London can be a wonderful destination for a family vacation but it pays to do your research on child-friendly venues. There are now many family-oriented restaurants and cafes, along with children's theatre performances and many great locations for children's outings to keep the children amused and engaged all day long.
You might think that London is not a very child-friendly city but you'd be wrong. You may also think of London as an expensive city. Wrong again! There is always something going on for children and families and there are plenty of free things to do for in London children too.
London can be a wonderful destination for a family vacation but it pays to do your research. Here are the top 10 ideas to entertain children in London.
Bringing your toddler to London? These London attractions will keep your under 5 year olds entertained and the adults are sure to enjoy these London attractions as well.
Find out how to get free children's tube travel in London.
Here's a great day for families with children of all ages. It starts at the British Museum, takes in a free children's playground, and visits spooky university museums.
Tour of the best to see and do in Greenwich, south London, where all time is measured from. This tour has been specifically put together with families in mind.
The Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, next to Kensington Palace, the former home of Diana Princess of Wales, is a fabulous children's playground for kids up to 12 years. There's loads for kids to do in the Diana Memorial Playground including playing on the enormous wooden pirate ship.
Directions on how do you find the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, plus further information about this delightful statue.
Coram's Field is good for all age children and a great, free central London playground to visit at the end of a days sightseeing so the kids can go crazy for a while and you can relax with a coffee.
It's a 'Family Affair' at Brown's Hotel London with its exclusive family package to make your stay in London fabulous for all the family.
Find out about the Museum of Childhood including history, contact details, and a review.
Kid's Zone is a fantastic play area for children under ten years old, within the National Army Museum.
The Cartoon Museum in London is dedicated to preserving the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics, and animation.
There are regular Family Events at The V & A (Victoria and Albert Museum) in South Kensington, London, to encourage children and adults to learn together.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre opened in 2005 to celebrate the life of this great children's author. It's a short train ride from London and here's all the information for need to plan a visit.
How easy is it to travel on the London Eye with small children? They may well go free (under fives) but is it all too much of a nightmare to even contemplate? Actually, no. It's really easy but, as with everything with small children, you need to plan your trip well. Here's everything you'll need to know to make a flight on the Eye with small children a wonderful experience.
The London Eye does not allow pushchairs/buggies/strollers/prams. They do provide storage facilities for your pushchair and offer free use of a baby carrier.
English National Ballet offer family friendly performances where children under 5 are welcome. I took my 2 year old daughter to see The Nutcracker as part of the English National Ballet Christmas season.
Kids Love Disco is a monthly disco, held on the last Sunday, aimed at kids ages 0-12. Always fun, Kids Love Disco has previously included performances by a Japanese puppeteer, kids stand up comedy, and face painting. The organizers aim is to encourage children to dance by playing cool music from the 70's up to the latest sounds.
The Little People's Cookie Class happens every Saturday at the Villandry restaurant at 170 Great Portland Street, London. Children learn to bake with 'Baker Bassett' and can bring their cookies home afterwards.
The Music House for Children in Shepherd's Bush, London has specialized in music and performing arts education since 1994.
All Fired Up is a ceramics cafe based in East Dulwich, London. There is no need to book and no age limit. Customers are invited to paint their extensive range of ceramics on any given day, starting from £5 upwards, or just to simply enjoy the cafe - they serve Italian coffee, cakes, and light lunches. All Fired Up is open 7 days a week.
The Wallace Collection runs a free drawing event for all the family on the first Sunday of each month. No need to book.
It can be a chore taking children shopping with you, particularly in a big city, as they can get easily bored. Keep them stimulated by adding a few of these shops into your day.
The Unicorn Theatre in London is the first ever purpose-built professional theatre for children in the UK.
If you're in London with your kids at a weekend, be sure to check out the Design Museum, which regularly has Sunday events for children from 6 to 12 years old.
London is an expensive city for North Americans, especially when the exchange rate favors the English pound. Here are tips to help you do some great London sightseeing, with minimal hassles and reasonable cost.
Kid's Week is an annual event to encourage kid's to enjoy the delights of West End theater productions by offering free entry! There are also deals on meals and travel.
Every corner of Pollock’s Toy Museum is filled with visual delights and childhood memories. Check out the 4,000 year old Egyptian toy mouse!
The Golden Hinde is a replica of Sir Francis Drake's 16th century ship that circumnavigated the world twice. They have plenty of activities for kids, which often include being a pirate.
Day camps around London and south-east England for energetic kids to try activities including: archery, parachuting games, quad bikes, and water polo.
A chance to learn circus skills including: trapeze, tight-rope walking, juggling, and stilt-walking.
Learn the basics of scuba diving and achieve an 'Open Water Referral' certificate which covers theory and practice in the safety of a swimming pool.
Westway Stables in London's North Kensington offers horse and pony riding lessons in an all-weather arena. They have facilities to suit children and adults, from beginners to experienced riders. As well as riding, they teach how to look after horses.
Check out the regular family and children's event at The National Gallery organized by age group.
The National Family and Parenting Institute asked parents to nominate family-friendly places, and the Science Museum in London is always in the top ten due to the interactive exhibitions catering for different age groups.
'Kids Love London' is packed full of great ideas to help you plan a family trip to London. It includes restaurants, museums and attractions, even shopping. There are also games on the site so it's great for kids and parents to explore!
Perform runs unique drama, dance, and singing-based workshops, parties, and holiday experiences throughout London and the south-east of England.
