Young child friendly places/parks near trafalgar sq/covent garden?

[6thbirthday]

Have got the theatre booked near Trafalgar sq this morning and then lunch in Covent Garden. Is there anywhere within walking distance you recommend nearby I can take my 3 and 6 year old after? Maybe a park/free museum (I’ve looked up the National Gallery).

St James’s Park is just the other side of Admiralty Arch. There’s a cafe and a lake with ducks. Or walk down Whitehall and see the guards on horseback and then walk through Horseguards Parade to the park. At Piccadilly Circus you have a Lego shop (great display) and an MnM shop

We found a lovely wee grassy park right next to the exit of Embankment tube station- Victoria Embankment Gardens it was called.

There is a free immersive experience called the outer net next to Tottenham court Rd underground.

Phoenix garden is lovely https://maps.app.goo.gl/vP1K3sUu5HxZComf6?g_st=ipc

Cute little park near seven dials with kids play space

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HEfHi146eakPmsLv7?g_st=ipc

@gloschick,that will be heaving and it’s a trek from Trafalgar Square. St James’s Park is a few minutes walk away. I’d do as the poster above has suggested. Walk down Whitehall, see the guards then into the park.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields good for running around and close to Covent Garden.

Alternatively embankment gardens has a little playground and space for running around.

If you want to spend some money, the London transport museum is excellent for children of this age with lots of play equipment - doesn’t take long to get round, you could be there easily for an hour or two. You can get a 241 voucher q easily.

Foyles on Charing Cross road has the most enormous children’s section if you like books.

Would second this. Really pretty garden and there's a playground and cafe.

St James's Park has a nice playground, I used to take my kids there a lot, although it is the far side of the park so maybe a slightly long walk. The National Gallery is lovely, as is the National Portrait Gallery but my two weren't very tolerant of museums when they were small. St James's Square is close and a nice grassy space for them to run a bit, though no playground as far as I know.

Oh the transport museum is a really good call. Perfect for that age.

Victoria Embankment Gardens ❤️

It's closed today but in case this helps future thread readers, there's a public library virtually opposite the National Portrait Gallery which can be a complete lifesaver if you just need somewhere quiet and free to regroup and calm small kids with a sit-down and a book. Especially useful if they are wound up by crowds and you're tired of paying £28 just to sit in a cafe.
www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/library-opening-times-and-contact-details/charing-cross-library

Daysoutguide is where you get the 241 tickets (for the adults): https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-transport-museum

Children will be free. Two adults £25.

It says you need a printed voucher (you don’t) and technically you get the 241 for travelling by train but in ten years and countless visits to attractions all over the place… I’ve never been asked to show one! Just fill out the form online and pay.

It’s as much a play space as a museum really.

Thank you all! Think we will walk down to the Victoria embankment gardens as that is also very close to the station afterwards.