Help w/ an Itinerary w/ Children for 7 days in London
Feb 4th, 2008, 01:58 PM
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Help w/ an Itinerary w/ Children for 7 days in London
I will be traveling in March w/ two young children, age 3 and 6... have 6 full days and the day we arrive... would like to do the following and having trouble deciding which to do together b/c of location.. no more than 2 or maybe 3 a day... this is what I would like to visit: Imperial war museum, history museum, tate modern, science museum, V&A childrens part, british museum, transport museum, tower of london, Kensington Princess Diana park, harrods, Portobello Market... and only if time permits: zoo, HMS Belfast, duck tour, Hamleys. Thanks for your help.
Feb 4th, 2008, 04:08 PM
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That's an awful lot of museums for 2 little kids. In my experience their limit is 2 hours at the most - then some play time (but finding good parks in London in March may be an issue). You'll be lucky to get through half of that with 2 little ones.
Feb 4th, 2008, 05:19 PM
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Young children enjoy riding on the top of double decker buses and taking a boat ride on the Thames.
When you enter a museum, ask about tours for children and special trails for children to follow. Perhaps your children would be interested in the mummys in the British Museum but in most cases, they don't have enough experience yet to be very interested in many of the museums.
When you enter a museum, ask about tours for children and special trails for children to follow. Perhaps your children would be interested in the mummys in the British Museum but in most cases, they don't have enough experience yet to be very interested in many of the museums.
Feb 4th, 2008, 05:51 PM
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Lisa --
We took our kids to London several times -- they were 6 and 7 the first time we were there.
I'd try to plan something really active for the day that you're there to help them get over jet lag. Perhaps the Transport Museum -- they can climb on the buses, etc there -- and then watch the street performers at Covent Garden.
Here are some of the things they really enjoyed:
The Tower of London -- seeing the Yeoman Warders in their uniforms and seeing the Crown Jewels.
Riding on a double-decker bus tour of London.
We loved the Princess Diana playground in Kensington Gardens! Also -- there is (or there used to be) an enclosed playground in St. James' Park with a children's restroom with an attendant.
Taking a "flight" on the London Eye.
The Royal Mews -- around the corner from Buckingham Palace, you can see many of the Queen's carriages and usually a couple of her horses.
The Maritime Museum in Greenwich has a great hands-on children's gallery.
Going through the Maze at Hampton Court Palace.
In my experience, Portobello Market was hugely crowded -- I don't think kids would like it much, and you'd have to physically hold on to your kids the whole time. It's REALLY crowded.
Annette
We took our kids to London several times -- they were 6 and 7 the first time we were there.
I'd try to plan something really active for the day that you're there to help them get over jet lag. Perhaps the Transport Museum -- they can climb on the buses, etc there -- and then watch the street performers at Covent Garden.
Here are some of the things they really enjoyed:
The Tower of London -- seeing the Yeoman Warders in their uniforms and seeing the Crown Jewels.
Riding on a double-decker bus tour of London.
We loved the Princess Diana playground in Kensington Gardens! Also -- there is (or there used to be) an enclosed playground in St. James' Park with a children's restroom with an attendant.
Taking a "flight" on the London Eye.
The Royal Mews -- around the corner from Buckingham Palace, you can see many of the Queen's carriages and usually a couple of her horses.
The Maritime Museum in Greenwich has a great hands-on children's gallery.
Going through the Maze at Hampton Court Palace.
In my experience, Portobello Market was hugely crowded -- I don't think kids would like it much, and you'd have to physically hold on to your kids the whole time. It's REALLY crowded.
Annette
Feb 4th, 2008, 09:07 PM
#5
I'd <u>definitely</u> avoid Portobello Rd. Unless you get there <b>very</b> early in the a.m. it will be just too crowded. So crowded that full-size adults have trouble walking/seeing things. For little ones like your kids it could be downright scary mashed in w/ all those big people.
If it were me I'd plan one or at most two, BIG indoors things a day. That means you will run out of days before you run out of museums. You'll need to prioritize since you probably won't make it to all of them
The things on your list that are near-ish each other:
1) (Natural) History museum, Science museum, V&A, Princess Diana playground, and Harrods
2) British Museum and Transport Museum,
3) Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and Tate Modern
Hamley's, the Imperial War Museum and the zoo are not really near anything else on your list but easily accessible from anywhere.
If it were me I'd plan one or at most two, BIG indoors things a day. That means you will run out of days before you run out of museums. You'll need to prioritize since you probably won't make it to all of them
The things on your list that are near-ish each other:
1) (Natural) History museum, Science museum, V&A, Princess Diana playground, and Harrods
2) British Museum and Transport Museum,
3) Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and Tate Modern
Hamley's, the Imperial War Museum and the zoo are not really near anything else on your list but easily accessible from anywhere.
