you a great deal of time and money.
Parks
If the weather is agreeable and you need a short break, the parks in London are the perfect pastime. Many of the parks in London are also family friendly. You are very likely to see squirrels, so you might like to take some nuts for your kids to amuse themselves feeding them. If you're looking for a playground for the kids to run around in for a few hours, Coram's Fields is a great place and located in Central London.
Toy Stores
A trip to London with the kids will not be complete without a visit to the legendary and magical Hamley’s Toy Shop. Even if you or the children aren’t tempted to buy anything (which I must say is almost impossible), it's a London institution in its own right and boasts seven floors of interactive fun for the children for a couple of hours. Other toy shops that children might enjoy include Forbidden Planet which is more science oriented while Mystical Fairies is the place for little girls who dream of becoming a princess. Don’t forget a number of Disney shops which can be found in scattered throughout London.
Eating
Finding food at family friendly prices for children is relatively easy in London. Many museums boast cafés and restaurants with discounted food for children. Also, the restaurants or pubs near major tourist attractions also offer children a variety of kids meals. Should you plan to spend your day in the park, you can always arrange a cheap and cheerful picnic for the family. There are hundreds of low priced supermarkets throughout London, so you shouldn’t have to look far to find some bread, salad, fruit, juice and other snacks to keep you and your brood going.
See even more tips from other mums/moms and dads on travelling with kids and find out how you can save money, and your sanity, whilst on the move. Happy travels!
Lindy Howard - Lindy Howard is a writer and contributor to various blogs covering art, food, automotive, travel, shopping and business. If you would ...
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