London is an exciting place for children and teenagers. Traveling in London as a family may seem overwhelming but is rather managable. There are many museums that are free so you can try out many different places without feeling obliged to spend a certain amount of time to get your money’s worth. Also, family discounts on public transportation are very good.
London has an extraordinary range of art galleries. Both Tate art galleries, (Tate and Tate Modern) The Royal Academy, The National Gellery and the National Portrait Gallery have marvellous collections and especially in the summer have exhibits which are suited to families.
They all have easy to navigate websites with maps and directions. There are always special exhibitions – which have to pre-booked and paid for but the booking and payment can be done securely by credit card before arriving in London.
In the Kensington area, there are three fantastic museums close together that have appeal for people of all ages. The Victoria and Albert museum is listed as a museum of “decorative arts” but do not let that dissuade you, they often have craft activities for children that are free and there is so much visual stimulation children will be well entertained (compared to the other 2 museums next door the V&A can be surprisingly quiet!). The Science Museum and Natural History Museum are right next door and are must see attractions for any visitor to London!
Upon entry, always check at the information desk for on-going children’s activities.Try other types of museums as well, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum and the Museum of London all kept children ages 3-13 entertained and interested for hours on a recent visit. In general, children allowed to explore at their own pace (without running or touching the art work, of course) will find plenty to keep them busy. Carry a list of the free museums and consider making a dash for the nearest one sometime when everyone is ready for a change of pace.
If your kids are older and partial to the macabre, you may (repeat, MAY) want to let them explore the horrors of the London Dungeon, on Tooley Street near the London Bridge rail station. This bizarre and scary attraction is certainly not cheap — 14 pounds for children, 18 pounds for adults — but it is quite well done, pays a lot of attention to detail, and is definitely not for the faint of heart.
The cost of these attractions is very high certainly, and if you are going to be spending a few days in Town it pays to check out what the family can do that is not only interesting or educational but also free! This page has a FREE attractions lists.
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What to Expect
On your maiden visit to the Big Apple, be sure to allow a minimum of three days so you can take a breath and enjoy all the city has to offer without being in transit every moment of your trip. The following will only scratch the surface of what to expect but will arm you with information to feel confident during your time in New York City.
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