Ideas for somewhere to take kids (13 and 11) in London that is cheap or free?

[spacedonkey]

My sister suggested ice skating at Ally Pally (not sure how much it costs). I thought of taking them for a wander round St James Park after dark to look at all the lights. Any ideas would be most welcome. I'm determined my kids won't just sit around the house all weekend again!

it sounds like you had a lovely day - I so wish my son liked ice skating, but after hurting his wrist doinmg this a few years ago, he won't go near ice for love or money.

Santacon sounded good as well - must remember this for next year. Thanks for posting details.

You can take mine then Tigermoth. He is dead keen and it's his wimpy parents who won't oblige...
Glad you had a nice time spacedonkey! Think santacon could be a must for us next year too.

Museum of Childhood - Bethnal Green

Camden Market?
Whatever the Market is called on High St Kensington - should have the sort of things a gothy teenager would like

We could have a Santamumsnetcon next year and all 17000 of us turn up in santa outfits. That really would be a sight to behold!

Now there's an idea, a Mumsnet happening...I walked into a crowd of silent groovers at London Bridge the other month, all bopping away to their i-Pods...