We will be in London in August (thanks to everyones suggestions!) staying near Marble Arch. What outings would small children enjoy in the area besides the zoo? I am mainly looking for short walks, but a small tube ride would be fine as well. They are 3 and 6 and do so much better with short trips, where we can easily get home and have lunch, naps etc...
-Katie

Madame Tussauds and its Chamber of Horrors and wax figures of many famous celebreties is always fun for kids (and adults)and is not far from Marble Arch.

well i didn't note your kids ages till now - maybe the Chamber of Horrors is not for this age group! Sorry.

Yeah-the 3 yr old gets scared out of his mind when the 6 yr old growls at him!
-Katie

they may however enjoy a canal boat tour from Little Venice, again not all that far away.

Madame T's wouldn't be very good for kids that age (even w/o the chamber of horrors) since the models are mostly people they wouldn't know.

But right in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens is quite a bit for them to see/do. First and a "must" would be the Princess Diana playground. Then take a boat out on teh Serpentine. Watch horses/riders on Rotten Row. Feed the water birds and chipmunks. See the Peter Pan statue.

The Science Museum in Kensington is not far away and it has a terrific hands-on area for younger children. The area is called "the Garden" and it is specifically geared towards 3-6 year olds. Nearby "lauchpad" area is similar for slightly older kids, but may still be appropriate.

Hamley's toy store is a favorite of most kids...but it may end up costing you ;-)

Thanks so much!
-Katie