London's best bits --with a tot?!

[T0Thost]

To the esteemed panel, please advise if you can! My girlfriend's sister (late 20s) is arriving from the Czech Republic to stay at our Sussex home next week -- with her husband and 9-month-old. They wish to go to London and although I'm relatively au fait with the capital; I'm new to floating itineraries for a crawling, exploring little girl and her parents! She can stand but not walk, apparently.

If the weather's good; we were thinking (based on recommendations online incl this great site!); of Kensington Gdns/St James' Park/Hyde Park or the like, for a peddle boat/picnic. I like the look of Kew, but my g/f isn’t keen. And if a bad weather day, the Science or Horniman Museum with lunch at Daquise. An open-top bus tour or Thames boat tour is in reserve if in-between weather! I did see a painting /making mess with art session for toddlers, but think the little one is a touch too young.

In terms of venues, the Tate reads well for tots, but the couple aren't into art. I've been recommended to 'plan for the couple, not the baby' -- but I feel that's unfair. Also, the couple have 'seen all the sights' (so they claim!), and prob wouldn't 'get' our usual lunch spots (ranging from Dishoom & The Wolseley to Zedel & Yalla Yalla). Food-wise, the baby isn't on solids yet so that planning aspect is indeed a non-starter. I’ve read Carluccios and Giraffe are ideal, in terms of facilities. So a stroll along the Southbank looks likely.

Anyway, where would you eat, or take them all for lunch in London? And what you would take the couple to see /do, in London, with a tot in tow? Really would value your input. Lots of thanks in advance!

T0Thost

South bank would be a winner as lots of those restaurants are kiddie friendly. They have lots going on at the south bank centres as it’s half term so check out what’s going on here- www.southbankcentre.co.uk/blog/things-do-may-half-term-southbank-centre

Oh make sure they bring a baby carrier as many of the events you have to park your pram to go into.

Also have you been to the new area of the Tate. The look out area is lovely and has great views over London.

Something else would be to take the clipper and then the Emirates skycars and hang out in grenwick and then you can walk under the Thames back.

Also the princess Diana fountain would be great in the heat. You can pop the baby sitting at the top bit where it’s can sit in the water. The memorial park is also wonderful. There is water there too but the big pirate ship. I wouldn’t take them to the ship but there are sensory bits about.

Main advice is don’t try and pack too much in with a kiddie. Also if you’re taking the tube be mindful of what pram you have. Taking the escalator with a heavy pram is always a bit shit

Also where do you live? Anything around there that’s fun to do?

I’ll keep having a think and pop back if anything else comes to me!

Amazing, amazing advice Espoleta! Thanks so much. I keep reading and re-reading it, as it's so interesting!

The Emirates and Diana recommendation have shot straight to the top of my list! Just to clarify though:
-On the clipper/Emirates, one doesn't have to go as far as Greenwich (I hear it's nice there for kids, but wonder if the walk back would be a bit long, and take us too far out of things?)
-The Diana Foundation. Are you saying the baby can rest/sit in the water?

Will Google around to find out answers to the above but sure you'll know off the top of your head!

Interesting on the Tate too. Can one stroll in and out to just attend the viewing gallery, or do you have to pay as normaL?

Do let me have any other fab ideas that you can think of! I take it mine were a bit 'o.t.t' -- in that you say don't pack too much in?

Really -- thanks again; have a great day!
T0Thost

If you're getting on a boat, stop off at Greenwich. Lovely to walk round, decent museums. Grab some lunch and picnic in the huge park. playground for the tot, and a huge nautical themed toddler softplay at the national maritime museum If it pours with rain.

Wow, what a top tip sar32! It pouring down can't be ruled out so that softplay area looks good at the NMM. Esp as the pics online show a few 1-yr-olds getting involved! So much in Lon seems to be for slightly older kids! Thanks again for helping out! Rather looking forward to it now :-)

Ah, you're welcome! Enjoy :)