London day out!

[ImALittlePea]

I'm looking into a day trip to London for my birthday (me, DH, 9.5yo and 3.5yo) and I'm after recommendations of fun destinations/activities that will engage both children 😬

Kidzania is closed, had looked at Bubble Planet but decent time slots have sold out (and I have seen some very mixed reviews).

I know some areas of London quite well but don't get to go that often any more. We've done the natural history and science museums relatively recently. Thinking about a river boat trip perhaps, but would like something else to either book or aim for that'll be fun for the kids and is decent quality for the adults to tolerate 😅

Any suggestions?!

River boat trip might be a bit boring for the 3.5 year old, even one with commentary. Ours enjoyed the open top bus much more and we had hop on hop off which worked well for food/loo stops. We have had success with the London Transport Museum (with ice cream and Venchis afterwards), British Museum (explorer backpacks were a hit) and the Princess Diana playground in Kensington Gardens is a favourite if the weather is kind. Mail Museum is good - especially the Mail Rail - needed to book in advance when we went

Sadly Ahoy at the Maritime Museum seems to be closed at the moment

The Balloon Museum is fun for adults and DC. It’s on the river so you could take the riverboat there. Borough Market is nearby and has lots of places to eat or you could splash out and go to the Shard.

Twist is an immersive experience that works for all ages too. It’s on Oxford St so plenty of choice for food or a trip to Hamleys! The Arcade food hall at Tottenham Court Road is a good option with DC.

The tiny Automaton museum in Holborn is also fun (and near the Arcade food hall), as is Pollocks Toy Museum.You could combine them with lunch in Covent Garden and/or a visit to the London Transport Museum.

You could take the canal boat to the zoo. If you buy a combined ticket, they drop you off inside the zoo so you don’t have to queue! Paddington Basin and Little Venice (where you get the boat) have lots of family friendly cafes and restaurants.

The Princess of Wales playground in Kensington Gardens is amazing, even for a 9 year old.

How about going up Tower Bridge?

Ooh amazing! Can't wait to look some of these ideas up tonight!

The Tower Bridge walkway is pretty good

There is also The Butterfly Trail opposite Tottenham Court Rd station so near Oxford Street, though I would say only about 15 mins to keep you occupied. Then a short walk to Leicester Square (Lego shop) then a short walk to Trafalger Square