A day in London with a 4 year old.

[Srsly]

Am taking my DS who has just turned 4, to London for the day at the end of October. Wondering what best to do for the day :)

We live very rurally and he's fascinated by big cities. We go into a small town fairly often and have been to our local city with him a few times, but usually to out of town places etc.

We have family in London who we are meeting for the day but they have no DC and I'm not sure if their plans for an amazing fun filled day will fit with the level of stamina a 4 year old has. We won't have a buggy with us, he hasn't used it with us for over a year, but we drive a lot and whilst he's good at walking, I want to be realistic about what he will manage in a day. (I do still have our stroller buggy... But he's so heavy, I am reluctant to take it unless people think I'll be mad without it.)

We will be arriving at around 10:30 and leaving again at 4.

He likes all the usual 4 year old things.

Had wondered about natural history/science museums but aware they get busy. What about the transport museum? Or any other hidden gems!

Hoping he can have a really exciting but not totally exhausting day out!

Definitely the transport museum - very interactive with lots of trains and buses to play in. There are also dedicated play areas within the museum for little ones. You won't be bored.

End of October = Half term? If so don't go to the Science or Natural History Museums.
Which station are you using?

Wonderlab at the Science Museum is great. It will be busy though

A river boat trip?

I think it is half term yes. Hence my reservation about science museum.

We are going in to Paddington :)

The Science Museum is usually heaving at half term. The Museum of London is good and sometimes has activities, and he might like that if he's fascinated by cities. It's then a 15 minute walk to the Millennium bridge across the Thames to Tate Modern. On the way you'll pass Postman's Park if you fancy a sit down. You can divert right at St Paul's to go down the hill to the sweetie shop on Newgate Street. Tate Modern will also be busy, but small children usually love the Turbine Hall.
The Princess Diana Playground in Kensington Gardens is not too far from Paddington on the way back. There's also a small playback on the hill overlooking the fountains if you're pushed for time.

Playpark. My autocorrect is on glue lately.

Discover Story centre in Stratford - it’s amazing - Stratford has very good transport links

Whenever I take my DS6 into London he's just fascinated by the tube - it's his favourite thing. He also loves the London Aquarium and boat rides.

My DS6 loves the docklands light railway as he can sit at the front and pretend he's the driver. To be honest, I still like that and I'm 39.
You can catch that to Tower gateway station and then time ir with a trip to Tower Bridge when the bridge is lifting up. This is always a highlight of the trip! You can check online to see what times it lifts.

We took ours to the Tower of London at a similar age because he wanted to see a museum with diamonds (one had been watching Wallace and Gromit) but I think the Transport Museum at Convent Garden was more enjoyable for them.

on my last trip to london i took my 4 year old grand daughter to the transport museum based on mn. it was not a hit at all.
it's small so not a lot of energy was burned off, going from one vintage coach to another vintage coach was again not really exciting. i didn't see any interactive displays that caught her attention.
the stamp collection (9 stations within the tiny area) didn't interest her.
we packed a lunch, and she played with the brio train set and in the soft play area which although appropriate was certainly not amazing in any way shape or form.
up on the second floor there was a modern bus that she enjoyed driving but others want to sit in the drivers seat etc.
we got a few good pic's but won't be going back until maybe age 6 when she can read and appreciate the displays.
i don't remember any food service either?
the national army museum is small, has amazing food and an obstacle course soft play. i'd go for the food and soft play alone.
next time i visit (since she is tall enough) i will take her to the go ape at battersea park and see if she is able to improve on her first attempt of mini putt.

We took 4 year old ds over the summer and his favourite things were looking at the the London eye (I’ll take him on it next time), Tower Bridge and the transport museum. We did an open top bus tour with children’s commentary which was ok but not great and a river tour which he was bored of after 5 minutes!

We've done natural history museum the last two October half terms the first time with a nearly 3 year old and a 5 year old. No buggy. It was absolutely fine.
Mine 2 also love watching the performers at Covent Garden, riding the escalators in John Lewis or Selfridges and generally just walking around!
Have fun.