London museum for 3 year old

[kisaki333]

Considering a day in London with 3.5yo DD and my 70+yo mum. We are coming from outside the m25 via public transport so will be a bit of a journey to even get there.
DD is easily bored but very inquisitive. Not a chance to get her to sit in a buggy.
I was thinking the Natural history musem or the science museum. Or both? She did enjoy a visit to the Lookout Centre in Bracknell a while back. Is there enough for her to see/do in any of the two above? Are there hands-on things for her to try? Would it be crazy busy on a Sunday in July?

Also secondary question, is there a toddler-friendly play area near-by? And by toddler-friendly, i mean something aimed at 3 yo and below only. If there is a climbing frame aimed at teenagers, for example, she will want on it, so I need a playarea with nothing dangerous, if possible.

Another day out we enjoy is taking the boat to Battersea Power station and visiting the park there.

Not a museum but Battersea Park Zoo - perfect for a 3yo IMO

There is also a fab playground in Battersea Park

Battersea Power Station also has a playground and often has special events on outside in the holidays, have a look at what’s on. And the air conditioned shops/cafes could be welcome if it’s hot. There is a Lego store but that’s the only child friendly shop I can think of to be honest!

These could be combined easily with Play Base in the Imperial War Museum, via bus over the river

Could also add in a riverboat ride

Alternatively Southbank area - Appearing Rooms as mentioned above, a run around the Turbine hall, watch the buskers, see if anything is on at the Southbank Centre - lots of children’s stuff usually in summer

If you’re going to any of the South Ken museums then I recommend tagging on a visit to the Diana fountain- take swimmers/small towel and wear something you can wade on. Or the fountain in the V&A if you are going there, though I can’t personally think of anything 3 year old suitable. Of the big museums I think the Garden in the Science Museum is the only bit really good for 3 year olds but it will be heaving

Do look for special summer events aimed at kids - for example Somerset House runs various workshops as does Southbank Centre mentioned above.

@kisaki333 @minipie Battersea Power Station has a Peppa Pig shop now 🐖

Or venture out a bit further east. The discovery centre at Stratford is full of stories and activities that your 3 year old will recognise and enjoy. Then walk across to the Elizabeth Park, have a ride on a little boat, or just let off some steam and enjoy the former Olympic park which now is stuffed with things to do.

Another vote for Greenwich. I lived there for a while & it has a really nice vibe. The park is great. How about The Planetarium at The Royal Observatory?

Also coming on here to say Transport Museum. Lots of food places near Covent Garden. Walkable from Waterloo or Charing Cross.

What about a petting zoo instead? X

Young V&A
Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Museum of childhood Bethnal Green part of the V and A . It's next to the tube There's a nice cafe.
It's got loads of interactive stuff
It's free!!

I took my 3yo DD last August for one night as DH has a work trip.

Toyed with the idea of museums but ended up not as everyone said it would be chaos. Ended up taking her to see Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard which she loved and there is a nice little playground just outside. Had a picnic lunch in St James park. She was obsessed with the tube so we rode that around a fair bit 😂 Hamelys was also a hit, as was the princess Diana memorial playground and carousel.

I think the museums are best for when they are a little older tbh!