You have planned a family day out to the Big Smoke with the kids. There are hundreds of attractions to choose from, so where do you begin? Well, you won’t go far wrong if you start with one of the favourite attractions:
* The Science Museum
* Madame Tussauds
* The London Dungeons
* The Tower of London
* The London Aquarium
* The London Eye
* The Natural History Museum
* Tate Modern
* The Museum of Childhood
* London Zoo
Have fun!
You are happily having a family day out in London, enjoying the sights when your child suddenly shouts out that familiar phrase “I need a wee …. now!”. You know you don’t have much time, so how do you go about finding the nearest loo (toilet)?
No matter where you are in London, you will find free conveniences at:
*Coffee shops such as Starbucks
*McDonalds
*Department Stores (you will usually have to go up to the third floor)
You might also find the following loos handy:
*Picadilly Circus Underground Station
*Covent Garden Piazza
*Westminster Underground Station (50p)
*Victoria, Waterloo and other mainline British Rail Stations (20p)
If you are really caught short and can’t find a nearby loo you might have to resort to letting your child pee in the gutter or preferably behind a bush!
One of the strangest UK laws is that a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants – even, if she so requests, in a policeman’s helmet!
If you have slightly older kids who are fans of the Harry Potter books, then one novel way to explore London is to take the Harry Potter Walk – a great alternative family day out. This walk is guided by a man called Alan who wears a green carnation.
The walk is one of a series given by London Walks. The full title of the walk is the Myths and Legends behind Harry Potter – Wizards, Werewolves & Vampires:
Let’s put the cat amongst the pixies: Harry Potter isn’t just kids’ stuff. There are very real tales – and real locales – behind the stories of Harry and friends. Those tales, those locales inform this walk. Was there really an invisibility cloak? What’s the truth behind the Philosophers’ Stone? What place inspired Diagon Alley? Where was the legend of Dracula born? Where in a famous movie did a werewolf go on a rampage? There’s good gripping London stuff behind a lot of the Harry Potter goings on – everything from characters’ names to the origin of monsters. We’ll solve a mystery or two: e.g., where is the entrance to The Ministry of Magic and can we get in? In short, this walk is a serious study of a subject more fantastical than fiction. And, yes, there’s even some magic.
Meet at 5pm on Sundays outside Embankment Tube (on Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines). There is no need to book, just turn up.
The walk takes about 2 hours and cover about 1 mile. It costs £6 for adults, but kids under 15 go free if accompanied by their parent(s).
If you have made the exciting decision to take the kids for a family day out to London but you are looking for a bit of extra information, you will find the following tips useful:
Getting Around
1. Tube
Very few of the London Underground Tube stops have lifts. – there are mostly long escalators. If possible, avoid taking buggies on the underground. Papooses can be handy.
2. Buses
London Bus Drivers are notoriously unhelpful and sometimes they will not allow buggies on crowded buses and they have been known to drive off without waiting for you to fold it!
3. Taxis
For Safety reasons it is always advisable to take a Black Cab because they are licensed. Most mini-cab companies, although cheaper, are unlicensed. One exception is Addison Lee which is very reputable but busy, so book in advance.
4. Foot
London is a large city but it is a great place to walk around. It is very flat and there are fairly wide pavements everywhere. If you do choose to walk, you might be surprised how close some of the better known places are eg Covent Garden, Leicester Square (pronounced Lester Square), and Trafalgar Square.
Safety
1. Appearance
Try your best not to look like a tourist. Backpacks, shorts, trainers with white socks and large cameras are a dead giveaway.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance
If possible, avoid opening a map on a street corner and staring at it for ages. You will be better off planning your journey and asking if you get lost. If you do
3. Stay Close
London is an extremely busy city and it is easy for children to become lost. Keep your eye on excitable young children and stick together as a family.
4. Pick Pockets
Most of the major tourist attractions, such as Harrods, will be hunting grounds for pick pockets. The best way to avoid losing your wallet is to have a shoulder bag with a zip. Carry it trapped under your arm as much as possible. If you do stop in a restaurant, put your foot through the handles so no one can take it without you noticing.
Supplies
1. Nappies/Diapers, medicines etc
The largest chain of chemists is called Boots. Wherever you are staying you will find one near you. They will have everything you need from Calpol (liquid paracetemol for kids) to Baby Wipes.
2. Food
It can be costly buying sandwiches and drinks at cafes so you might choose to buy your food in advance. The largest supermarkets are Sainsburys and Tescos. The larger superstores are based slightly outside the centre and have car parking. However, if you do not have a car you will find mini supermarkets like Tesco Express on Oxford Street and the like.
London Culture
1. No Speaking on Tube
Generally you will find that people do not speak to each other on public transport and avoid eye contact. If Londoners are travelling together they talk quietly and frown on anyone who does otherwise.
2. Quick Walking
Everyone walks extremely quickly and they are usually in a rush to get wherever they are going, so people might seem aggressive.
3. Willing to Help
Whilst people may not seem very friendly, if you need any help you will usually find people are more than willing to point you in the right direction.
Where to go
1. Restaurants
There are the usual fast food chains as well as family friendly places such as Pizza Express and The Rainforest Cafe. However, if you do a bit more research you will discover some childfriendly local pubs and restaurants.
2. Museums
Probably the best museum for kids is the Science Museum. They might also enjoy the London Eye, which is next to the Aquarium and there are other favourites like Madam Tussauds , the London Dungeon and Hamleys Toy Shop.
3. Parks
One of the best things about taking kids to London is that no matter where you are there will be a park nearby. There are great playgrounds at Holland Park and Kensington Gardens (Princess Diana Memorial Playground). Battersea Park has an adventure playground and London Zoo is right next to both and Regent’s Park have zoos.
