Toddlers are notoriously tempestuous creatures who require constant attention and can’t be left alone for a minute.
As such, travelling with them can be a logistical and emotional nightmare if you don’t have a definitive plan in place. As one of the largest and most popular capital cities in the world, London is packed full of activities, but not all of them will be toddler-friendly.
Thankfully, there are many more world-class attractions that definitely are!
Free Museums – London is bursting with informative and exciting museums and for toddlers, entrance is completely free more often than not! The Natural History Museum is world-famous for a reason and boasts not only a selection of workshops for younger guests but a section devoted to dinosaurs, including a giant animatronic T-Rex. And what toddler doesn’t love dinosaurs. The Science Museum is in the same general vicinity and is focused on interactive installations that will enrapture and inspire your little ones as they explore the wonders of science through play.
Animal Magic – Whether your child is obsessed with the creatures of the deep or the wild denizens of the jungle, there are plenty of attractions in London that will allow them to get up close and personal with some exotic animals. London Zoo boasts free entry for under 3s and hosts daily feeding sessions, which are always a hit with the kids. Battersea Children’s Zoo, meanwhile, is (as the name suggests) a zoo designed with children very much in mind, whilst the Sea Life Aquarium (also free for under 3s) is one of the largest in the country and includes a truly magical underwater ocean tunnel.
Theatre Fun – London is famous as a theatre-lovers haven, but did you know there were a number of theatre and arts productions in the city specifically tailored towards toddlers? The Unicorn Theatre, for example, is all about sensory performances and experiences, with audience participation a cornerstone of every show. The Southbank and Barbican Centres also offer various shows and activities catered to under 5s. Just remember to bring some sweet treats to keep them fed and quiet, otherwise, they are likely to kick into a strop at any moment!
Parklife – For an urban hub, London is quite wealthy with greenery. Indeed, there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds in the city that will allow them to run wild and burn off some energy. The popular Diana Memorial Playground is a very popular destination for young families and as it is always manned by staff, you know your kids are in safe hands. You might need to queue on busy days though. Tumbling Bay playground at the Olympic Park, meanwhile, is a large, open natural playground complete with rock pool and sand pits. Coram’s Fields in St Pancras is similarly open and also includes paddling pools on warm days and drop-in centre activities that will take the strain off you for a few hours.
Transport – Whatever activities you choose, transportation is key when it comes to navigating the big smoke. We recommend investing in some anytime tickets to keep your options open when it comes to actually getting there and back, and taking a contactless card to use on the tube when you’re traversing the city itself. Simple and elegant. And when you’re looking after a toddler, you want things to be as simple and as elegant as possible!
Disclosure: This is a partnered guest post.