Feb 5th, 2008, 02:13 AM
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OK, I live in London and guess what, my kids are 3 and 5 3/4 yr olds. Good idea about sticking to 2-3 attractions. Since the weather can be unreliable (could be glorious, could be rainy), so you may want to mix indoor/outdoor activities and see how it goes weatherwise.
British Museum, Transport Museum, Science Museum are all big hits with my kids. Science Museum does get a bit crowded during school holidays (remember 21 & 24 March are bank holidays). Museum of Childhood (V&A branch in East End) was less popular for my kids because all those inviting toys are behind the glass door, albeit there are a few indoor play areas.
Outdoor activities: Princess Di playground is excellent (again, can get crowded), Tower of London is also good--just get there early. I'd add Regent's Park--too early for the flowers, but the kids like feeding ducks/swans, and there are excellent playgrounds.
I would consider London Eye ONLY if your kids are not scared of heights.
I think your kids are a bit wee young for Imperial War. My daughters school does field trip for Year3 or Year4, which are for 8-9yr olds. Also where are you from? I'm templted to skip the zoo if there is a large-ish zoo in your home town. Janis is as usual correct about avoiding Portobello Mkt.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of Hamleys. I'm neutral on Harrods--probably less kids appeal on the shopping, though a wonderful hot chocolate bar. Richoux and Fortnum & Mason are good choice for a tea with children (so long as they are reasonably behaved).
Children that age get fascinated with various modes of transportation--tube, double-decker bus, black cab. Just on a logistics front, will you bring a buggy/stroller for your younger one? If so, you may want to take note that tube stations have stairs (no problem if there are two adults), and you cannot bring a buggy upstairs on a double-decker bus.
British Museum, Transport Museum, Science Museum are all big hits with my kids. Science Museum does get a bit crowded during school holidays (remember 21 & 24 March are bank holidays). Museum of Childhood (V&A branch in East End) was less popular for my kids because all those inviting toys are behind the glass door, albeit there are a few indoor play areas.
Outdoor activities: Princess Di playground is excellent (again, can get crowded), Tower of London is also good--just get there early. I'd add Regent's Park--too early for the flowers, but the kids like feeding ducks/swans, and there are excellent playgrounds.
I would consider London Eye ONLY if your kids are not scared of heights.
I think your kids are a bit wee young for Imperial War. My daughters school does field trip for Year3 or Year4, which are for 8-9yr olds. Also where are you from? I'm templted to skip the zoo if there is a large-ish zoo in your home town. Janis is as usual correct about avoiding Portobello Mkt.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of Hamleys. I'm neutral on Harrods--probably less kids appeal on the shopping, though a wonderful hot chocolate bar. Richoux and Fortnum & Mason are good choice for a tea with children (so long as they are reasonably behaved).
Children that age get fascinated with various modes of transportation--tube, double-decker bus, black cab. Just on a logistics front, will you bring a buggy/stroller for your younger one? If so, you may want to take note that tube stations have stairs (no problem if there are two adults), and you cannot bring a buggy upstairs on a double-decker bus.
Feb 5th, 2008, 02:16 AM
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Oh, I forgot a few more. You can take regular (ie non-tourist) riverboats on Thames. If you have 6 full days, and the weather is cooperative, you might want to try Hampton Court Palace--easily accessible by train. They also have children's activities and tours by costumed guides on weekends/holidays. Try to get tickets in advance if going on weekends/holidays.
Feb 5th, 2008, 02:47 AM
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A cheaper alternative to the zoo might be Coram's Fields, which is a play area with a "pets corner".
http://www.coramsfields.org/
If you had more time, and if the weather's co-operative, another possibility might be to visit Greenwich (plenty of park to run around in), taking the boat one way, and the computer-controlled DLR (there are seats right at the front where people can "drive"
the other way. If you wanted to make a day of it, you could stop off the DLR ride to visit the Mudchute City Farm - if farm animals are enough of an attraction.
http://www.coramsfields.org/
If you had more time, and if the weather's co-operative, another possibility might be to visit Greenwich (plenty of park to run around in), taking the boat one way, and the computer-controlled DLR (there are seats right at the front where people can "drive"
the other way. If you wanted to make a day of it, you could stop off the DLR ride to visit the Mudchute City Farm - if farm animals are enough of an attraction.