4. Day Trips
There are lots of places to see just outside London. You might want to consider visiting Legoland, Diggerland or if you fancy a bit more culture you could try Windsor Castle , Leeds Castle (which is actually in Kent!) or RHS Wisley Gardens.
Find out where you are staying and then use this site to find the best museums, days out, childfriendly restaurants and more near you. Feel free to share your own experiences as well.
London is a great city for kids and a place to be enjoyed. There is no need to worry unnecessarily and if you plan ahead you will have a wonderful trip that the whole family will remember. You will find that no matter what your interests or aims there will be something for everyone.
If you are going on a family day out to London, you don’t have to spend money on sightseeing buses. Instead you can choose to take the regular number 15 bus from Tower Hill. The bus will take you all the way from The Tower of London through the City, past St Pauls, past Trafalgar Square and on to Regent St (where Hamleys Toy Shop is) and Oxford St. It’s a double decker and so make sure to get a seat upstairs 
If you are coming to London with the kids then you are probably looking for somewhere to stay that is family friendly. You might be looking for somewhere with adjoining rooms or high chairs, or somewhere cheap as chips etc Obviously there are loads of places to choose from, but I thought I would share with you some of the hotels that (did) appear on Little Legends:
The Carlton Tower – Perfect for shopaholics as this luxury hotel is situated within walking distance of both Harrods and Harvey Nichols!
Novotel London Waterloo – This hotel is very close to the London Eye and just across the bridge from Covent Garden and many theatres. There are also many childfriendly venues along the southbank so this is a good location.
London Thameside Youth Hostel – I doubt you will find anything cheaper than a Youth Hostel. This one is not far from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and London Dungeon. There are also several others dotted across the capital.
Shepiston Lodge. This place is only 1.5 miles from Heathrow so handy if you need to catch an early flight.
Why not share your experiences of great (or terrible) hotels for kids in London? I am sure there are loads of parents out there looking for tips from families who have been there and done that 
The Big Draw is taking place from 1st to 31st October this year. For those of you who don’t know, it is the national campaign for drawing.
It is inspired by the visionary Victorian artist and writer, John Ruskin. His mission was not to teach people how to draw, but how to see.
To accompany the Big Draw, the National Portrait Gallery is setting up a special event for kids and teens from 1pm to 4pm. Best of all it is FREE! Family visitors and young people will have the opportunity to work with professional artists on an exciting drawing project in the Gallery.
It sounds great fun and a good opportunity to bring Art alive in the perfect setting.
This restaurant is set in the basement of the shop and is located very centrally, just off Piccadilly. The whole place is decorated as if it is a rainforest and there are model electronic animals dotted around the place that move at various intervals.
Be warned that there is a soundtrack that is on a loop, not only with various animal noises but also with a deafening thunderstorm. If your child is sensitive to noise then this is not the place to come!
The children’s food is fairly standard; burgers, chicken and fish nuggets and chips plus a few healthier options. However, the selection for the adults is much wider. The portions are large even though the quality isn’t outstanding.
The best place to sit is in the Elephant room, so do book ahead if you can. No bookings are allowed on Saturdays, so turn up early to ensure you get a good table and don’t have to wait around for ages.
If you are driving then there is an NCP car park on Denman Street. It is extremely narrow but worth it because Rainforest Cafe customers pay a bargain flat rate of £10 from Monday to Saturday and just £5 on Sundays.
What do you think of the Rainforest Cafe? Have you found somewhere better to eat?
I am particularly fond of London Zoo because it brings back lots of childhood memories, so it is interesting to visit it as a parent.
Part of the reason that London Zoo is so popular is that it houses a fair few big animals. This is something that you just don’t expect in the hectic urban London environment. The giraffes are particularly impressive and are as tall as you would imagine, if not bigger!
My kids loved just running around. The Zoo is well laid out over quite a large area. There is plenty of space for children to run around and when you need a rest there is a good picnic area. Alternatively, there is a very child-friendly cafe with ramps, space for parking your buggy and changing facilities. Here you will find a special range of healthy food for kids to put into a specially designed cardboard lunchbox with puzzles/games on.
You may be surprised to find a whole host of extras to keep the kids entertained, such as a carousel, face painting and even a bouncy castle.
My top tip is to visit the butterfly house. The butterflies are not behind any screen and they literally fly around you. It really is magical.
Be warned though, that due to the fact that most of the attraction is outdoors, the Zoo is not a good place to go on a rainy day. Also, if you are thinking of visiting in the winter months, you may find that many of the cages are being refurbished which can be disappointing.
Under 3s go free, tickets for 3-15 years cost £10 and adults pay £13. Family tickets are available (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult 3 children) for £41.
The zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm. It is a great family day out.
Holland Park used to be my local park. It amazed me that there was such a great local park for kids so close to the centre of London.
Holland Park has a wide variety of facilities. The best place for young children is the play area for under 5s. This is basically a large sandpit with swings, slide and climbing frame. The play area is handily situated right next to the WCs and not far from the cafe. There is also a One O’clock club, but this has fairly limited facilities.
Other attractions include a much bigger adventure playground for the older kids. The Japanese garden is fun to visit (although younger ones need to be supervised) because the kids can look at the fish in the pond and the waterfall, and even cross the stepping stones. There are also peacocks and rabbits located in various enclosures around the park.
If you want to bring a picnic, the area behind the main house is dog-free. However, if you are bringing your pooch then there is a huge playing field at the High St Ken end where your kids and your dog can run around.
Last but not least, if you contact the information desk they can tell you about nature trails for kids and the ecology centre.
All in all a well maintained, beautiful park with great facilities for kids. A great placed to take the kids for a family day out.
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