Thinking about taking children to London one day at half term - ideas please...

[Gem13]

DS is 3 and DD will be 20 months.

I was thinking of the Science Museum and the Changing of the Guard for the soldiers but got stuck after that.

I would like to take them to the theatre but a short play (35 - £10 type) not a West End extravaganza.

Do black cabs have those fold down car seats too? DS would love a ride in one.

[Roobie]

The London Aquarium in the old City Halll (next to the London Eye) is pretty good

[pumpkinosaur]

The newer black cabs do have fold down car seats, but the older ones don't.

Agree that the London Aquarium is excellent. Time Out usually has a section on things for children which might give you some ideas for a suitable theatre production.

[Marina]

Gem13

1. the Science Museum will be totally heaving - just so long as you don't mind crowds, but you might very well find access to the best bits of the interactive children's galleries quite tricky
   
   
2. You might also struggle to find a nice short show for children in central London - there is the wonderful Polka in Wimbledon and The Gruffalo, which is lovely, is currently touring suburban theatres eg the Orchard in Dartford
   
   
3. Some black cabs do, others don't. I recommend hanging out at a busy taxi rank and asking a friendly cabbie to radio for one specially for you. The seats are great and ds loves them
   
   If you have not already done the London Eye it's a good one for both their ages. Ds first went on it at 20 months and was enchanted
   
   If you get a fine day an open-top tourism bus is a non-tiring way to see some good sites

[Janh]

What date, Gem? I'll have a look for a play for you.

[Gem13]

Thanks - 24 - 28 Oct. inc.

[Janh]

Halfmoon Theatre has Rumpelstiltskin on Sat 20/10 and Mermaid and the Mirror on 27/10.

[Janh]

Sat 22/10 and Sat 29/10 that is!

[Janh]

The Thought That Counts at the Barbican.

Marina is right though, v little in central London, but there is quite a bit further out, I'll do you a list instead of links, hang on a sec.

[Janh]

Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf at Lauderdale House (29/10) (website - N6 I think)

Fantastic Mr Fox at Watermans Art Centre (website - Brentford, lots on)

It was a Dark and Stormy Night at Arts Depot (26/10 - 30/10) (website - North Finchley, ditto)

Jazz Mouse at Arts Depot (23/10)

Mr Shells Seaside Spells, Millfield Arts Centre (25/10) (website N18))

Teddy Bear's Picnic, Millfield

Three Bill Goats Gruff and Other Furry Tales, Albany Centre (23/10) (website - Deptford)

Them with Tails, Albany (30/10)

HTH

[Gem13]

Thanks very much Jan. I'm busy checking them out.

[manicmama]

There is a special children's theatre called the Polka in Wimbledon - but that might be too far for you to go.

I agree the Aquarium is good for little ones. Also, possibly Covent Garden where you could stop for a coffee and have a look at the Street Artists eg people who mime

[LilacLotus]

london pass

[Janh]

Polka Theatre website for you, Gem - my source site didn't find it for some reason but it does look good

It has The Gruffalo's Child and The Birdy & the Eagle at half-term.

[nooka]

Science Museum is great for little ones especially the garden in the basement - just get there relatively early (definately before lunch, preferably before 11am). My two at 5 and 6 got bored on the Eye (even though ds has been asking about it for ages!). We all love the Aquarium - it's very relaxing, but there aren't any cafe's so it's worth bringing a drink/nibbles (although I think you are not suposed to eat there). River boats are a fun rest on a nice day, but you wouldn't want to do a long trip probably, unless your children are good at sitting still. The V&A were doing some crafty sorts of sessions last time I was there, but I'm not sure if that was a holiday thing. The Natural History museum sometimes does good activities, but is otherwise not the best for littlies. We were thinking of going to the Little Angel Theatre here but they don't allow under 2's so that ight not suit (unless your little one can pass for a 2 yr old!)

[Posey]

The Little Angel puppet theatre in Islington is truly wonderful (was on the Shiny Show today!)
I'm sure they have a website.

I still think the zoo is lovely.
If you go to The Aquarium, have a walk along the southbank, often lots of street entertainers. A walk across the Millennium Bridge is nice too.