small kids in London?
 

My 2 kids (ages 2 and 5) and I will have 3 weeks in London in August while my husband is on a project there. We're staying in Kensington and will definitely be visiting the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park & the Serpentine, Kensington Gardens & the Diana Memorial Playground,Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard ceremony. I'm looking for advice on "must see or do" activities, tips on traveling within the city (bus vs. tube, stroller or backpack for the 2 y.o., etc.), and cheap or free ways we can burn off kid energy. Finally, anyone know of a good farmer's market in that area? We'll have kitchen access and I'll be cooking most of our meals to keep costs down. Thanks!!

You can add the Science Museum to your list, it is also free.

There is also the Zoo www.zsl.org/london-zoo

and the London Aquarium www.londonaquarium.co.uk

and the Imperial War Museum
www.london.iwm.org.uk/
That last one may seem a bit odd for children, especially coming from a pacifist. My 3 year old loves it. We just go in to the main hall that is full of airplanes. It's free so I don't mind running in for 30 minutes while he checks out the planes and boats.

London's Transport Museum
www.ltmuseum.co.uk
We haven't seen this one yet, but the blurb in our book says that it's a great child friendly museum with 15 hand's on Kids' Zones.

Coram's Fields (do a search for other London farms -- there are more than you would expect!)

Do a search for Adventure Playgrounds. They run about 3-5 pounds and they are full of indoor play structures, ball pits, ropes courses, etc. Nice alternative on a rainy day.


check out www.kidslovelondon.com for other ideas.

Are you planning on getting out of London? York has a great (and free!) Railway Museum that any train (or Thomas) lover will love.

Legoland is out in Windsor and a fun day trip too. It isn't cheap but your 2 year old will be free and there is lots to do.

Brighton is a fun (and tacky) seaside town. No sandy beach but lots of rocks that are fun to throw in the water.

As for transportation, strollers are a killer on the tube. Elevators are almost nonexistent, and escalators and stairs are everywhere. It's easier to do if both you and your husband are there. If I take my 3 year old by my self we leave the stroller at home. I've never taken a bus in London so I can't comment on that.

Whew -- that's all I have for now! I'd get a good "take the kids to London" guide. There really are lots of things for you guys to do. Have fun!

Here's a site I love & you can check out other regions you might visit while there. I don't know of an open-air market in the area of Kensington.

http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/

Oh, and while not an open farmer's market there's a great Marks & Spencer grocery on Kensington High Street as well as the new Whole Foods market.

There is a Whole Foods!

What about visting a City Farm:

http://www.london.gov.uk/young-londo...to-do/farm.jsp

None in Kensington, I'm afraid, but you could combine a boat ride to Greenwich with a ride on the Docklands Light Railway (try to sit at the front - there's no driver so you can see where you're going) to Mudchute Farm (much nicer than it sounds).

There are some animals at Coram's Fields as well:
http://www.coramsfields.org/

My guess is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace won't be the fun experience you imagine. Especially w/ the crowds of August. You have to get there quite early to claim a decent place to view it, then you have to stand there - no wandering around - simply to save your prime location. The kids are awfully young to just stand/sit in the stroller fro 2 hours.

You can get up close and see the Changing of the Horse Guard though.

You received lots of good suggestions so far.

You can take a canal boat from Little Venice and get off at Regent's Park for the zoo.

Definitely go to the Transport Museum (at Covent Garden). I haven't been there since it reopened after its big refurbishment - but even before, it was wonderful and I'll assume they did it right and it is even better now.

Buses will be easier than the tube for lots of your travels. The tube could be a real slog w/ 2 kids and a stroller.

The Natural History Museum is next door to the Science and across the street from the V&A. It is great for little kids - especially w/ the dinosaurs etc.

The mention of the Horse Guards reminds me they have their own museum, though it strikes me as a bit pricy, and maybe the bits aimed at children would be more suitable for older ones. It might be enough just to go to see them on duty at Horse Guards Parade:

http://www.householdcavalrymuseum.org.uk/

Thanks so much for all of these suggestions! Would walking by Buckingham Palace be any fun? They read "Paddington" when he goes to see the changing of the guard, so they're interested in the Palace. Pretty much interested in all things Paddington, actually. ;) The farms seem very cool and I'll definitely store away the Adventure Playground idea, since I hear that rain is inevitable. Does an Oyster card work on buses too? My husband is already there and said he just got one for his tube commute from our hotel/apartment and office. Has anyone been to the children's lido at the Serpentine? Just wondering if it's a crazy scene w/crowds or could we actually enjoy an afternoon of waterplay/swimming...
Thanks, thanks!!

The Oyster works on buses.

If you walk by the Palace in the afternoon when the crowds are gone the kids can walk right up to the fence/gates and see the 2 soldiers in their guard huts and marching back and forth. Plus there are always Bobbies standing there who will usually take time w/ little kids if they come up to talk.

