London with little kids - itinerary review

I'm sure you'll fit both the Science Museum and Natural History Museum in. I found the Science Museum actually offered more of interest for my kids when they were younger as there are lots of interactive activities geared for their age group and many of the guided experiments are fun for them. Either way both museums are absolutely fantastic and two of my favourite places to visit in London.

For the Tower of London I'd look at eating somewhere in St Katherine Docks nearby. I know that there are a lot of chains there but with young kids I'm happier with them eating something from Zizzi's than try and convince them to eat something from somewhere costing three times the price.

Day 6? There's so much to choose from it's almost impossible to provide a recommendation. There is something that will suit everyone, almost too much. I actually had a free day in London today with my eldest (youngest and my wife had other commitments) having spent the weekend in York but we decided to catch the 10:30 am train back home because we both wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. I'm OK popping up for the day but any longer and the place really starts to grind on me!

For the Tower of London I'd look at eating somewhere in St Katherine Docks nearby. I know that there are a lot of chains there but with young kids I'm happier with them eating something from Zizzi's than try and convince them to eat something from somewhere costing three times the price.

Thanks! Don't mind chains at all when it's one we don't have at home. :)

After Tower of London it’s a 15 minute walk to the glass covered Leadenhall Market place where you can find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. It’s an actual business.

Suspect the tykes would enjoy walking over Tower Bridge being able to watch all the water traffic. Might check to see if the bridge might “opening” . http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times/

I think your idea of a river cruise very smart.

London’s parks are lovely. Perfect for picnics. In Hyde Park you might see the Royal Horse Guards training . You will definitely see a lot of waterfowl on the Serpentine and in the Round Pond which is in front of Kensington Palace. Countless people will be out walking their dogs. If you need for the children to burn off energy running and playing perfect spot to do so. Could go there before or after the Science Museum. Easy stroll.

Thanks for all the suggestions Claudia! There's a time for the Tower Bridge opening that I think will work. The kids should like that.

You haven't mentioned days of the week - don't attempt lunch at Borough Market at the weekend. It's got too far up the tourist list and is intolerably crowded.

Happy to offer up some options. BTW yes there is enough to keep you busy if you and your daughter choose to visit Shreks Adventure on your own. Others can stroll past the London Eye along the Queens Walk. Lots of buskers and vendors near the adjacent Jubilee Gardens.

Would 9 year son, Mom and dad care about seeing the Imperial War Museum. It’s a 20 minute walk from Shreks adventure? There’s also the Florence Nightengale Museum a mere 10 minute walk.

For lunch everyone can meet up at Giraffe at the Royal Festival Hall. Just walk along the Queens Walk.
Southbank will be alive at that time of the year.

My grandchildren ( and their parents and grandparents) really enjoyed the butterfly house at the Natural History museum. Well worth the admission price.

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/sensational-butterflies.html

For places to have lunch after your Tower visit, I see there is a Côte Brasserie right at St. Katherine's Dock. A small chain, but one we like a lot for reasonably priced French food. But maybe it would not appeal to small children.

https://www.cote.co.uk/Downloads/Cote%20St%20Katharine%20Docks%20food%20menu.pdf

My Google map also shows Farmers Market right there, but I do not know the details. Next in the row is a Tesco Express, which may have "grab and go" salads and sandwiches for a picnic.

Cross Tower Bridge and you will find a few sidewalk cafes to the left. Or turn right and walk to the park and open area around City Hall. The grassy area is a nice picnic spot right by the Thames and well away from auto traffic. There is a Mark's and Spencer that should offer picnic food in the More London development just past City Hall, and a couple days f other groceries on the street just to the south.

Further upriver, past London Bridge ( which will sing to you as you pass underneath) there is a replica of the Golden Hind which offers sme activities the kids may enjoy. Unfortunately the website does not appear to show the schedule of programs. They were having "pirate experience" activities when we were there.

http://goldenhinde.co.uk

There is a Waggamamma fest aura that near here.

You haven't mentioned days of the week - don't attempt lunch at Borough Market at the weekend. It's got too far up the tourist list and is intolerably crowded.

Yes, will definitely avoid the weekend. Thanks! If we go, it will probably be Monday or Thursday.

Thanks for the suggestions Claudia and Lola! I've made notes of them. :) Definitely want to try out a Wagamama, the kids like Japanese food.

Looks like a pretty good itinerary to me.

There are fewer stalls open on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Thanks Philip!

Emma - Thanks for the warning! It's good to be mentally prepared. :) We'll be visiting the Science and Natural History museums on a Sunday, which I guess will be crowded for being a weekend. If we decide to go back, it would be a Friday. The kids have never been to any natural history museums and my son really likes science museums (the Exploratorium in San Francisco is our go-to for random days off school).

Are the Transport Museum and Museum of London affected by school groups as well? Thinking Day 6 will be London Eye, Shrek, then Transport Museum. Day 7, if we don't feel the need to go back to the Science and Natural History museums, we'll head to the Museum of London.