...please in central London for 4 year old and waddling mother

[Gem13]

I plan to take DS to London on Friday as he has an Inset day and DD will be at the childminders. We could really do with spending some fun time together now that I no longer join in playfights or go on the flume at the swimming pool (30 weeks pregnant) - his two favourite activities.

But... my knowledge of London is as a child-free person. I am used to hopping on and off tubes and buses and going wherever I fancy with no logical thought to distance. DS won't walk a massive amount and I want to have a fun day without feeling like I am dragging him around.

I was thinking about going to the Rainforest cafe for lunch (is it worth it?) and seeing the Changing of the Guard. I was thinking about the Science museum but my previous thread said a lot of London schools would be off on Friday and it would be heaving. Is taking him to Hamleys asking for trouble?

Any other suggestions?

The Zoo??

As a waddling mother with a 4 year old I don't recommend the science museum. While they have a great downstairs bit for kids there are no seats for grown-ups and the standing around is a killer. Busy days are horrible. I expect Hamleys will be heaving too. I have seen lots of people walking around with big bags and I think they must already be extra busy with Christmas shopping. Once again - no seats. Has he been to the Natural History Museum lately? Although it might be a bit grissly for you if there are queues the moving T Rex is pretty impressive for a 4 year old boy. There is quite a bit of seating as you travel around the Dinosaur bit. My absolute favourite place if the weather is up to it is the Peter Pan /Princess Diana Memorial Playground. It can handle lots of kids if they turn up and a child can happily entertain themselves for at least half a day, probably longer. The only problem is it's a bit hard to keep an eye on them because there are so many nooks and crannies. Good luck.

I'd thought about the Natural History Museum - that would be a good one. Seats are good

I wasn't so bothered about the playground or the zoo. We have good playgrounds where we are (although I know it is meant to be great) and a small zoo. I wanted more time where we could talk together, look at things, etc. and that were unique to London to make it a bit special before the arrival of the baby.

Might be worth checking to see if the Battersea Park Children's zoo is open. They have a good playground inside the zoo grounds. Not sure if there's decent food in the park though....will you be driving or using public transport? Battersea Park isn't the easiest to get to without a car, but it definitely can be done.

If you go see the changing of the guard, I think the best place to see the "marching men" is as they line up/exit the barracks on Birdcage Walk, and begin to march toward the Palace. Unless you can position yourself on the steps of the central monument in front of the palace, you probably won't see much of the ceremony, and there will be many tourists straining to see which will make it tough for a not very tall 4 year old. We usually opt for Birdcage Walk to avoid disapointment.

You can then cross the road and you are very near the children's playground in St James Park. Be sure you've got something to dig in the sand with as that's the centre of the playground activity.

You can also spend some time walking around the park feeding the ducks any old bread you've brought from home. There is a reasonable cafe in the centre of St James Park (maybe called Park Cafe?) for a bite. Think it's a little pricey for what it is, and I've never had more than tea/cakes there, but might be a good place to sit and rest for a little quiet time.

You could then gather your strength and walk up to Trafalgar Square....all this is assuming you and ds have stamina, and that the weather is reasonable!

You should definitely check out Marmart, taking place from Sunday 22nd October to 27th October at the Air Gallery, London W1. Marmite is hosting the exhibition, of pieces of art created using squeezy Marmite and toast! Contributions range from 3 year olds kids, to graffiti artists, mums, dads and even the odd celebrity.

There will be half term workshops where kids and parents can get involved, with curator Linda Barker making a special guest appearance on the 27th. For more information log onto www.marmart.co.uk, and check out the details below! x

Toast Art Revolution spreads across the country A new modern art craze has spread across the nation, but it?s one that critics will either ?love? or ?hate? as Marmite, the nation?s favourite yeast extract, has launched ?Marmart? - an online art competition to find the best ?toast artists? in the country.

Marmart Exhibition, The Air Gallery, 32 Dover Street, London W1S 4NE

22nd ? 28th October, 2006

Time: 10am ? 4pm.

(Nearest tube: Green Park)

Contact: 020 7324 7200

Thousands of Marmite spread lovers are set to be the ?toast? of the art world as people of all ages are being invited to use their toast as a canvas, swap paint brushes for squeezy Marmite spread and get creative! None other than celebrity artist Linda Barker is curating the contest and selecting her ?Pick of the Week? from the Marmart online gallery. The Changing Rooms front lady will also be hosting a half term workshop showing kids (and adults!) how to give their loaves a Marmart make over.

?Marmart? is a great way to have fun with squeezy Marmite spread and encourage creativity, no matter what your age or artistic background. For those who need an extra helping

For further information please call 020 7324 7201

• Squeezy Marmite spread offers the same great taste, in a more easy to use format. Fans can spread it easily on sandwiches, drizzle it on cheese, stir it into recipes and even draw with it.

• For the Marmite ?Marmart? competition rules visit www.marmite.co.uk/marmart/termsandconditions