London Marathon Spectator recommendations please?

[SarahBeeney]

I'd like to take the kids to watch the Marathon this year, can someone recommend a good place to watch from please?
I've lived in London for 24 years and I've never been to see it so it's something I'd like to do.
Can it be fun for kids?
We're in South East London so can get to anywhere on the route fairly easily.

If you want to get a taste of the London Marathon atmosphere but you are not watching out for anyone in particular, then the areas with live music and entertainment will have a great vibe. However, these areas become very crowded.
The 17 mile mark is a good spot with children as Mudchute Farm is nearby and there are smaller crowds than other popular areas.
St James Park is good too because it’s the finish and there’s a playground nearby.
The three mile point at Woolwich Arsenal is also good because it is on the DLR and it’s just after the converging point for the runners from different starts. It's quite a sight to see all the runners merge together on one of the few downhill stretches. You will also catch participants when they are still fresh, and can raise a smile and a wave easily - less likely later on.
If you are early enough (between 8.45 and 9.30) you can see the Mini London Marathon age-group races, which start just east of London Bridge.
Wherever you stand, hold out some jelly babies and encourage your kids to high five. It WILL make someone very happy indeed.
If you plan to have a meal out, or meet your hungry hero after the race, try to book somewhere to eat. Many places will be exceptionally busy.

I've watched near westferry station before because you get to see the runners twice. And easy to walk into Canary Wharf after. But not much to see while waiting.
Might be more fun for the kids at Greenwich as more to look at while waiting, expect it gets super crowded though.

@SarahBeeney If you can, get to the Expo at the Excel too. It's on from the Wednesday (I think) till the Saturday before the marathon, and is free to attend. It's for runners and spectators, and an amazing experience. Don't be alarmed though, if you see people crying over their race number, like I did last year

I lives in Plumstead so always went to watch it at Woolwich. If you stand opposite the new wine church it’s a great place to watch. The church always has someone outside with a mic encouraging the runners, it’s a good spot for watching the elite runners, though they come through in a pack and really quickly.

It’s a bit sad when you see the car come past with the sign that says the course is now closed continue on the pavement as there’s always some people still behind that.

Don't take children to the Expo if you're not going to collect a number. It's crowded, hot and busy. Not actually that interesting if you're not into running. It's like a big sales pitch with the odd fun stall. You're hardly going to queue ages for a photo if you haven't got a number to hold up.

Have a look on the marathon website at the course. If you're not there to see anyone in particular then I'd aim for the first half of the course but not Cutty Sark area or near Tower Bridge.