Feb 5th, 2008, 03:15 AM
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Our kids at ages 6 and 10 really enjoyed Windsor castle and Legoland (also in Windsor). Lland seems to open March 15 based on the website
Your 3 year old is probably going to be happiest with the playgrounds others have identified. At that age trips on the tube and train and double decker buses are probably as exciting as seeing museums (unless you are from a city where the kids are used to this kind of transportation)
I believe the Natural history museum (with dinosaurs) is adjacent to the science museum in London
Your 3 year old is probably going to be happiest with the playgrounds others have identified. At that age trips on the tube and train and double decker buses are probably as exciting as seeing museums (unless you are from a city where the kids are used to this kind of transportation)
I believe the Natural history museum (with dinosaurs) is adjacent to the science museum in London
Feb 5th, 2008, 05:29 AM
#10
oops - my grouping of the V&A was for the main museum. I think you meant the Museum of Childhood - which is in Bethnal Green out east of the center. Of your list, it is closest to the Tower.
Feb 5th, 2008, 07:59 AM
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This isn't exactly about London, but about traveling with kids....
we took our girls to Paris last spring (ages 5 and 7) - we were able to take advantage of the museum pass there. Sometimes the museums would only be for 30 minutes and we'd leave... I am of the viewpoint that I'd rather leave with them wanting more than overstay. Consequently, my girls can't wait to go back!!!
Don't be afraid to stop if something catches their eye! As adults, we tend to get too caught up in the "schedule"... we had one or two activities planned each day and did fun things in-between. I've been to Paris about 10 times and never realized the large amounts of playgrounds! If you build it, they will come
Some things interested them that surprised me - but mealtimes were a little challenging with my picky eater.
Are you getting an apartment ? I found that much easier with food (we had our own) - they had fun going to a grocery store and seeing how the same things looked different. And much easier with bedtimes - kids to bed early, adults would do takeout afterwards.
Enjoy-
we took our girls to Paris last spring (ages 5 and 7) - we were able to take advantage of the museum pass there. Sometimes the museums would only be for 30 minutes and we'd leave... I am of the viewpoint that I'd rather leave with them wanting more than overstay. Consequently, my girls can't wait to go back!!!
Don't be afraid to stop if something catches their eye! As adults, we tend to get too caught up in the "schedule"... we had one or two activities planned each day and did fun things in-between. I've been to Paris about 10 times and never realized the large amounts of playgrounds! If you build it, they will come
Some things interested them that surprised me - but mealtimes were a little challenging with my picky eater.
Are you getting an apartment ? I found that much easier with food (we had our own) - they had fun going to a grocery store and seeing how the same things looked different. And much easier with bedtimes - kids to bed early, adults would do takeout afterwards.
Enjoy-
Feb 5th, 2008, 08:05 AM
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On Legoland... You might want to take note that there are height/age restrictions on many of the rides, relevant for your younger ones.
Still the kids would probably have good time (mine did). I just didn't think it was the most cost-effective and authentic way of entertaining kids in london...
Still the kids would probably have good time (mine did). I just didn't think it was the most cost-effective and authentic way of entertaining kids in london...
Feb 6th, 2008, 08:14 AM
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I presume this is for your 6year old, as 3yo would be too young to sit through 3-hr+ theatre productions.
I took my 5.75yo daughter (she's really finicky about this three-quarter bit) to Mary Poppins--shame it closed. I was thinking of Sound of Music as an alternative. Lion King could be a bit scary.
Other productions I would consider would be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat,
I would skip Wicked--6yo would be a bit too young to understand plus the scary bits.
Actually, the best theatre for that age group (3-6yo) would be Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice.
I took my 5.75yo daughter (she's really finicky about this three-quarter bit) to Mary Poppins--shame it closed. I was thinking of Sound of Music as an alternative. Lion King could be a bit scary.
Other productions I would consider would be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat,
I would skip Wicked--6yo would be a bit too young to understand plus the scary bits.
Actually, the best theatre for that age group (3-6yo) would be Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice.
Feb 6th, 2008, 08:27 AM
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Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is an excellent one for children. We were there the other weekend and had to drag the boys away after 3 hours.
a) It's free to enter.
b)large grounds for running around and using up excess energy
c) A cafe in a cast iron Victorian conservatory that really fascinated our kids for some reason
d) A pretty decent aquarium in the basement level - a new exhibit that seemed to be a big hit with all the families there
e) a musical instrument exhibit that in itself was quite boring for the boys but there is a side room with all sorts of weird and wonderful (but easy to have a bash at) instruments they can play around with
f) Various other exhibits including natural history (big stuffed walrus made an impression), an African gallery etc.
g)Lots of activities and hands-on sessions on different topics.
a) It's free to enter.
b)large grounds for running around and using up excess energy
c) A cafe in a cast iron Victorian conservatory that really fascinated our kids for some reason
d) A pretty decent aquarium in the basement level - a new exhibit that seemed to be a big hit with all the families there
e) a musical instrument exhibit that in itself was quite boring for the boys but there is a side room with all sorts of weird and wonderful (but easy to have a bash at) instruments they can play around with
f) Various other exhibits including natural history (big stuffed walrus made an impression), an African gallery etc.
g)Lots of activities and hands-on sessions on different topics.
