I have two days in London in April with my kid, and it will only be his second UK visit.  On the first two he was 6-months and 4, this time he'll be 10.

 

Thinking of: the London Eye, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds or London Dungeon.  We can probably only fit in two.

 

Any recommendations?  

London Eye, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds or London Dungeon. Add "Victoria and Albert Museum" IMO.

Forget the London Eye. Wastes too much time for not much return.  If you want a view and both have the stamina you can go up the fire of London monument in Pudding Lane. Long spiral staircase to the top but great views plus a bit of history. When you come down they give you a certificate to say you made it to the top..

 

A boat ride down the river is also good if not raining and you get to go under Tower Bridge. Stops at greenwich where you can see the Cutty Sark , grab a vietnamse buffet then go through the park to the Greenwich Meridian.  On the embankment is HMS Belfast, an old warship that you can clamber all over. A walk over the millenium bridge will take you to a full size replica of the Golden Hind..  You can do a lot in two days but need to plan it well.

We did this a few years ago and it was great fun. Mind you, it was in July not April. Plenty of photo ops.

https://www.hop-on-hop-off-tickets.com/london-bus-tours/

 

 

At that age, the Science Museum's children's section is still fun. The Natural History Museum has animatronic dinosaurs these days.

I also enjoyed the London Dungeon, below Waterloo Station. 

Doing touristy things is so boring, what % of people enjoy museums? low probably.

 

London has changed a lot since covid but Hyde Park should be nice, west end should still be good, covent garden, Leicester Square

Natural History Museum – Primary choice (excellent, but gets busy)

 

Science Museum – Excellent Choice (less buys than NHM – very interesting).

 

Victoria & Albert Museum – Depends if he’s interested in art (most kids would find it boring)

 

Theatre – The Lion King – All kids love it.

 

Street Performers in Covent Garden, Leicester Square.

 

London Transport Museum – my son seems to love it there.

 

Ice Cream (yes – its on the list) Venchi Gelato – Voted best Icecream in Europe (worth a visit and nearby the museums above).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bzAVNEF5vLNZaNUaA

 

Walk Through Kensington Gardens – pleasant and just takes you away from the hustle and bustle

 

Camden Town – Gets busy (maybe your son is too young) but some astonishing people watching.

 

The Tate Modern – IF Art is his / your think (interesting displays)… 
St Pauls Cathedral Across the river from the Tate (across the Millennium Bridge)

 

Palace of WestMinster and Big Ben – (if interested – just to see it)

 

Buckingham Palace (good for a drive by in a Taxi)

Things to Avoid IMO: 

The London Eye – Rip off, long queues, boring (*get a window seat flying into London and out – excellent views, especially in good weather and landing from the east)

Madame Tussauds – Rubbish waxworks, busy and waste of money.
London Dungeon – Poor displays, busy and waste of money.
 

17 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Doing touristy things is so boring, what % of people enjoy museums? low probably.

 

hmmmm....   Perhaps take him to Soi 6 and teach him to prop up a bar all day long...   

 

Seriously though, my Son loved the Transport Museum, Natural History Museum and playing in Kensington Gardens... *he was about 6 at the time....  we're probably due a return visit.

 

 

18 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

London has changed a lot since covid but Hyde Park should be nice, west end should still be good, covent garden, Leicester Square

 

Also good....    though I think Kensington Gardens next to Hyde Park is better (and has a good kids play area etc)...   Covent Gardens and Leicester Square are great for the street performers that will surely capture and childs interest.

28 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Doing touristy things is so boring, what % of people enjoy museums? low probably.

 

I'm taking my 14 year old granddaughter to the UK in April and will do a trip to London. I asked her to list the things she wanted to do there and top of the list was the Natural History Museum followed by the National Gallery.

3 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I have two days in London in April with my kid, and it will only be his second UK visit.  On the first two he was 6-months and 4, this time he'll be 10.

 

One idea.... Is he into Football ???   A stadium Visit ??? (even a game if it times out) ???

38 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

 Hyde Park should be nice, west end should still be good, covent garden, Leicester Square

For a 10YO kid?

Are you joking?

3 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I have two days in London in April with my kid, and it will only be his second UK visit.  On the first two he was 6-months and 4, this time he'll be 10.

