What to do in London with kids this weekend?

[loopylindazdaughter]

From up north and never been to the big Cory except for work, it will be my childrens first time.

Just wanting any recommendations for anything fun / cool that they will like.

We've booked the eye, Madame Tussaud's and the open top bus. So gutted that changing of the guards isn't on but I understand why they can't do it....

We are staying in oxford street, any recommendations for restaurants?

Anyone?

National history museum is great with kids. You may need to book with covid. Covent garden usually has lots of street artists and a cool vibe.
Maybe look on groupon, you can get some good deals there. China town is great for food and fab decorations, culture etc
London is great just for wandering about.

depending on ages but Hamleys is a huge toy shop, with loads of demos going on, great displays of lego etc It's about 7 floors and loads of photo opps with the queen in lego, star wars, harry potter etc.

How old are the kids?

Definitely get the Thames Clipper down to Greenwich from Westminter docks.

We’ve just been and enjoyed The Royal Mews, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the War Rooms, The parks (pelicans in St James’ Park, hand tame squirrels everywhere), Harrods. We couldn’t get into the free museums last minute so worth booking ahead. Would have liked to do Tower bridge and enjoyed the Tower of London in the past. No problems getting into restaurants. Enjoy

Oh thanks everyone, probably only have time for one park which would you all suggest?

Also which area shall we head to at night for food? Maybe a drink after?

Kids are 7&9

Kensington Gardens. You’ve got the Diana Memorial Playground, the Elven Oak to entertain them while queuing, and the fountain. It’s also near the free museums if you can book a slot at any of them.

I think the Diana memorial is still locked up. But it’s next to the serpentine (maybe hire a boat) and the cafe. It’s not too far a walk from there to go to Buckingham palace, the mall and St James’ park. Or the other way and south ken (museums and Harrods).

I think the Diana memorial is still locked up.

No, I checked the site before posting & they say it’s open. No idea what the queues are like though. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/diana-memorial-playground

Diana playground is open, we live quite locally and have been there. They are operating a one in, one out policy though so the queues can get very long.

If only time for one park then Hyde Park is very central and big! Green Park is also lovely, walk down it from the Ritz and you get to see Buckingham Palace on the Mall.

Food wise, soho would be a good bet and down Wardour Street.

Sorry - I missed the ‘playground’ - the memorial is still closed (not that it’s much fun).

London Zoo & aquarium!

If you have the extra cash to spare I would go to this jungle cafe, I haven't been myself but my child is still a toddler but heard good things about it.

I'd go to the Zoo it's just reopened & the Lndn Aquarium. Camden market is fun too if it's open?

Zedels is nice if you fancy a French Brasserie dining experience:

https://www.brasseriezedel.com/?utmsource=google&utmmmedium=local&utmcampaign=GoogleMyBusiness

The Olympic Park is also worth a visit if the weather is nice - not sure if the pool is open yet?

https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

Actually - if you are on oxford street then I’d take the bus from Marble Arch down park lane to Victoria then the 36(?) all down to Parliament, westminster abbey - either get off there and stroll along the embankment (over the bridge and south side) or get the bus (24?) from parliament square up to Trafalgar Square.

Then walk from Trafalgar Square up the mall to Buckingham palace. Lots of the big sights.

If it's a hot day, fountains. All the fountains. We did the one round the back of Kings Cross on arrival, the Diana Memorial fountain (the best!), then the one in Trafalgar Square over the course of our weekend. We took lots of shorts and t-shirts so just swapped them into a dry set once they were done playing.

If they’re on, there are the fountains at More London near Tower Bridge too.

This weekend looks a bit overcast - 18–19 degrees.

Thanks so so much everyone!! Can't wait!!

Inamo restaurant op. Asian food but the tables are interactive... You can set your own '' mood '' play games etc.one on Covent Garden and one in soho.

My dc loved it, it's so unusual and novel.

Although the boat is lovley to Greenwich, I think stay central on a short visit.

Op I forgot, the wonder lab at the science musuem you'll need to book and pay small charge but it's hand on, very spaced out at the moment etc.