My question is basically two-fold
1. Is it safe to walk around Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens in the early evening?

2. Any specific restaurant suggestions for families in Queen's Gate Garden area?
Thanks!

Do you realize during the summer it stays light til almost 10 pm? I didn't, despite having been to England many times but always during the fall/winter. The first time I was there in June, I fell asleep at about 5 pm for a "nap." When I woke it was "daylight" as I looked out my hotel window onto Kensington Gardens. I saw families with dogs & kids. I thought I had slept through the night because my watch said 9 o'clock. It was 9pm.

There is also a lovely children's play area in Kensington Gardens. It is called the Peter Pan Playground.

I don't have a restaurant suggestion but there is a grocery store called Waitrose near the park. It is on Gloucester Road right next to the Gloucester Road tube station. I was told by a local that it was an upscale market. We did a couple of picnics in the Gardens with food from there so you might consider that as well.

Thanks, it will be nice to know we can hang out in the park as a break from sightseeing! Any other ideas of things to do in this area, besides museums?

Betsy, you will be right near the Albert Hall which is a great music hall. You might want to check their website to see what will be playing when you're there. I would also do a websearch for events and activities at Hyde Park. There may be events taking place during your stay that your kids might like-perhaps a race or something.

Finally, it sounds like you're staying at the Queensgate apartments. You should read through all the reviews on tripadvisor. Often as people review a place, they mention local restaurants or services they used that could be helpful.

That is a perfectly safe area--my favorite area actually. Besides Gloucester Road, you are a short walk to Kensington High Street, which also has restaurants and shops. The park is great and if you walk across it, which is not a long way, you are on Bayswater Road for more exploring. There's something in all directions. Have a wonderful time!

Logic - the "upscale" hotels, shops, architecture, etc. in this area dictates it is one of the safer parts of London.

Have you seen this thread? Restaurants are not really family places but the walk might interest you. Have you considered doing a "London walks"? Londonwalks.com

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34496158