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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

London with toddler

26 replies

kikisparks · 27/08/2023 13:54

Any must do activities with a 2 year old? We’re staying near King’s Cross, I’ve already booked the Science Museum and Discover Children’s Story Centre.

OP posts:
Reugny · 27/08/2023 13:56

If your child likes trains then the postal museum.

Nightmanagerfan · 27/08/2023 13:58

Look at the Bablands blog or social media.

Fountains by granary square at Kings X

WhenLifeGivesYouLimes · 27/08/2023 13:59

Fountains. Either Kings Cross Granary Square, Royal Festival Hall, Somerset House or Diana Memorial.

And walk along the South Bank of the Thames looking at buskers, boats, doggies , sandcastles etc.

HappiDaze · 27/08/2023 13:59

St James park play ground

Hyde park after or before Science Museum

WhenLifeGivesYouLimes · 27/08/2023 13:59

London Transport Museum at Covent Garden is great for toddlers.

bryceQ · 27/08/2023 14:00

Postal museum then Coram Fields is a great trip out, 5 min walk from each other

Postal museum has an underground train and the a good museum and cafe

Coram fields has huge play area for little ones with sand etc

HappiDaze · 27/08/2023 14:00

Lego store and M&M store on Leicester Square

Saschka · 27/08/2023 14:03

Honestly, with a two year old I’d just do whatever you want to do, and they can tag along. They aren’t going to appreciate the NHM or Science museum aged 2, and you can go to better zoos outside of London.

Factor in some park/playground breaks, and do what you want to do.

sittingonacornflake · 27/08/2023 14:07

The princess Diana memorial playground in Hyde Park is walking distance from the science museum and so lovely.

Reugny · 27/08/2023 14:13

Oh and if you want to do something easy take them on an Uber boat (Thames Clipper) ride.

To be fair most toddlers are easily amused by taking them on a boat, tube, upstairs front of a bus, docklands light railway and tram (though you would have to go to Wimbledon)

Reugny · 27/08/2023 14:16

Saschka · 27/08/2023 14:03

Honestly, with a two year old I’d just do whatever you want to do, and they can tag along. They aren’t going to appreciate the NHM or Science museum aged 2, and you can go to better zoos outside of London.

Factor in some park/playground breaks, and do what you want to do.

Science museum has some play areas though the OPs child is about a year to young for them.

User9088 · 27/08/2023 14:18

The basement play area of the science museum is definitely age appropriate for a 2 year old.

The mudlarks gallery at the docklands museum is excellent (you need to book) if you want to head over to canary wharf

Saschka · 27/08/2023 14:20

Reugny · 27/08/2023 14:16

Science museum has some play areas though the OPs child is about a year to young for them.

Show quote history

Yep I know, I’ve taken DS many times. The water-play bit in The Garden is probably the most age-appropriate, but it is not so amazing that I’d make a special trip to London just to go there. If she was going there anyway, yes sure.

The Garden | Science Museum

An exciting, interactive space for little ones to discover science through play.

https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/garden

NuffSaidSam · 27/08/2023 14:21

User9088 · 27/08/2023 14:18

The basement play area of the science museum is definitely age appropriate for a 2 year old.

The mudlarks gallery at the docklands museum is excellent (you need to book) if you want to head over to canary wharf

The basement at the science museum is fine for a two year old as long as there isn't a school trip in, but it's not 'must do'. It's fine if you have to be there, not worth a specific visit.

TaniaBania · 27/08/2023 14:21

WhenLifeGivesYouLimes · 27/08/2023 13:59

London Transport Museum at Covent Garden is great for toddlers.

Seconded.

deplorabelle · 27/08/2023 14:21

You may not have time for this in your stay, but Museum of London Docklands has a soft play called Mudlarks which was perfect when ours were this age. You probably have to book a session these days.

To travel out, get DLR. Stand right at the end of the platform to stand a chance of sitting in the "driving" seat.

Totally agree the postal museum is wonderful but be aware the train ride has a bit where they turn out the lights if that's an issue for your small person.

bluechameleon · 27/08/2023 14:21

I was going to say Discover Story Centre but you've already booked that. Cable car, boat trip both good if child likes transport. There are good playgrounds in Hyde Park and St James' Park

Yalta · 27/08/2023 14:26

The science museum used to have a fantastic children’s play area, not been for years as mine are all adults now. (Any one remember the hours spent at the rice machine🤣🤣🤣)

Saschka · 27/08/2023 14:39

Yalta · 27/08/2023 14:26

The science museum used to have a fantastic children’s play area, not been for years as mine are all adults now. (Any one remember the hours spent at the rice machine🤣🤣🤣)

Sadly it is now the BP-sponsored Wonderlab, aimed at children aged 7-14, and costs a fucking bomb.

Original poster
kikisparks · 27/08/2023 19:57

Thanks for all the advice! Hmmm maybe should cancel science museum then and go to Diana memorial playground (if weather good) or transport museum instead. Was thinking about the postal museum, anyone know if the Sorted! Play bit is worth the extra cost?

OP posts:
bryceQ · 27/08/2023 20:01

Yes the play area is really sweet it has a big slide.

If it's nice weather the splash pool will be on at Coram fields too.

Lockdownmummy · 27/08/2023 20:33

Greenwich - Ahoy! at the Maritime Museum and a fab playground at the bottom of the park. Wander past the Cutty Sark.

Check out if there is anything on at the Southbank Centre. Another playground behind the London Eye. Also London Aquarium near by

Another vote for the London Transport Museum.

There is a few City Farms - Mudchute and Vauxhall spring to mind.

Maybe see if Baby Broadway are doing a show somewhere?

bryceQ · 27/08/2023 20:59

Ah Baby Broadway is so fun!!

Peony654 · 27/08/2023 21:01

I wouldn’t take a toddler to science museum. I’d stick to a bus ride and a boat trip. And maybe the new V&A children’s museum in Bethnal Green?

User3735 · 27/08/2023 22:38

Princess Diana Memorial playground, walkable from the science museum. Transport Museum, Kew Gardens, they have a brilliant playground.