Activities with Children In London:Part 2

So I have already shared some great places to visit in London with your kids if you are on a tight budget. However if you do have some money to spare over half term then here are some of the places I enjoy visiting with Michael.

1.Discover Children's Story Centre-Stratford. Adult/Child- £5. Free for under 2s.

I visited this for the first time last week with Michael and we really enjoyed it. He loved the indoor and outdoor area. There was puppets, dress up, a secret cave, slides, a pirate ship, crafts and lots more. We happily spent a good couple of hours there and had lunch in their outdoor seating area. I do love a good packed lunch! Really enjoyable if your children love their books like Michael does. It is a great place for imaginations to run wild.

2. London Transport Museum-Covent Garden. Annual Membership- £16.50. free for under 17s

I remember visiting this museum as a child and really enjoyed it so recently I decided to take Michael there as he is obsessed with cars and trains! Some of it Michael was too small to interact with but there was the All Aboard Play areas for him and play tables with trains to enjoy. Children can also have a go at being bus and train drivers and this was very popular. You pay for a ticket and this gives you entrance for a year so we will be making use of that!

3. London Zoo- Nearest station-Camden Town. Adults- £24.30 Kids-£17.10 free for under 2s

London Zoo is quite expensive but it is a great zoo to visit. There is so many animals to see! The gorillas, the Penguins, hippos, Tigers, the meerkats. The list is endless. We wanted to take Michael somewhere special for his first birthday and so this was our choice. He liked looking at the animals and it was a great day out. I would advise either avoiding the zoo shop or taking some extra money because the souvenirs can be pretty expensive. I personally like souvenirs only if they have the place you have visited written on them. So we avoided the stuffed animals we could have bought anywhere and bought Michael a children's cup for about £8. He still uses it now. 

4. Sea Life Aquarium- Southbank- Prices range from £15.90.

I am not a massive fan of the aquarium myself, not a fan of sea life! However Michael really enjoys it. It holds the largest collection of global marine life in Europe and you can see all sorts of sea life here from seahorses to sharks! If your child enjoys looking at animals, then they will enjoy the aquarium. Afterwards you can walk along the Southbank watching the street performers and pointing the boats out along the Thames. You can also see Big Ben and the London Eye. Along Southbank there is usually a carousel to ride which Michael rode last week when visiting the Transport Museum. 

5. Madame Tussauds- Nearest station-Baker Street- Adult-£33 Child £28.80

Michael has technically visited this place when I went when I was 8 months pregnant. My mother had a 2for1 voucher from The Sun newspaper so off we went. I really enjoyed having my picture taken with all the celebrities from David Beckham to the Queen. There are loads of wax works there to see. I enjoyed James Bond myself! There is also now a Marvel Super Hereos 3D experience that is a great show. Really enjoyable. I don't think I would take Michael for a few years yet, not until he can really appreciate he is seeing celebrities but for a older child, it is a great place to visit for a half term treat.

If you have any other suggestions then share them in the comments below.

Enjoy the half term!

H. 

Places to visit with Children over the Easter break in London

So it is now half term, and most parents know it can be difficult trying to keep your children entertained over the half term. However I am pretty lucky that I live near London and there are loads of free or cheap places to visit. Just take a packed lunch and your Oyster card and you are sorted!

1.V&A Museum of Childhood- Bethnal Green-Cost- Free for all.

Michael really loves this museum, and I must say it is my favourite museum for children. It has all sorts of toys to look at and discover with your child and has lots dotted around to play with. Great for walking around and playing. There is also a small cafe, store and a eating area downstairs if you have brought a lunch. I always bring lunch because they do charge over a £1 for a can of coke! 

2. Princess Diana Memorial Playground-Kensington Gardens-Cost-Free

If the weather is not too bad over the Easter break, I would suggest checking out this playground. It has everything that would keep a child happy, a pirate ship, slides, climbing frames, sand etc. It also has toilets near by and lost of seating/tables for lunch. You could also walk over to nearby Hyde Park to show your child the Peter Pan statue and the Lake. Lovely day if the weather permits.

3.Science Museum-South Kensington-Cost-Free

This is another great museum to visit with children. There is a lot of things to interact with and discover. Again they also have certain play areas dotted around and a lunch area. It makes for a really cheap day out and will keep your children happy and entertained.

4. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park-Stratford-Cost-Free

This is a must visit destination. It is newly built and has loads for chicken to enjoy. You could visit Tumbling Bay, the huge playground. Or relive the spirit of the 2012 Olympic Games by the 2012 trail or even just have a picnic in the park.

5. Hackney City Farm-Bethnal Green-Cost-Free but you can give a donation for the upkeep of the farm.

I have recently discovered this farm and Michael loves it. He is a animal lover completely. Your children can get close and see pigs, donkeys, rabbits, chickens and lots more. I love that Michael can experience a bit of farm live while living on the outskirts of London.

If you have any suggestions for free activities in London, please do share them in the comments. I will also be sharing some more activities that are great if you have some money to spare so check that out.

Enjoy the half term!

H.