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London is fast becoming one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe. So many of the tourist attractions have been developed with the child in mind. A selection of the best follows:
The Millennium Dome (Greenwich):
The Dome is the largest structure of its kind in the world. It offers an inspirational look at who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going to in the future. The Dome is structured around fourteen zones of fascinating human experience.
The London Eye (Opposite The Houses of Parliament):
This large ferris wheel overlooks the River Thames and provides spectacular views over central London.
Battersea Park (Albert Bridge Road SW11):
This adventure playground is a well-equipped riverside park, famous for its London Peace Pagoda and Festival Gardens. There is an excellent free adventure playground for 5-15 year olds with helpers available at weekends. The boating lake is very reasonably priced and there are pony rides and theatre shows in summer.
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre (Covent Garden):
This museum is popular with children of all ages. Metal and wooden sculptures come to life and there are many attractions that will hold a child’s attention. There is a man -eating spaghetti all day long, a typing tiger bucking bronco in a bath, flying dodos and an eye-catching Noah’s Ark. This is very much a “hands on” museum.
Golden Hinde (St. Marie Overie Dock SE1):
The Golden Hinde is a very realistic shipboard adventure for aspiring pirates. Children up to the age of fifteen are given the full run of the ship for up to 1½ hours. The crew of this replica of Sir Francis Drake’s sixteenth century flagship are all dressed in authentic costume. There are additional attractions for children including treasure hunts, games and tug of war competitions. A visit to The Golden Hinde would make an ideal birthday treat as children are allowed to eat their birthday tea at the captain’s table.
Horniman Museum and Gardens (London Road SE23):
This informal anthropological museum appeals to children for its sheer visual impact. The Egyptian masks and mummies are a big hit. The Living Waters aquarium has perspex tanks that reach right down to the ground, so that even toddlers can get close up to the piranha fish. The Natural History section houses a hundred year old stuffed Canadian walrus, elephant skulls, stuffed vultures and mummified crocodiles. There are weekend holiday workshops and nature trails in the stunning Horniman Gardens.
London Zoo (Regent’s Park NW1):
London Zoo accommodates more than 12,000 mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects. Recent additions include pygmy hippos and sloth bears. There is plenty for children to do including camel and pony rides, watching crocodiles, piranhas and sharks being fed and witnessing an elephant being weighed. There are also regular “Meet the Animals” sessions and summer workshops for children aged six and over.
The Polka Theatre for Children (Broadway SW19):
The Polka Theatre is a purpose built complex of stages. It presents plays in a colourful and imaginative manner that appeal to children of all ages. There are four shows daily during the school holidays.
The Science Museum (Exhibition Road SW7):
This is probably the most popular museum for children in Britain. It offers five floors of interactive galleries and wonderful displays of scientific inventions. Children are encouraged to explore basic scientific principles through “push button” and “hands on” methods.
Finally, at the end of the day’s sight-seeing, why not visit one of the many child friendly eateries in London, such as Smollensky’s On The Strand. Smollensky’s does everything possible to please children, particularly at the weekend. There is a supervised play area, video games, a kid’s magic show, high chairs and a good baby changing area. The menu appeals to both adults and children.
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