What to do in Central London with 3 kids under 5?

[ThatBlueBee]

I'm meeting an old, dear friend in central London (City, near Liverpool Street) who is visiting by herself with her 3 children under 5 years old. What could we do that will be fun for the kids, and not stressful for her, allowing us a chance to catch up? I work close to the area, but I don't have children of my own and I'm unsure about what will be open on a weekend. Thank you!

Foundling museum park by British museum

You aren't allowed in without a child, gated, safe, free, cafe, facilities on site.

What frozendaisy said.

You can smuggle wine in flasks if need be no one checks

If you’d like specifically near Liverpool Street, I’d recommend Spitalfields City Farm for those ages. You can walk over through Brick Lane and grab food on the way to eat in the park in front of it.

Or you can get the 388 or 8 bus from outside Liverpool Street Station to Young V&A for play spaces and hands on activities.

Young V&A at Bethnal Green if you need an indoor option.

Corams Fields (which I think is the place @frozendaisy mentions).

Head over to the Postal Museum, book a slot on the Mail Rail and at Sorted play area. It's the most surprisingly brilliant museum.

The Museum of the Home has a calm little area with a play kitchen, plus a play house in the entrance area with benches alongside for you and your friend. Then lovely gardens out the back and a lawn out the front when the kids need a change of scene. Take a picnic blanket and maybe some bubbles for the front lawn. Fabrique bakery under Hoxton station arches (directly behind the museum) does great cinnamon buns etc. Take the 149 bus from Liverpool Street.

If you go up to the foundling museum, then coram fields playground next door is great. Big and adults are only allowed in with a child so v safe for kids to roam.

There is a v nice small playground just north of Farringdon if you want to stay near the city.

Or taxi over to the Diana playground in Kensington gardens which is incredible.

I second Coram's Fields. Safe and fun - I think that's what the first couple of posters are referring to when they say the Foundling museum park.

'3 under fives and not stressful for the mum'? - such a place doesn't exist, sorry, OP. Even you will be stressed and absolutely aghast at your friend's chaotic existence!

Don’t expect to do much catching up….

I think it will be difficult for you to catch up as children that age can't really just go off and play on their own.

Following for ideas when I take my own toddler to London...

London transport museum is great for little ones, especially children who love buses and trains.

I too was going to suggest the V&A childrens museum. They have interactive exhibits and at certain times, have workshops for various ages. Its 1 stop on the central line from Liverpool st to Bethnal Green tube.
Victoria park nearby has some large play areas, but its a bit of a walk for little ones. There are busses though.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/young