Headed to London tomorrow from the US and there is some rain in the forecast. Trying to figure out whether it is worth the extra weight and hassle to pack rain boots for our kids (ages 8 and 4). Staying in Central London and will take mostly public transport, but expect to do a ton of walking, too. Appreciate any help with this silly question!

Unless their present footwear is made out of paper there is no need for rain boots. You'll be on the Tube, on buses, doing things inside places, not walking out on the hills.

Can they walk miles in their rain boots -- if so sure, stick them in. But I never take rain boots myself. good substantial shoes are fine (but maybe throw in an extra pair of shoes for when they get sopping wet)

It's rarely monsoon weather (though there's always a first time). From tonight's forecast, it looks like a band of heavy rain on Sunday, but these things tend to pass over fairly quickly.

Depends on what the children would normally expect to be wearing at this time of year, perhaps, and whether they are still at the puddle-jumping age, but it wouldn't occur to me to wear special footwear just for ordinary rain.

If they are in a town they may well feel out of place in boots as other people won't be wearing them. Stick to a pair of sensible, servicable shoes. Monsson type rain is unlikely....

Be more worried about their upper bodies being warm and dry - have some sturdy rain wear and maybe like janis says an extra pair of shoes in case they really do get wet - like stepping in a puddle.

Thanks so much, everyone!