What to do in London in December with 5yo

[pepinanalilyplant]

Going abroad on holiday in December isn't looking too promising at the moment. We have 5yo DD and a 5 month old.

DD hasn't been to London since a toddler so is very excited to go.

Any recommendations on what to see and do please. We would plan to go pre Christmas ideally for 5 days.

Thanks in advance.

Hopeful bump

London zoo? I loved it there last time I went, I know it’s December but wrap up warm and have a good day out in the fresh air!

Natural history museum? Again lots of great displays for kids.

London aquarium?

Hamleys?

It’s ages since I’ve had a five year old but my kids liked all those. Also - Cutty Sark although she may be a little young.

Science Museum and/or Natural History Muesum
London Eye
Bus tour (probably not an open top at that time of year though!)
Covent Garden to watch the street performers

Usborne books do a London Snap game, London Spotters Guide and London Sticker book so something like that to do on the journey or during down time might be fun.

If it's on, Raymond Brigg's father Christmas at the Hammersmith lyric is awesome. Kew lights show

Visit the ice rink at Somerset House? Hyde Park Winter Wonderland?

1. Science Museum

Agree with Science Museum recommends. It is great. Make sure you visit The Garden (walk in again now) and Wonderlab (think you still need to book it). From the website :

"Visit The Garden in the basement of the museum for non-stop fun. From giant tubes that carry whispers to a flying saucer that radiates light, it’s an ideal place for 3–6-year-olds to discover science through play."

"WHAT TO SEE IN WONDERLAB Spread across seven different zones, there's loads of opportunity to interact with real scientific phenomena. See lightning strike before your eyes, play with forces on giant slides or travel through space under a canopy of stars."

1. Sky Garden

I think London Eye can be a bit disappointing because there isn't much to do once you're up there. Sky Garden still has great views but the kids can run around more. Nice coffee place and gardens for the adults too!

1. Kids theatre

You can do the big and expensive west end shows but there are some brilliant kids theatres in London. Check out what is on at Unicorn Theatre, Little Angel Theatre or Polka Theatre (though it's a bit far out in Wimbledon).

December might be busy with xmas shoppers and places like Oxford St can get quite overwhelming so you might want to avoid or go in quieter times to those.

The Science Museum is great at that age especially the interactive area down stairs with shows fir that age group and the other interactive area upstairs. It's so much fun there for kids