London Trip

[mum2chalkandcheese]

Right, two questions on London! We'll be there at the end of Oct for a couple of nights with DSs (3 and 5). Have a good list of activities but am looking for:

a) somewhere fun to go for food one day. Know about places like Hard Rock Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Giraffe etc but looking for somewhere a bit different. Did think about the afternoon tea connected to Matilda but, on two boys, think the concept will be lost a little.

b) a show/production to see. Did think about Matilda or Lion King but have heard Lion King is too long for youngest child and a bit graphic and Matilda may also be a bit long.

Any ideas? Staying near Kensington if that helps.
Thanks.

Rainforest cafe should be renamed rip off cafe it was awful. when they are this young it may not be worth spending a fortune on theatre tickets etc so would suggest you have a think about some of the free interactive museums. my son loved the tower of london HMS belfast river boat trip and open top bus tour (yes it was really freezing but this made it better apparently). Hamleys is a good treat they can play with all the toys instore for hours. eds diners are good and different for food. what about a cinema trip to one of the big screens not as expensive as the theatre and you might find something more suitable.

Hiya, check out the below link of the top attractions for little ones in London. I stumbled across it a few months ago whilst trying to work out if I had the strength to take a 2 year old to London for a day trip!
golondon.about.com/od/londonwithchildren/tp/Toddler_London.htm

look for young kids shows like gruffalo, hamda surprise etc www.gruffalo.com/section.php?s=php/diary.php
check unicorn theatre
polka theatre

if is a weekend lots of local theatres have kids programme

check the families lsitings
www.familiesonline.co.uk/What-s-on-in-your-local-area/What-s-on-in-London

The Snow Spider (adapted from Jenny Nimmo's children's novel) is coming to the Ovalhouse (in South East London, on the Northern Line). There's also a family ticket (see www.ovalhouse.com). Mumsnet listing below also has more info.

www.mumsnet.com/local/lambeth/events/75797-the-snow-spider-by-jenny-nimmo-at-ovalhouse-theatre?&ret=list

Excellent food in the restaurant above the Transport Museum. Or get picnic and go on London Eye?

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon and the Museum of Childhood often have plays on aimed at 3-5 yos. Or see what IMAX films are on at Science museum or elsewhere.

Little Angel Puppet Theatre in Islington. They say the current show The Tear Thief is suitable for age 3+. I haven't seen this, but other shows I have seen there have been fantastic.