London: What to See & Do: Family Friendly: You Asked: What to do with a 5-year-old in London?

You Asked: What to do with a 5-year-old in London?

London is one of the cities in Europe that most easily captures the imagination of young children. Many of its best-known tourist sights appeal to kids such as the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels as well as the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.

We would recommend getting a guide for a half-day to visit the Tower of London and to inquire if there are any “enactments” going on, as they really bring the history to life for kids. (Friends who visited recently returned for a second afternoon at the Tower because they loved it so much, and still rave about what they found in the gift shop.) A guide can arrange for advance tickets as well for the London Eye, which provides the thrill of a giant ferris wheel and a fantastic perspective on the city. Guidelines to Britain specializes in customized tours of varying lengths and has guides who relate well to families, so be sure to explain what your preferences are.

Another popular family spot is the Royal Mews, which is where the Queen’s horses and carriages are kept. To ready your grandson for the visit there, you can read him Bemelmans’ Madeline in London, which features equestrian escapades in London. (It’s also available on DVD in a charming animated version.) Another great title is Miroslav Sasek’s This is London. And don’t forget to ride on a double-decker bus, which even sophisticated pre-teens think is “cool.”

Friends who live in London with young kids say that they never tire of the London Zoo, the Science and Imperial War Museums and riding paddle boats in Hyde Park or going to the Chelsea Market and stopping for pizza lunch.

A great activity that will allow you to mix an adult art tour with something that kids love is to take the Tate to Tate Boat. You ride in a catamaran, conceived by the artist Damien Hirst, between the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain. Don’t miss going into the Tate Modern, which often has exhibits in the Turbine Hall Gallery that amuse all ages because of their vast scale alone.