We are traveling to London October 12-22. This is our first time in London as couple with 2.5 year old son. I have booked Sheraton grand London park lane from 18-23 and 13-18: still debating between jw Marriott grosvenor versus airbnb in mayfair area or another area .
I would appreciate some help with planning out 9 days that kid will enjoy as well.
Thank you
Stella
Posted by
Land of La
9871 posts
Use Google and look for playgrounds in any of the parks.
I know there’s the Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens. Battersea Park has a children’s playground.
There’s also the Round Pond near Kensington Palace where there might be tiny motorized sailboats to watch.
See if you think a visit to the Mudchute Farm to see the animals would be of interest.
There’s the Children’s Discovery Center near the Stratford Center.
Look for the green parrots in Hyde Park.
Ride up stairs in the front seats of a double decker bus.
Take a boat ride on the Thames.
Visit the butterfly house at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Review the website.
Lastly walk along the Thames River pathway and check the Tower Bridge lift schedule.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
420 posts
Great suggestions, Claudia!
I’ll add Hamley’s and then hunker down because many commenters might think that’s just asking for a meltdown. I’ve seen many an enchanted toddler there over the years.
OP: why are you changing hotels mid-stream? I think with a kiddo, an AirBNB with a nice kitchen would be ideal. You can eat breakfast and pack a lunch, which will save money (if that’s a consideration) and allow you to bring what your child prefers: weird food pickiness can suddenly rear its head when traveling.
London is a lot of walking. Are you bringing a stroller? Bus travel is easier with a stroller than the tube.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for suggestions. My reason for staying partly at hotel is that I have Marriott points that will fully cover 5 day hotel stay.
Posted by
Chicago
1885 posts
Zoo?
Children’s play area at the Science Museum https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/garden
Natural History museum dinosaur exhibits? Shaking volcano floor? Animal exhibits?
Realistically, the 2.5 year old will not remember or process much of anything. See what parents want and intersperse with the great playground suggestions above. Lots of cafe stops. (Been there, done that!)
Posted by
Buckinghamshire
414 posts
Boat ride as suggested- go from Westminster pier to Greenwich (Cutty Sark). Find one with. Commentary.
For the bus ride, the number 26 between Victoria and Liverpool St is good as you go past number of famous landmarks.
St James’s Park is good on a nice day - can you still feed the ducks? Chase the pigeons in Trafalgar Square if this is still ok.
Get a photo with the guards on Whitehall near Horse Guards Parade
I echo the comment that if you have a stroller (pushchair in the Uk) then buses are generally easier in my view. Even if a tube station shows step-free access this may involve the use of several lifts (elevators)
Posted by
London and Chester
105 posts
At that time of the year you are going to have to factor in options that work in bad weather.
Most of the main museums are free so provide some good options to shelter. The Science Museum mentioned above is a good suggestion because it is always full of kids running around.
The Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens is excellent, I spent many happy hours there with my nephews.
That said, with the right clothes no weather is bad, waterproofs and wellies ( rubber boots) and you son will be merrily stamping in puddles.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1521 posts
Young V&A Museum and London Transport Museum would also be age-appropriate for your son.