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Hyde Park – |
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boating – In summer, rent row boats or pedal boats, and laze on
The Serpentine, a large lake created by Queen Caroline in the 18th century.
Let the kids do the pedaling. (Boat house to rent the boats is on the north
side of The Serpentine.) |
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Lido – June - Sept., the Lido (south side of the lake) has a charming children's
wading pool and playground, perfect for toddlers. On a warm summer's
afternoon, this a wonderful place for parents and kids alike to relax. There's
also an outdoor cafe, and ice cream, lockers and lounge chairs are available. |
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Princess
Diana Memorial Fountain – If the weather's fine, join lots of other
families and kids dabbling their toes in refreshing waters. We just love
this fountain, although it's not at all like a traditional fountain. It's
a large circle of shallow water, riffling and flowing over textured granite
surfaces, like a bubbling mountain stream. |
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Playground – Any time of year, kids will enjoy the big playground with slides,
swings, and climbing structures. The playground is located on the south
side of the park, between the Edinburgh and Rutland Gates. |
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Kensington Gardens – |
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Peter
Pan Statue – J.M. Barrie lived near Kensington Gardens, and was
inspired by his walks in the park when he wrote Peter Pan. Little
kids will enjoy a visit to see the statue of Peter Pan. Not only
is the statue fun, but the surroundings are lovely – Long Water, fountains
and statues around the Italian Gardens, and a playground. |
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Diana,
Princess of Wales Memorial Playground – This is a really good playground
with a pirate ship to climb all over and sand play area, tipis to hide in,
swings and more. Plus, there's an old-fashioned carousel (ride in the red
royal coach), a cafe with snacks, and the old Elfin Oak, carved with fairies. |
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At The Round Pond, check out the swans, geese and ducks. The swans are
especially lovely. You might also people sailing model boats on the pond. |
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Kensington
Palace – Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace, and grew
up there. You can see her bedroom, where she was awakened with the news
that she had become queen at age 18. Older kids interested in fashion will
enjoy the exhibit of court dress, what men and women wore to be presented
before the king or queen. However, in general,
Kensington Palace doesn't really have that much for kids. |
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Hyde Park & Kensington Stables – Take a memorable
horseback ride through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Little kids are
provided with an instructor and they'll have a delightful long trot through
the park, including a ride on Rotten Row, the Victorian-era bridle path.
You have to be six, helmets and boots are supplied. Call in advance to reserve
a time – 020.7723.2813 (Hyde Park) or 020.7589.2299 (Kensington). |
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Science Museum (National Museum of Science and Industry) – This Science Museum is a big hit with kids – you may want to
go more than once. Get an appreciation for the finely-honed wood and brass
18th century science apparatus along with the high tech inventions. Head
for the basement for plenty of hands-on stuff, especially good for younger
kids. |
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Victoria and Albert Museum – The Victoria and
Albert Museum has a fabulous collection of Far Eastern art, but you may
prefer to head straight to the Dress Collection where you can see 400 years
of sumptuous fashion and accessories, or to the metalwork, silver and jewelry
department to check out medieval jeweled chalices and cups and armor. For
more information, check out the V&A Web site. For a good overview, take the "Basic Tour" –
it takes 1 1/2 hours, but moves quickly and the collections are varied. |
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Peter
Pan (Read & Listen)
J.M. Barrie, Michael Johnstone, Chris Molan
Start with J.M.
Barrie's hand-drawn map of Kensington Gardens, with landmarks from Peter Pan, where Peter Pan landed (near The Round Pond),
lost house, fairies winter palace – then read this illustrated
adaptation of the best loved story. Listen to the audio CD on your
trip, and bring the map to explore Kensington Gardens. (Picture
book, audio CD)
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Swashbuckling
sequel to the original Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys return
to Neverland to clean out the bad dreams. Once again on the Jolly
Roger, a ghostly ship adrift, they find a map to Hook's treasure.
Ravello, the Ravelling Man, is the key to the mystery, and Peter
Pan will fight Captain Hook again. Filled with magic and adventure,
it's a super read. (Chapter book)
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(More children's
books on other London and England pages) |