In my observation, and from reports from friends who have visited London with very small kids, the children have enjoyed the double decker buses and the playgrounds of London's parks above all. They've also enjoyed Holland Park, with its many little hideaways, and they have enjoyed the kite flying on Hampsted Heath. In depends where you are. I believe in Hampstead Heath there is swimming in the summer. There are probably other places as well.

At Somerset House, there are small nozzle fountains that spring up gentle gushers from the patios that are a delight for small children in the heat. If it is raining, I would think the indoor public great courtyard of Tate Modern would be welcome-running-around-space for free.

If you have money, the various boats that ply the Thames are enjoyable.

This might be useful:

http://www.londontreasures.com/children.htm

and this list of London's playgrounds:

http://www.londonplay.org.uk/

PS: Regarding Buckingham Palace, even people well over 2 and 5 are often shocked at what a dreary, uninteresting place it is -- and the changing of the guard is as janis described. If anything, the children are more likely to be interested in the traffic whizzing about the roundabout -- or a short stroll to St James Park to find the geese. (My preference too!)

It's been many years since I have been to the London Zoo, but I did take a child there -- who quite understandably felt sorry for the animals.

London's parks, gardens and greenspaces are some of the most glorious in the urbanized world and they are underappreciated by most grown-up tourists. I don't hesitate to hang out in them when I'm London with children. They represent some of the best London has to offer.

I also think your five-year-old might enjoy running across the Millennium Bridge. And certainly he'll want to hear Big Ben bong.

Here's a video of the Somerset House fountains. When it is hot, I have seen happy toddlers there, in their underwear, running through the water spray.

Sorry, I forget the linK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1AJ...eature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQ0h...eature=related

Somerset House is a great suggestion. Bring bathing suits for the kids to run through the spraying water. Also, last time we were there (summer 2006), there was some sort of festival, with music, silly dancers in the fountains, and craft classes for the kids - all free.

The Science Museum has a great hands-on section for kids.

I just checked and the family festival at Somerset House is August 15 - 18 this year.

Here is the web site:
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/family/25.asp

You've gotten great advice. If your two year old can manage, leave the stroller at home. It's a real bear on the tube and the buses take so much longer to get from A to B. Plus, you can't take the buggy upstairs on the bus, which your 5 year old will certainly want to do.

If they love Paddington, they have a small statue at Paddington station that they can visit.

Holland Park has a fantastic adventure playground. In the Kyoto Gardens, there are peacocks that will eat from your hand.

Kensington Gardens also has a great playground with a huge pirate ship.

&quot;<i> . . . the buses take so much longer to get from A to B.</i>&quot;

Not always. There are thousands of bus stops and often the long, difficult walks in the tube stations and from the stations to the final destination add more time than just taking a bus from point to point.

W/ little ones, especially a 2 yo, the buses would usually be easier - just avoid the busiest commute hours. But that goes for the tube as well.

I am amazed at all this great advice! Now if I can just get it into my PDA, I'll be set. ;)
You all are so helpful - if the Londoners we meet are half as nice, we may never leave...I'd better go be helpful on the US board to keep the karma going. Thanks a million! I'll continue to check back for any more ideas/suggestions.

Buses, by the way - you will find this useful:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...al_bus_map.pdf

This map is available in a leaflet with the tube map, but stocks aren't always kept up everywhere.

I also disagree about the buses, especially at this time of year. As the children are out of school and on hols at the moment, the roads are much clearer and you can see London. For me to get to work, it's either the Piccadilly line or the No. 9 bus. Right now, the bus wins hands down. I know they can seem difficult to work out (like in any city) but if I had children, I would definitely bus it. Absolutely avoid the tube at rush hours in the morning and after work.

The Diana playground is super. Your kids will love that. The Diana memorial fountain is also great on a hot day. Although its undulating structure might seem unsafe at first, you're not supposed to go in it but kids love to play with the water just the same. It's in a different area of the park, quite a walk from the playground. However, it's very close to the Lido.

For Farmers Markets, there are 2 nearby, depending on where you're staying in Kensington. I should stress that these are not glamourous affairs and are only on Saturdays. However, you will meet some very nice Brits and there are always samples on offer, things like English apple juice, cheese, etc. Here's the link to the one in South Kensington (there is also one in Notting Hill): www.lfm.org.uk/southkensington.asp

The Whole Foods on Kensington High Street is located in what used to be the Barkers department store so is huge and has very child friendly spaces on the upstairs level (known as 1st floor in UK, 2nd floor in US!) as well as bathrooms.

The one thing I always encourage visitors to London to do is take a Thames boat trip to Greenwich. It really is the best way to appreciate the sheer size of London, how important the river is/was in its development and you see so many great landmarks. Your children will love spotting Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, St Pauls, Shakespeares Globe theatre, etc. It's a win/win for adults and children. You could have lunch and spend the day in Greenwich where they can run around.

