small kids in London?
Jul 26th, 2008 | 12:42 AM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,269
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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.
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.
Jul 26th, 2008 | 01:39 AM
#22
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Jul 26th, 2008 | 01:52 AM
#23
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
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 £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
http://www.walks.com/Homepage/Walks_...s/default.aspx
Jul 26th, 2008 | 02:18 AM
#24
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Jul 26th, 2008 | 03:18 AM
#25
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
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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.
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.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 05:26 PM
#28
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Jul 30th, 2008 | 05:35 PM
#29
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 696
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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!
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!
Aug 3rd, 2008 | 12:01 PM
#30
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Thanks, thanks, thanks. And , my Sox are Red too!
We arrived in London this morning (with a stroller & 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.
We arrived in London this morning (with a stroller & 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.
Aug 3rd, 2008 | 01:35 PM
#31
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 0
Welcome to London, soxfanann,
All good advice from this London mother of 3yo and 6yo. If I may add, you might want to have "rainy day" 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 & 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.
All good advice from this London mother of 3yo and 6yo. If I may add, you might want to have "rainy day" 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 & 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.
Aug 4th, 2008 | 12:56 AM
#33
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 0
Has anyone mentioned Climbers and Creepers at Kew?
Their website is at http://www.kew.org/climbersandcreepers/home.html
Their website is at http://www.kew.org/climbersandcreepers/home.html
Aug 10th, 2008 | 12:13 PM
#34
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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!!
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!!
Aug 10th, 2008 | 12:22 PM
#35
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,014
Likes: 50
soxfanann: "<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>" awwwww
Sounds like you are really learning your way around and the kids are troopers. What great memories . . . . .
Sounds like you are really learning your way around and the kids are troopers. What great memories . . . . .
Aug 10th, 2008 | 12:30 PM
#36
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 0
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
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
Aug 11th, 2008 | 12:39 AM
#39
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 0
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
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
Aug 14th, 2008 | 01:00 PM
#40
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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 & fast - they even "beep" 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 & my 2 girls (ages 5 & 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 ("Sunny day" on one side and "Rainy" on the other) and we just pick a new field trip every morning at breakfast!! Cheers!
-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 & fast - they even "beep" 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 & my 2 girls (ages 5 & 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 ("Sunny day" on one side and "Rainy" on the other) and we just pick a new field trip every morning at breakfast!! Cheers!
