Top Tips for Visiting London with Kids
No sooner are the kids back at school after the Christmas break, is it time for them to take another week off school as the February Half Term beckons. While many families will be happy to chill out at home for the duration of that week, others will be tempted to head off on an adventure and a trip to London will certainly provide plenty of fun for kids of all ages.
Travelling to the Big Smoke may be a little daunting to some, particularly if they have never travelled to the city with kids in tow before. However, if you are well-prepared and ready to take everything in your stride, chances are you’ll have a whale of a time, with minimal stress. Here are some top tips from a guest contributor to help you and the brood enjoy a couple of days in the capital without any associated hassle. As a Londoner myself, I definitely recommend our city as there are so many things to do – including lots for free.
Stay Central
It may be tempting to stay a little further away from the city centre for budget reasons, but if you’re only there for a couple of days and you’re travelling with kids, it’ll be far easier to stay central. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options within the city limits, that won’t break the bank, and which offer family rooms. Take a look at some of the great value rooms available at Travel Lodge for some superb deals.
Use the Tube
It may elevate the stress levels the first time you ride the Tube with your children but once you’ve done it once (and realised it’s not as bad as many make it out to be), you’ll be happy to ride it again and again. Bear in mind that it’s free for kids up to the age of 11 to travel, so you don’t have to worry about forking out for their Travelcards as well as yours.
People Watch
Kids will love to spend some time people watching in places such as Trafalgar Square. Let them climb to the base of Nelson’s Column (bear in mind you can’t do this if it’s raining) and admire the street performers before continuing on your adventure.
Appreciate the Art
You may not think that kids will appreciate standing in an art gallery, but you’d be surprised.
Remember, you don’t have to spend all day there! The National Gallery is a great place to start, and a super way to introduce your children to some stunning masterpieces.
Take in the Theatre
There are plenty of child-friendly theatre options in the West End for you to treat the kids to. Book your tickets in advance and you can take advantage of some great discounts, too.
Shop!
Dragging them around the shops may seem torturous, but if you know where to go, they’ll love it;
Hamley’s and the two-storey Disney Store are great places to start!
Visit the Rainforest Café
If you need somewhere affordable, and fun, to stop for lunch, the Rainforest Café is the place to go.
It’s not just a meal here, it’s an adventure!
Check out the Museums
The idea that museums are ‘boring’ will soon disappear from your child’s thoughts once they have visited some of London’s museums. The National History Museum alone is enough to enthral them, particularly the Mammal Hall and the huge Diplodocus skeleton that dominates the main foyer.
Make the most of the time that you have with the kids before they head back to school for a fresh new term with a couple of days in London.
If you are looking for even more specific ideas of where to visit, then look out for a post I have coming up at the end of the week about days out ideas around London. I’m writing it for another site but of course I will let you all know so you can go over and have a read.
What are your favourite things to do in London with kids? Let me know in the comments!
*Featured *Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Image red phone box in London Shutterstock (modified)
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
I really want to take 6yo to London this year
Some great tips. We have been talking about a visit with our children sometime soon.
London does have lots to see and do. Children do tend to enjoy the Natural History Museum.
Some fab tips there. Bud loved the Natural History Museum when we visited last year. A word of warning though, he found the animatronic T-Rex quite scary and still talks about how it ‘roared at him’ so avoid that section if you have sensitive little ones.
Visiting the London parks. I visited Hyde Park and my 2 yr old enjoyed the duck pond and the whole stroll around the park…