London is famous for being one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, but what might surprise you is that there’s plenty on offer for you to enjoy with your toddler too. From indoor aquariums to playing on a playground named after Princess Diana and spotting peacocks in the park, here are our top five places to take young children in London.
Play in the Park
Unlike many other cities, green areas aren’t hard to come by in London and there are plenty of parks dotted around the capital for young families to enjoy. Visit the Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Garden, pay a visit to the horses at Hyde Park Stables or play in the tepees and pirate ship at the Diana Memorial Park. You can even adventure amongst free-roaming peacocks in Holland Park!
Walk on the Wild Side
Nestled away in Regent’s Park, ZSL London Zoo is home to more than 750 species of animal and you’ll find all sorts of creatures there including toddler favourites such as gorillas, penguins and giraffes as well as meerkats, komodo dragons and colourful African hunting dogs.
The zoo is also the place to see real reindeer and traverse through the Butterfly Paradise – a tunnel filled with plants and butterflies. You might even find one on your shoulder! As well as the zoo, toddlers will also love the Sea Life Aquarium, boasting three floors with themed zones, a Shark Walk, public feedings and touch pools for a fun hands-on experience.
Theme Parks
You’ll have to adventure a little outside of the city to visit them, but there are some great theme parks nearby to entertain toddlers right through to the young at heart. Opened in 1996, Legoland Windsor is the most family friendly and is divided into sections dedicated to Denmark’s most famous export.
Boasting one of the oldest zoos in England as well as rollercoasters, rides and various themed sections based on vampires, pirates and geography, Chessington World of Adventures is just 12 miles outside the city and a great place for families. If you haven’t brought the car, you can find great deals on car rental with Auto Europe
Visit the Coolest Museum in London
Not just for toddlers, Horniman Museum and Gardens is the perfect place to entertain the whole family. To name but a few of the attractions, you’ll find African tribal masks, an aquarium and a huge stuffed walrus waiting for you inside. As well as fun artefacts in the museum, there are also 16 acres of landscaped gardens where the kids can let off some steam.
Take a Dip in the Pool
If you have a water baby on your hands, there are plenty of toddler-friendly swim centres all over the capital. Waterfront Leisure (Woolwich High Road) has a leisure pool and Toddler’s Water World while venues such as London Baby Swim and Aquatots have classes for babies and toddlers too. As well as being great fun, it’s good exercise for your little monkey too and will help them develop important motor skills!
