********LONDON MUMS HELP! What to do in London with a 2 yr old and a 3.5 year old next week (11-12-13 April)!!!!!!!!!!!

[TurkishDeelite]

Hello London mums or other mums who know London quite well!

I am going to London with my two little dds (2 year + 3.5 year)next week. My dh will not be there so I am on my own during the day. When we were in London previously as a family we would go to Hamleys, Kensington Gardens (Princess Diana memorial playpark), have lunch, do a bit of Harrods (ds2 had a cute haircut there) and general walking around, feeding ducks etc.

This time around I will be kind of on my own. The hotel I chose has a swimming pool so that should be fun. Is there anything you would suggest that would be fun? I want to ideally go out and spend 2-3 hours somewhere where they would have fun. The London Zoo? Any shows? (Lion King does not accept under 3s!!!!! I am dying to see it but will have to wait for another year!)

Also I am desperate to go out one night (I have a baby sitter arranged)- anything fun I can do on my own? Any ideas welcome!

The zoo is great at the moment. They have just opened the gorilla kingdom last week. There is plenty to see and do including a playground. The two year old would get in free too. I would definately recommend it.

The day out you described is one of my favourites. I think you could still do that if the weather is nice.

IlanaK- thanks for the recommendation.. I hope the weather will be nice!

London Aquarium and London Eye?

Susie 40- Aquarium is a good idea.. don't know about the eye.. do you think the little ones would enjoy it?

Battersea park has a great zoo for kids that age, you can get a bus from Sloane Square. London Zoo can be a bit big and is v pricey.

Wander along the south bank from the London eye generally, there's a small playpark there, boats on the river, street entertainers and some handy child friendly places to eat - Giraffe, Wagamama, an italian place

if the South Bank refurb has finished they have a space in there that used to have some really interesting things for little ones to look at

changing of the guard? Horseguards parade end is better, fewer crowds, you can get closer and there is a huge space to run around in if they get bored. Lots of hungry ducks in nearby St James' park, and a fancy cafe there too

fridayschild- all good recommendations- thanks...

Depends on the child really - we took DS on the Eye at 18 months and he seemed to enjoy it although TBH he spent most of the time looking at the mechanism. I am not sure he would want to go on it now (3.5).

DS loves the South Kensington museums - that would be a good option if wet (though most likely heaving). The Science Museum has a fantastic area in the basement for 3-6 year olds (lots of toddlers go there too though) called the Garden, with an artificial stream and lots of buttons to press and puppets to play with - also the Pattern Pod at the back of the ground floor is very good.

if you go to the Science museum take a change of clothes, the aprons available are no good to determined little splashers (maybe that's just my too)

if the DDs fancy another hairdo, I thought of Trotters on the Kings road at the Sloane Square end, then you could go to the nearby National Army museum which has a free and good kids playzone to go wild in. If it's busy you can only stay for an hour and sometimes it closes for parties so ring first to check the parties. My boys like the soldiers but there are horses and castles too if that is more appealing to girls....

Thanks fridays child- I will have to print this thread and make a full itenerary!

A boat trip down to Greenwich is good, the park has a great playground area all fenced in & suitable for younger children also some nice places in Greenwich for lunch.

Thanks everyone: I think we'll do the changing of the guards, feeding the ducks, general running around and then lunch at the fancy cafe on day one (weather permitting)
Do the Science Museum etc.- if this is close to South Kensington gardens we'll probably have a wander to the park on day 2. Day 3 we'll probably go to the South bank to see all the lovely things described and a Wagamama lunch! Thought you would all like to know

Thanks all!

Plan to cheekily copy this list for our trip to 'that London' next week with 4yds and 1ydd.
One quick question tho'. Can I use the underground with a pushchair??

anyone?

yes you can use the underground with a pushchair but not many stations have lifts so, depending on how you feel about using pushchairs on escalators you might have to fold it/ carry baby. Its not easy but v. possible.

I find the main problem with the underground is not the escalators but the stairs - almost all stations have some steps here or there. I've never had to fold a pushchair, but use my smaller McClaren when out & about. Buses are easier, as long as they're not too full.