Forgot to add my other top tip. London Walks. This is a great company that does every possible type of walk you can imagine and I checked their website, they do have child friendly ones! Free for the kids and &pound;7 for you. They are such great value. We have done several, even though we live hree. I guess you would need the stroller for this but a good way to burn off a couple of hours.

http://www.walks.com/Homepage/Walks_...s/default.aspx

As others have chimed in, the bus vs. tube really depends on where you are going and the time of day (and how long you have to wait for the bus!).

At times, taking the bus from Angel to Kings Cross (which is one stop on the tube, 5 minutes) can take 20-25 minutes on the bus due to traffic and having to wait for the bus. And then there is the issue of getting my three year old to sit down in a seat while the bus lurches through traffic (Some drivers seem intent on seeing how hard they can slam the brakes on!). Also, on the busy tourist routes, the small area for buggies is often taken, thus necessitating standing in the aisle and getting stink eye from other passengers, or waiting for the next bus.

Regardless, I'm sure you'll do plenty of both while you are here and sort out which method is better for you.

London is a wonderful place for children, especially in the summer when you can enjoy the parks.

:)

No-one - except the poster - has mentioned Paddington Bear.

There's a statue of him in the middle of Paddington Station concourse and (IMHO rather tacky) a stall of Paddington merchandise. There's also a fair bit of 50th-anniversary Paddington book promotion going on in some book and toy shops: Hamley's is having Paddington Bear windows till early August. Limited details at www.paddingtonbear.co.uk.

There's a bit of a cult of literary connections at stations. If one of your children is into Harry Potter, there is a Platform 9.75 at Kings Cross complete with vanishing luggage trolley.

dexters mentioned Paddington bear in paddington Station above, flanner.

There is also the lovely Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens!

We just returned from a trip to London with our five year old and I have these tips--
We loved the parks, particularly the Princess Diana Playground was terrific. It's a great area to burn off energy. We bought several lunches and dinners at Pret and Marks and Spencer and just took it to one of the parks to eat as a picnic.

Also, do check out the Transport Museum in Covent Garden and we were there on a Sunday and they had some fun street performers, as well. My daughter had the best time on the hop on hop off bus tour, the Thames boat ride that came with the HOHO tix and just riding the tube everywhere was exciting for her.

The Natural History Museum was nice and free- but the Butterfly Exhibit (which runs through mid August) was a blast. They had a great hands on area for her to play, like a maze and then it finished with a butterfly garden. Definitely a winner with us. The tix were extra but worth it.

She also really liked Trafalger Square- she climbed on the lions, and just loved the crowd and being above it all on the statue. We also went to Windsor one day and she enjoyed that, too. They have a huge doll house on display (Queen Mary's Dolls House) that was a particular favorite. We didn't spend too much time at any one particular place- that was the key, we did a lot, but at her pace. She talked through the entire tour of Windsor, telling me stories of the queens and kings, making up history as we went. Also- she did very well at the Lion King. Not sure a 2 year old could handle it it, but it was perfect for her.

I can't say enough about the parks- we had a really warm week and they were packed. They have lots of birds, fountains, people playing games, very lively.

Enjoy- hope this helps! We stayed in Kensington, too. Great location, within walking distance to Earls Court and Gloucester station.

DO NOT GO TO LONDON WITHOUT A STROLLER!!!!!!!! You will need it. I am in a panic thinking that you might leave without it.
Your best bet is to take the stroller for the 2yo and have a roller board on the back for the 5 yo. that way you can walk and walk and walk in London. That's the best way to see and experience the city.
For a week or so, fine no stroller but if you;re there for a long time, you'll need it!!
Buses are best as it's easy to get on and off with the kids. Get a copy of time Out. all the kids activities will be listed.
sox fan?? red or white? I live in London during the school year, but live at Fenway in the summer!

Thanks, thanks, thanks. And , my Sox are Red too! :)
We arrived in London this morning (with a stroller &amp; backpack carrier, no worries for anyone!) and came in via Paddington, saw the statue, kids went with their dad to Natural History Mus. while I set up the apartment, and then we rode in the front seat on top of a double decker to Trafalgar Sq. and took the tube back to Gloucester to help me get oriented. Phew! He's off to work tomorrow and the girls and I are ready to jump in with a visit to the Diana Memorial Playground or the Science Museum, depending on the weather. Thanks very much for all of your help and i'll check back with a progress report.

Welcome to London, soxfanann,

All good advice from this London mother of 3yo and 6yo. If I may add, you might want to have &quot;rainy day&quot; options.

There is an indoor soft play area at Army Museum on Royal Hospital Rd nr Sloan Sq. Very good facility and not too crowded--we take our kids frequently. Also there is Bramley's indoor playground just under Westway flover, Latimer Rd is the closest tube station. (GBP5 per kid if I recall).