 

Thinking of: the London Eye, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds or London Dungeon.  We can probably only fit in two.

 

Any recommendations?  

 

Tower of London and Natural History Museum

4 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

One idea.... Is he into Football ???   A stadium Visit ??? (even a game if it times out) ???

That's a good idea. Could go to some great London clubs.......

.......or even Chelsea. 🙂 

Imperial War Museum - watch Zulu on YouTube with your laddie then show him the outstanding collection of Victoria Cross medals at the museum, including those won at Rorke's Drift. 

 

Watch "Dunkirk" and "The Darkest Hour" then visit the War Rooms where Churchill directed the war effort. 

 

Making the big screen come alive should be memorable - and all are excellent movies. 

4 minutes ago, Baht Simpson said:

That's a good idea. Could go to some great London clubs.......

.......or even Chelsea. 🙂 

 

Good idea - some clubs have a tourist ticket allocation, realistically you'd need to prebook now

 

Also, link to Chelsea stadium tours here   https://www.chelseafc.com/en/stadium-tours-and-museum

6 minutes ago, rough diamond said:

For a 10YO kid?

Are you joking?

 

Why would that be a joke... 

 

My 6 year old (at the time).... Loved walking / running through Kensington Gardens... Its great for them to be outside in an environment where they are not perpetual over-heated and sweating.... 

(there is also a play pirate ship which they'd enjoy)....

 

... And the street performers....    in both Covent Garden and Leicester Square simply captivate the kids...   from the jugglers, the magicians,  mime artists, living statues, clowns, one man bands, singers... the list goes on..   kids love it.

4 minutes ago, theblether said:

Also, link to Chelsea stadium tours here   https://www.chelseafc.com/en/stadium-tours-and-museum

 

Or Beckton Sewage Treatment Works.....   

3 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I have two days in London in April with my kid, and it will only be his second UK visit.  On the first two he was 6-months and 4, this time he'll be 10.

 

Thinking of: the London Eye, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds or London Dungeon.  We can probably only fit in two.

 

Any recommendations?  

Thermals, wet weather gear and a tazer?

Thanks guys.  Will definitely reconsider the London Eye.   He used to be a big dinosaur fan, so the Natural History museum is probably best. Thanks for the heads-up about Tussauds.

 

A football match would be great but nothing on on the days we're there.  Might try and take him to a Southampton or Pompey game when we're down south.

 

We already have tickets for Oliver the Musical ("Consider yourself...").

While you are at it....

Do not neglect to introduce....

 

JACK LONDON

 

This is the time to develop reading skills.

 

And....

 

LONDON is a great choice!

 

A good book can be even better than travel, in this day and age.

 

 

What about a good drag show? 🙂 *

 

* For the knuckle-draggers, I'm kidding. 

 

9 hours ago, rough diamond said:

For a 10YO kid?

Are you joking?

Cinemas, theatres there amongst loads of other things

Graffiti Tunnel, free and walking distance from the London Eye - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndWZV49vyWw3re5M6

 

Sit on the front row on the upper deck on one of the bus routes passing interesting areas like 9 or 24.

 

Daily Changing of King’s Guard at Horseguards Parade 

 

 

Kids seem to like

Interactive displays in Science Museum

The Mummys in the British Museum

The dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum

14 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Might try and take him to a Southampton or Pompey game when we're down south.

 

Or Brighton or Bournemouth who both have home EPL fixtures on 2, 12 & 26 April?

 

Forget the London Eye, this viewpoint in the city is probably the highest in London and free. https://horizon22.co.uk/visit/
 

Maybe not for you BB, but others may find it interesting.

Imperial War Museum is incredible!!!

49 minutes ago, roo860 said:

Imperial War Museum is incredible!!!

And now incredibly woke!

Nelson is no longer a Naval Hero but a slaver and the VC medal collection has been removed for as yet unclear motives. 

1 minute ago, rough diamond said:

And now incredibly woke!

Nelson is no longer a Naval Hero but a slaver and the VC medal collection has been removed for as yet unclear motives. 

1997 when I visited 

33 minutes ago, roo860 said:

1997 when I visited 

According to the UK press it has gone all woke.

I was last their in the 90's and really enjoyed it.