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Child overlooking the River Thames in London. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.
Three perfect play dates: London
November 22, 2024
My daughter was born a year ago. Since then, we’ve gone on four international trips, including eight long-haul flights. Part of this jet-setting is because of my work. Part is thanks to my internationally far-flung family. But mostly, I just love to travel with her.
Traveling with children lets you slow down and experience a city at a more intentional pace, opening you up to the warmth of local communities. But I’m not naïve. Every parent knows the impossible (and unpleasant!) task of trying to pack in a full day of activities while traveling with kids. There’s nothing more dangerous than a tired, hungry family with another hour left of a tour. So here are three perfect afternoons for three different age groups.
For infants and toddlers (age 0-4): A pub lunch and slides in Victoria Park
Great Britian is known for its pub culture. But don’t fear, family-friendly pubs are very common across London, making them the perfect place to settle in and have lunch. Just remember most pubs in central London are adults only after 8 p.m.
People’s Park Tavern near Victoria Park in East London has ample indoor and outdoor seating, with both covered and uncovered outdoor space for parents with toddlers that love to run around. Their menu boasts an impressive range of English classics, like steak and ale pie and North Atlantic cod. Their little ones menu doesn’t lack hits either, like chicken nuggets, sausage and chips (fries).
If you’re in London on a weekend, head over here on Sunday for a traditional Sunday roast. You can choose from steak, chicken, pork belly or two vegetarian options which come with sides of roasted potatoes, cavolo nero and parsnips.
With your stomach full and kids happy, take a long, leisurely stroll through Victoria Park, London’s oldest public park. Enjoy a post-lunch walk through neatly pruned hedges and a large collection of rose bushes. For infants too young for a playground, bring out the stroller or carrier and head toward the Old English Garden on the east side of the park. The wide, accessible hallways make it easy for any family to get around.
If you have a toddler with extra energy, head to the main playground in Victoria Park. There’s a sand pit for younger children and a rope spider web for the older ones. Best of all, the ‘Vicky Park Slides’ are some of the longest in London.
Pro-tip: Use the London Beer Guide to figure out a family friendly pub near you.
For little kids (age 5-8): Hamleys and an ice cream sundae
Hamleys is every kid's dream come alive. With seven floors of fun and magic, the toy store remains the world's largest and one of London's oldest. Children can find their new best friend in the stuffed toys section. Or they can browse dozens of LEGO sets on the fifth floor.
Hamleys can get understandably overwhelming with seven floors, but the staff will happily answer any questions and demonstrate how toys work. Also, make sure to check the Hamleys website to see what free events the store is hosting during your trip.
After Hamleys, take a quick walk down Saville Row to Fortnum and Mason. Nicknamed the Queen’s favorite grocer, this upmarket department store has a gorgeous selection of prepared foods, teas and biscuits. Finding a gift for loved ones back home has never been so easy. It’s an added plus that everything is adorned in the grocer’s trademark teal.
But you’re actually not at Fortnum and Mason for more shopping! You’re here for afternoon tea and ice cream sundaes in The Parlour, located on the first floor.
High tea might be a lofty and intimidating goal for parents with small kids, making The Parlour the perfect compromise. While you unwind with Parlour Tea, complete with an entrée, homemade scones and a pot of Fortnum’s tea, your kids can build the sundae of their dreams.
For tweens (ages 9-12): An afternoon in Richmond
At this age traveling with my parents, I remember the flood of conflicting feelings; excitement by a new place, the urge to wander alone and the new displeasure of being shepherded everywhere by my parents.
Those with an interest in art will love the Tate Modern. And blossoming history buffs will likely appreciate the Tower of London, a royal palace and infamous prison. But if your tween is anything like I was, the best thing to do is stretch your legs, drop the reins and go on a mini day trip.
I recommend Richmond. It’s a borough just 45 minutes from central London, recently made famous by the hit TV sitcom Ted Lasso. Get your kids’ favorite snacks, nestle into the second floor of a double decker bus and watch the city fall away.
Once there, take a stroll along the Richmond Green, and if you’re feeling hungry, stop for lunch at the White Swan, another family friendly pub. A must-see is Richmond Park, a sprawling 2500 acres of greenery that boasts walking trails, manicured gardens and a rich ecosystem of wildlife that you and your tween can spot together. From kestrels to red deer, Richmond Park is a bit of wilderness near the city, perfect for exploring side by side. Or at a respectful,tween-preferred distance.
On your way back towards London, stop at Knoops, and create a custom cup of delicious, rich hot chocolate by choosing your favorite type of milk and chocolate, from a 28% white chocolate cocoa blend to a dark, 80% single origin bean from Uganda.
Whether you’re adventuring with a teen or strolling historic streets with your baby, London is an ideal location to travel with your kid. From sprawling parks to cozy pubs, use these three perfect afternoons as a jumping off point to explore the world with your child.