London Museums for Young Families

For families with kids under 5 (and over 5 too!):

1. Tate Modern - the building is fantastic (dramatic; it captivated our daughter when she was 18-24 months), the art stimulates curiosity, and views of the City (St Paul’s, etc.) are amazing. Excellent kids' books in shop.

2. Tate Britain. Get the kids’ activity pack or the free children's audio guides. Despite the name, this is nowhere near the Tate Modern and the collection is very different. You can easily get between them however on the Tate-to-Tate Boat which runs along the Thames, past the Eye, and takes 18 minutes each way. This was the highlight for my 3-year-old, and we went back and forth an extra time for a total of three 18-minute journeys (get the day pass for less money than two singles!)

3. Science Museum -- don't miss the area for younger children buried in the basement, with a water shooting table, magic mirrors, etc.

4. Natural History Museum -- dinosaurs are the favourites with kids I know. Special show on 'Hair' (just hair, not the musical) in summer ‘04.

5. V&A across the street has activity carts for kids. HUGE!

Quick Tips:

All these museums are free! Always get Time Out magazine when in London for a few days, and check for special events. Many museums have shows or talks or crafts for kids -- ask when you arrive.

There is a grassy area outside the Natural History Museum with ice cream trucks. A 10-minute walk north to Hyde Park will bring you to a playground.

Natural History Museum and Science Museum have tasty cafes with mix and match lunch specials for kids.

Major baby/child tip: Ask where is the Baby Care Room (children's toilets) in the Natural History Museum; just to the right off the large entry foyer.

Best Way To Get Around:

Combine Tate Britain and Tate Modern by taking the Tate-to-Tate boat between them. Discount if you have a travelcard -- i.e., 3.40 for as many trips as you like all day.

3, 4, and 5 above are all next door to each other, though all so huge you'd have to be very selective to do all three in one day. Arrive at South Kensington station. Walk outside if nice weather, or in dank but covered tunnel if it’s raining.

This little bed and breakfast has amazing prices for its extraordinary location in posh Chelsea. Full breakfast. Friendly staff.

Don't be snobby, now, as many bathrooms are shared and you may have to climb quite a few steps.

Transportation is a 1/2+ mile walk from Sloane Sq tube (Circle Line) or South Ken tube (Circle, District or Piccadilly), or take bus 11 (e.g., from the Strand, Trafalgar Sq, or Westminster), or 19, or 22 from Piccadilly Circus or Hyde Park Corner, and get off at Chelsea Town Hall. This is on the edge of Zone 1, so if you stay here just buy a one zone weekly Travelcard.

For families with young children, there is a playground across the beautiful Albert Bridge (bottom of Oakley St) in Battersea Park.

This hotel is about a mile from the South Kensington museums.

Take your kids 'product testing' at the incomparable Daisy and Tom's toy/book store, minutes away in the Kings Road, and also at ELC near Sloane Square. And, of course, Harrods. All have toys out and available for kids to use.

I hate to recommend a successful chain, but this food is fantastic, the atmosphere is loud and fun, and you will remember it. High chairs happily provided, which is sometimes unique in hip places to eat.

For locations before you go, look at www.wagamama.com. The one listed is around the corner from the British Museum.

For special prices, sign up in advance for their email list, or look for 2-for-1 coupons, often available in Time Out. The green tea is free.

Wish I could go there right now.

In each of the three South Kensington museums described in this journal, there are cafes inside with food options for adults and children. For example, on a beautiful day in July 2004, the Life Galleries restaurant in the Natural History Museum offered a few hot menu options specifically for kids, such as sausages and chips; fish and chips; macaroni and cheese. They also have mix-and-match boxes, where children can pick a subset of items such as a cheese sandwich (tiny), spreadable cheese, crisps, drink, small chocolate bar, etc. Tasty sandwiches (we had egg and cress) and jacket potatoes are also an option. Alternatively, there are several more interesting options around the South Kensington tube station.

Little Japan, 32 Thurloe St, is just outside the station. There is a small eat-in area, or on a nice day you can take the food out. Food was very good, the kids loved the chicken and the rice.

Treats, 30 Thurloe St, has scones and muffins and other pastries to fortify you before you venture into major museumland. Coffee and tea, of course!

Seasons Fish and Chips, at 24 (you guessed it!) Thurloe St is another option.

Finally, my favourite, if you have well-behaved or at least not too many kids, is Spago, at 6 Glendower Place, just around the corner from the Tube station. See separate entry, this is worth its own!

A friend who lives in London suggested we meet here, and somehow the name 'Spago' sounded a little too nice to bring a 3-year-old. Don't be dissuaded -- it’s a friendly and cozy restaurant, with great prices and delicious food. Only one highchair, so if that's important, you could drop by BEFORE you go to the museum and 'reserve' it. The antipasto makes a great way to start the meal. Pasta is excellent!

The perfect place to unwind once you have seen just one dinosaur, spaceship, or Japanese painting too many.