Best musical/theatre/show for 3.5 year old, central London, during Olympics

[Stateofplay]

DH, DD (3.5) and I have Friday and Sat night in London during Olympics (are lucky enough to be going to an Olympic event on the Sat morning).

DH and I love West End shows, and would like to take DD to one Fri or Sat evening. I was thinking of the Lion King (which I've seen myself years ago) but after browsing some Mumsnet threads which recommended children be at least 6 (not least because it's 2.45 hours long and features the murder of Simba's daddy) so have changed my mind on that one. Someone recommended The Sound of Music but that doesn't seem to be on until October.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Also for any other fun thing to do with her in central London during such a hyper-busy time? Ideas much appreciated!

NB, I'll also be 27 weeks pregnant, but DH and I (were) Londoners although have lived away for a few years now, but we have a flat there and know our way around the city very well - we've just never lived there with kids so looking for a whole different kettle of attractions now!

I personally wouldn't take a child that young to any musical. I would look for something a bit more age appropriate, see if there are any shows specifically produced for younger children.

As far as other attractions, my ds1 is 4 and if I took him to London I would go to the zoo, sealife centre to see the soldiers outside the palace etc. Perhaps the natural history museum but he wouldn't appreciate things like madam tussauds etc.

I'm taking my 3.2yo ds to see the Tiger who came to tea at the Lyric (west end theatre), it's his first time to the theatre, the show is only 55mins and he knows the story so I think it's a good introduction to theatre.

I personally think lion king is far too long for a toddler - no way would my ds sit though that! Or be able to keep up properly with the story. I think a pre-schoolers show is much more likely to be a success.

Also if you take her during august you can get children's tickets free.

Sorry missed your question on other things - natural history museum and science museum are usually hits with ds1, best to go as soon as they open to avoid the real rush, coram fields (Bloomsbury) is free and has children's play areas, small farm section and various activities, both museums of London (barbican & docklands) have good children's galleries/activities, the v&a museum of childhood is good too. These are all free activities

Hi hugandroll and lindsell; thanks for your ideas. I just googled Tiger Came for Tea, was all ready too book as it looks perfect and DD also loves the story and audio book, but found it's only on at 11am daily, which doesn't work for us that weekend :-(

Any one know of any similar toddler-friendly theatre? The Gruffalo maybe, or We're Going On a Bear Hunt? Mog the Cat? Thinking of it, I bet loads of young-children's picture books that would transfer well to the stage...

I used to think London Zoo was massively overpriced, but haven't been for at least 7 years so maybe it's better these days. I love the Natural History Museum, so that could be a good stop, and hopefully it's big enough to house all of those Olympic crowds...

I only know of the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green - the V&A one sounds nice: what's it like? Is it just displays or interactive for children? I'll also check out Coram Fields.

Tell me, is it know for the Kensington museums to have queues to get into them at busy times? Is that a likely scenario? As we're bound to be back in London in the future (and may even move back to live in next few years) I'm not desperate to take DD to any particular sight, and anything that will involve a queue is being crossed off the list, as I can't stand up that long, and DH won't carry a deckchair around London Underground for me! (Is he BU? )

Actually, to be fair to London Zoo, I'd like to replace massively overpriced with expensive. I'm sure they have costs to meet - tiger food is quite expensive I hear - so I can't comment on if it's a fair entry price. It's just a steep one.

There is a Charlie & Lola show on - but its in Wimbeldon (Polka Theatre)

Ah that's a shame, I think I saw that where the wild things are is on but can't remember when or where so not very helpful.

It is the bethnal green one it's run by the v&a.