London is not a city to be conquered in a single visit.  With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to begin.  Here are some suggestions to help whittle down the “must do” list:

1. The Tate Modern

If you visit only one museum, make it The Tate Modern.  I know… modern art?  With kids?  But the Tate is great fun for children.  Their “Smart” team gauges your family’s ages and interests and then sets you loose in the museum with special activity kits.  My kids have loved their scavenger hunts, emotion workbooks, artwork bingo games, and painting-inspired storytelling projects.  And I (err… they) have learned to appreciate modern art in the process.  (Note: check website for Smart hours — mostly weekends and school holidays.)

2. Double Decker Buses

If you ride only one mode of transportation, go for a double decker bus. The Tube is fast, efficient and even reasonably stroller friendly.  Cabs provide the comfort and convenience of door-to-door service.  But you simply can’t beat the built-in excitement of riding on the top level of a bus and the extra sightseeing value of being above ground, all for the price of a bus ticket.

3. Tower of London

If you pay to enter only one iconic attraction, save your money for the Tower of London.  The Crown Jewels?  Check.  Amazing cavalry, weaponry and armor displays?  Check.  Costumed Yeoman Warders?  Check.  Medieval torture devices?  Check.  But it’s the guarderobe (a.k.a. ancient toilets) that seem to get visitors of all ages giggling.  The Tower is old, impressive and eminently English, and it’s got enough on display to entertain every family member.

4.  Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground

If you take time out for only one playground, head for the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. London’s got plenty of green space and play areas, but none offer half of the “wow” factor of this amazing Peter Pan themed wonderland.

Adventurous kids can climb the giant pirate ship mast, imaginative ones can pretend to be Tiger Lily in the teepees and their parents can get a cup of coffee at the adjacent cafe.  Bliss all around.

5. Covent Garden

If you leave yourself time to wander through only one section of London, make it Covent Garden. You don’t need an agenda or a carefully planned timetable to enjoy this area; its many street performers, craft and food market stalls, and open air cafes are a pretty good guarantee that whatever you stumble upon there will be worth the trip.  Set aside the guidebook for a bit and just explore!

These are just a few of the many wonders London has to offer families.  Got a favorite not listed here?  Add it to the comments below!

***

Need a family friendly place to stay in London?  We like these:

Premier Travel Inn County Hall
51 Kensington Court
Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments

March 6th, 2009 | by Rebecca Tompkins 6 comments