London

Gold Member Joined: Jul 26 2008 Posts: 2096

Dh has to go to London in October (right after Sukkos) so we're making it a family trip. While he's in meetings, what can I do with my kids, aged 5, 3.5 and 1.5?

Posted: Wed, Jun 16 2010, 5:01 am Post subject: re: London

science museum in south kensington is free and great fun.

where are you staying and for how long, because London is huge?

ther is also: the london Eye, the aquarium (next to each other), zoo, madame tussauds, changing of the guards. lots more but that is off the top of my head.

if you have time Legoland is right next to London. check it is open then.

Gold Member Joined: Mar 14 2006 Posts: 1879

RAF (Royal Air Force) Museum is also free, with loads of planes and a hands-on area as well.

Posted: Wed, Jun 16 2010, 6:42 am Post subject: re: London

also the bethnal green museum of childhood is great. free too, but it's out of the way in the east end of London.

if you have a car be aware of the congestion charge. If you do not have a car most buses are stroller accessible (and I think kids go free) but the tube is mostly not. lots of stairs and only some stations have lifts. tube is usually much quicker though.

Posted: Wed, Jun 16 2010, 11:49 am Post subject: re: London

Another vote for Science Museum. Basically all public museums are free of charge. My 2 other recommendations are British Museum (child-oriented treasure hunt package) and Transport Museum (not free of charge) near Charing cross. I must disagree on the toy museum in Bethnal Green. There are many classical toy selections but they're mostly behind glass cases. There are several hands-on play areas, but overall it was a bit dissapointing. The new Jewish Museum reopened and supposed to be interactive but I haven't been there yet and your kids may be a bit too young.

There are many parks with children's playground, the best one is Princess Diana playground in Kensington, also Primrose Hill near London Zoo. Golders Hill Park has a good playarea plus a mini zoo. If the weather is lousy, you can go to indoor playground (Topsy-Turvey at Brent Cross mall, a similar one at Swiss Cottage leisure centre). Royal Army Museum also has an indoor playground.

Personally, Mme Thussauds is a waste of time and money not appropriate for toddlers at all, and changing of guards are more appropriate for older kids. (They won't be able to see much). Just riding on the upper deck of double-decker buses is popular. (You can bring the stroller as is on the bus, but can't bring it upstairs).

Just outside of London, there's Legoland (book in advance for cheaper tickets), Willows farm (you'll need a car). Hampton Court Palace is also good, easily accessible, guides in historical costumes and some craft activities.

Note most schools are off for half-term holiday on the week of 25 Oct. This means things will be crowded.

Feel free to PM me if you want more info on attraction, logistics, kosher foods etc.

Silver Member Joined: Jun 18 2008 Posts: 546

Youre so lucky! my brother is an AIsh rabbi there and I went to visit last year and loved it! if you wanna go out with your husband one night try the ice bar in town it was really cool! have fun! oh and I dont think your kids will appreciate london eye...at least not for the price youll be paying... my neices are always going to willow farm!

Posted: Sat, Jun 19 2010, 7:03 am Post subject: re: London

There's tones to do in London. Take one of the double decker bus tours around the city, they're great especially if you have good weather you can sit upstairs. Changing of the guard is good you just have to be in the correct place (one of the corner areas is good) to see the guards coming along the road.