I'm not sure about Kensington &amp; Chelsea, but Westminster has good public leisure centres. The Porchester Leisure centre near Queensway has indoor children's pool. Facility is rather basic, you need to bring your own towels but you can't beat GBP5 for adults/GBP2 for kids (actually we pay less than a third of this as residents) for value.

Other indoor activities include British Museum (they have family tour for under 5s), local childrens library.

As for the buses, there is usually 2 max limit for unfolded buggies. Sometimes kind drivers may let you on with a buggy even with 2 others already there, though you might be asked to fold it (or simply the driver may not let you on). Wheelchairs take priority over buggies. With a fee-paying adults, both kids travel free. Oyster card is valid on buses as well as tubes. When you use tube stations with a buggy, you should go to the manned gate for luggage/buggies instead of trying to cramm the buggy (and another child) through a turnstill.

Misc issues: you can always count on Starbucks and other coffee chains for reasonably clean loos.

If you need child toiletaries, swimming nappies or over-the-counter medication etc, your best bet is Boots--literally on almost every high street.

Hi soxfanann,
Great thread. Looking forward to your trip report or updates.We're visiting London with our 5 year old and 14 months old in October.

Has anyone mentioned Climbers and Creepers at Kew?
Their website is at http://www.kew.org/climbersandcreepers/home.html

Thanks for the continued suggestions. We've become quite the bus experts and I even managed a transfer in Piccadilly Circus at around 5 PM with a sleeping toddler in the sling, folded stroller in hand, and an intrepid 5 year-old on foot carrying dinner groceries!! It was a moment of great pride and we boasted at dinner with Daddy. ;)
The weather has thrown us for a loop - not just the rain, but the COLD is incredible! I'm searching for charity shops to buy some secondhand sweaters and jeans, since I only brought one of each. The rainy day suggestions will be put to good use, so thanks for that.
Things that have been a big hit thus far: ALL double-decker rides (the number 9 runs the old-style Routemasters sometimes, which is even more fun), Big Ben (my 2 yr-old now loves to find it from various spots in the city), and the boat ride to Greenwich today - what a great park! The kids loved rolling down the hill below the Observatory. We also got the schedule for the Tower Bridge liftings and checked that out, which made our bridge visit a bit more special. The Science Museum could be cool, but it was insanely PACKED the day we went and the kids were constantly jockeying for spots at any attractions, so we probably wouldn't recommend it for little little ones.
I'll keep folks posted on hits or misses as we go. THANKS AGAIN!!

soxfanann: &quot;<i>intrepid 5 year-old on foot carrying dinner groceries!! It was a moment of great pride and we boasted at dinner with Daddy.</i>&quot; awwwww :)

Sounds like you are really learning your way around and the kids are troopers. What great memories . . . . .

Sounds like you will be having a busy time !!!

Just to add, as its school holidays almost every public museum will have something for the kids to do.

We visited the Tate Britain a few days ago and each gallery has provision for the kids to make and create things from paper and straws and stuff like that.
Funnily enough the things some of the very young kids had made were already on display in the contemporary section :-)

Muck

The kids would love Hamley's toy shop. (So did we!) Also good is the Royal Mews, where you can see the Queen's carriages and horses.

saving for future reference

There's also the Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green
http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/index.html

Have your children brought a favourite toy with them?
The website has a page called Toys on Holiday where you can download pictures of toys enjoying themselves in exotic places

Still having fun here and these are my latest tips for others planning similar visits:
-Buy the London A to Z (mini), as it has every street in the city and has saved me many times. Print out a bus map and staple it inside and you're set to go.
-Oyster cards are great &amp; fast - they even &quot;beep&quot; through the wallet, so you don't have to fumble with cards.
-Bring the teeniest umbrella stroller you have (mine was $5 on craigslist and it's perfect) and if your kid is awake, you can fold it up while at the bus stop, jump on and put it in the luggage area, and still go up top for the fun ride. This has become standard operating procedure and is easy with a 2 yr.old.
-The Adventure Playground at Holland Park is FANTASTIC and both my kids loved it. Lots of places to eat afterwards on nearby Kensington High St.
-The Latchmere Leisure Center in Battersea (just Google for directions, etc.) has a gradual entry heated pool and occassional wave pool action. Floaties are ok for little ones too. It cost us 5.30 for me &amp; my 2 girls (ages 5 &amp; 2). Great for a rainy day and go early - 9 AM opening is crowd-free.
-Checking out Somerset House tomorrow and hopefully Hampstead Heath on the weekend
Thanks for all of the suggestions - I've literally made a list of all of your ideas (&quot;Sunny day&quot; on one side and &quot;Rainy&quot; on the other) and we just pick a new field trip every morning at breakfast!! Cheers!