Using the Tube with kids - London trip

[Dianalouise]

We’re taking the kids (8 and 6) to London this weekend…I saw that tube is free for under 11s with full fare paying adult but how do we navigate the turnstiles? So we need some kind of oyster card for them or can we just shuffle through with them?

There are big turnstiles for people with kids, luggage etc - you’ll just be able to walk through with them.

Londoner here. You just find the turnstile that has a bigger gate opening - they're usually at the end of a block of them and are usually operated by someone. With kids that age they'll just wave you through, no zip card needed.

The big turnstiles mentioned above are a bit slower so you can get through more easily without being nipped.

There's a wide gate at every station and it closes more slowly, you just use that, no need for extra cards. Worst case if you have a dawdler then there's enough space under for a child to get through fairly easily, but I've never had to do it yet!

I'd avoid rush hours if you can - they tend to be full of hurrying commuters on autopilot.

Just use contactless for the paying adult/s and the children go through with you.

I always use the bigger gates and can easily get myself, a pram and 3 kids through.

Brilliant…thanks very much. I thought it might be a faff and have to get a special Oyster card but sounds surprisingly nice and easy!