Feb 6th, 2008, 08:32 AM
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According to their websites, there is no age restriction for The Sound of Music. The Lion King recommends age 5 or over, but will admit 3 year olds if they have their own seat (they have to sit in it), and they do not disturb others.
I don't see a 3 year old sitting through The Sound of Music, and a 6 year old may get bored. It just depends on your children. You're the only one that will know how they will react.
The Lion King is amazing. The costumes are brilliant. There is definitely enough to entertain a 6 year old. If your 3 year old doesn't frighten easily, it may be appropriate for them as well. My husband even loves this show and our "baby" is 16!
Check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for other choices. There are always shows going on that cater for children. You may find something else you would like.
Oh, and definitely DO NOT go to Portobello Road for the Saturday Market. I go all the time, but go really early and try to be gone by 11am because it can get so crowded you can't even move. I lose my husband every time. I'd hate to have to try and do it with children.
I don't see a 3 year old sitting through The Sound of Music, and a 6 year old may get bored. It just depends on your children. You're the only one that will know how they will react.
The Lion King is amazing. The costumes are brilliant. There is definitely enough to entertain a 6 year old. If your 3 year old doesn't frighten easily, it may be appropriate for them as well. My husband even loves this show and our "baby" is 16!
Check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for other choices. There are always shows going on that cater for children. You may find something else you would like.
Oh, and definitely DO NOT go to Portobello Road for the Saturday Market. I go all the time, but go really early and try to be gone by 11am because it can get so crowded you can't even move. I lose my husband every time. I'd hate to have to try and do it with children.
Feb 6th, 2008, 09:18 AM
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I didn't read all the other posts, but when my kids went to London with us several years ago, we went to the science museum. According to them (at the time), it was the worst science museum they ever saw! From a standpoint of an American child where the US has lots of hands-on science museums (which my kids love), the one in London was boring. They had one small section with hands-on for kids. Only 25-30 kids (can't remember) were allowed in the hands-on section at a time. The rest of the museum was interesting for adults who might be interested in seeing the first microscope, or the first this machine or that instrument, but to kids, boring (especially ages 3 & 6).
Feb 6th, 2008, 09:23 AM
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Hi there,
An addition to a previous post for you to think about. Our favourite day out in London with overseas visitors aged from 3 to 83 is as follows: Riverboat from Charing Cross pier to Greenwich - this takes you under loads of bridges including Tower Bridge. Also, you will see the area that was 'blitzed' during the war and how it has been re-built into 'a city for the future'. Have a walk around the old Greenwich town and market and there are plenty of places for lunch. After lunch, walk through the foot tunnel to Island Gardens (kids love this, actually walking under the River Thames!) Catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank station. Again, for the kids, this is an overhead railway without a driver. Get off at Bank and walk down to the river and cross the Millenium foot bridge (used to be called the wibbly-wobbly bridge!) Walk along the river to the London Eye and take the 35 minute circuit - amazing views and the best attraction in London but you must book your time beforehand. I guarantee that you will all get a good night's sleep after this day.
Enjoy.
An addition to a previous post for you to think about. Our favourite day out in London with overseas visitors aged from 3 to 83 is as follows: Riverboat from Charing Cross pier to Greenwich - this takes you under loads of bridges including Tower Bridge. Also, you will see the area that was 'blitzed' during the war and how it has been re-built into 'a city for the future'. Have a walk around the old Greenwich town and market and there are plenty of places for lunch. After lunch, walk through the foot tunnel to Island Gardens (kids love this, actually walking under the River Thames!) Catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank station. Again, for the kids, this is an overhead railway without a driver. Get off at Bank and walk down to the river and cross the Millenium foot bridge (used to be called the wibbly-wobbly bridge!) Walk along the river to the London Eye and take the 35 minute circuit - amazing views and the best attraction in London but you must book your time beforehand. I guarantee that you will all get a good night's sleep after this day.
Enjoy.
Feb 8th, 2008, 05:59 PM
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One other thought about little kids and museums...When our children were small and we went to a museum, we would always set us a "scavenger hunt" for them. That is, make up a list of things for them to find in the museum. For example, at the Musée D'Orsay, we had a list that included a bowl of fruit, a guitar, a dog, etc.
For the three year old, you might need a picture checklist. (Sometimes a museum brochure will work) It's a bit more work for you at the beginning, but the kids have more fun than just traipsing around behind adults. Also, keep expectations low, and stop for lots of snacks!
For the three year old, you might need a picture checklist. (Sometimes a museum brochure will work) It's a bit more work for you at the beginning, but the kids have more fun than just traipsing around behind adults. Also, keep expectations low, and stop for lots of snacks!
