By Nicole Harms
10 Best Things to Do with Kids in London
If you are headed to London with kids in tow, you will want to plan your trip to incorporate the sites that are most appealing to the youngest visitors. Whether you are exploring a museum or a park, these attractions will keep your kids entertained. They just might learn something, too.
Tower of London
Visit the Tower of London, where your kids will be impressed by the grandness of the structure, the beauty of the Crown Jewels and the legends of the Tower Green. You will appreciate the chance to teach your kids some history while on vacation.
The Tower of London
London
EC2N 4AB
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 3166 6000
www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/Default.aspx
London Bridge
If your children ever played "London Bridges," they will enjoy exploring the Tower Bridge, the most famous one in London. Do not expect to see it rise while you are there, as this is only done when boats need to pass, but you can enter the bridge, explore the museum inside and walk high-level walkways for great views of the city.
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 2UP
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7403 3761
www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/
National Army Museum - Kids' Zone
If the weather is poor, head indoors to the National Army Museum. Here, kids ten years old and younger can play in Kid's Zone, an indoor play area complete with castle fortress, dress up clothes, climbing wall, tunnels, slides and a soft play area for babies. Entry is free, but you will be given just 50 minutes to play.
National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road
London
SW3 4HT
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7881 2455
www.national-army-museum.ac.uk/
London Zoo
A trip to the London Zoo is a must. This is a modern zoo with conservation efforts and large exhibits housing animals from around the world. The zoo is located north of central London in Regents Park.
London Zoo
Outer Circle
Regent's Park
London
NW1 4RY
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7722 3333
http://www.zsl.org/
Hyde Park
When the kids are ready to burn off some energy, head to Hyde Park. Here they can ride horses, run through the meadow, swim or fish in the lake, climb on the playground or enjoy a boat ride, all within the 350 acre park. Hyde Park is located on the corner of Bayswater Road and Park Lane near Paddington.
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/
London Science Museum
The London Science Museum has an entire floor dedicated to hands-on science for kids to explore. The museum has over 300,000 exhibits covering all aspects of science, including medicine and technology. Workshops are held on a regular basis for the kids. Admission is free.
London Science Museum
Exhibition Road
London
SW7 2DD
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7942 4340
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Double-Decker Bus Tour
Kids will get a kick out of riding a double-decker bus as you explore the sights and sounds of the streets of London. The Original London Sightseeing Tour is one of the most popular double-decker bus tours, and they offer a Kids' Club pack to make the experience fun for the entire family.
Jens Row
Wandsworth
London
SW18 1TB
+44 (0) 20 8877 1722
United Kingdom
www.theoriginaltour.com/
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum has exhibits that will educate kids about natural wonders of all kinds. A highlight of a trip to this museum is the chance to explore the huge dinosaur skeletons and the animatronics super-sensing T-Rex. Admission to the museum is free.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 5BD
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7942 5511
www.nhm.ac.uk/index.html
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
While a tour of Buckingham Palace may not impress your children, watching the changing of the guard is sure to please. Your kids will be amazed at how still the soldiers stand and how precisely they move as they change positions. If they do want to tour the palace, they can after you watch the changing of the guard.
Buckingham Palace
London
SW1A 1AA
+55 (0) 20 7930 4832
www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/ChangingtheGuard/Overview.aspx
Diana Memorial Playground
Kensington Gardens is home to the Diana Memorial Playground, created in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. Here kids up to age 12 can play on structures inspired by the story of Peter Pan. A huge pirate ship sits in the center of the park, and kids can play as much as they want for free.
Kensington Gardens
London
W2 2UH
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7298 2141
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.cfm
Resources
About the Author:
Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in real estate, finance and travel. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and has visited several countries, including Israel, Spain, France and Guam. Harms received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College.
Photo Credits:
Scott Liddell
