London for Kids
Discover five great London activities that the whole family will enjoy.
From the September 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler
Rain Forest Romp
From beefeaters to ravenmasters, unexpected eccentricities will delight young visitors in London. You can find life-size plaster dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park and a living rain forest at the London Zoo in Regent’s Park. Monkeys swing through the tropical canopy at the Clore Rainforest Lookout, a glass-roofed bio-dome that doubles as a breeding ground for endangered species. The Nightzone provides insight into how the nocturnal inhabitants come alive after dark.
The Secret Life of Trees
With over 40,000 plant varieties, the 300-acre Kew Gardens (District Line or London Overground) is another great place to celebrate biodiversity. Sixty feet above ground, the Xstrata Treetop Walkway offers a giddying glimpse into the life of trees. The snaking metal walkway was designed by the architects of the London Eye, which is visible through the foliage.
Beat the Bad Weather
Equally environmentally friendly, the Solarshuttle is an elegant solar-powered boat that cruises across the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park every half hour. Excess energy is stored in batteries to keep it afloat even on overcast days. The Solarshuttle has two extra steering wheels so kids can play skipper. More energetic families can explore the Serpentine on a pedal boat or rowboat, available from BlueBird Boats.
Duck and Chips
With alfresco seating and duck viewing right on the lake, the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen serves breakfast and makes delicious wood-fired pizza for lunch. Give in to your child’s love of French fries (just remember they’re called chips here) by treating them to Britain’s national dish. Two of the oldest chippies—complete with retro decor—are Rock and Sole Plaice (47 Endell St., Covent Garden tube) and George’s Fish Bar (329 Portobello Rd., Ladbroke Grove tube), Jamie Oliver’s favorite fast-food joint.
Dream With Dinosaurs
Eight- to eleven-year-old fans of Night at the Museum can relive the experience at Dino Snores, a monthly sleepover at the Natural History Museum. The all-night event includes close encounters with meerkats and millipedes, torch-lit trails, and sleeping beneath a life-size Diplodocus skeleton. Across Exhibition Road, the Science Museum also hosts sleepovers. Book both events well in advance.
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico