Keeping a 7 year old child (and wife) entertained in London...?

[Markymark]

he's almost there, though: nothing about everything!

Actually I know absolutely everything about nothing.

 

[Dayvo]

Actually I know absolutely everything about nothing.

I had a sneaking feeling...

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Except Creationists?

They like them as evidence placed by the creator to set a trap for the unbeliever (apparently)

 

[RoubaixCube]

Not sure if its been mentioned yet but maybe take them to watch one of the many plays at some of the london theaters?

I dont think London theaters get enough recognition on the list of what to do for a night out

 

[Reynard]

+1 for the Nat History & Science museums. Also +1 for the Imperial War Museum, but watch out as some galleries (painting & medals) probably aren't entertaining enough for a seven year old. Also, British Museum if things like mummies are of interest, but be prepared for crowds.

If a theatre might be of interest, then might I suggest the Little Angel Puppet Theatre in Islington, as they're aimed specifically at a younger audience.

Another possibility is a football stadium tour if the lad likes the Beautiful Game. I know the Emirates do one (which includes the Arsenal museum in the ticket price), can't say for any of the other London clubs. Would be rather surprised if they didn't.

If cricket appeals, then maybe a day at a county cricket match - you'd have to look up the fixtures - but the Oval is a lovely ground to visit.

Or what about nature reserves? London has several.

London in July is heaving with tourists, so may well be worth looking at things that are off the beaten track. Most London boroughs put on events over the summer, many of them free, so worth looking into things like that as well.

Best bit of advice for exploring London. Take your own picnic / pack up, as food outlets are either overpriced, crowded or both. There're plenty of parks in which to enjoy a nice picnic.

 

[Surlydave]

Rainforest cafe, good fun, probably expensive. Many years since I was there.

 

[smutchin]

Come on smutchers, there's always someone on here that knows everything about everything.

I know nothing about anything, I just thought it was funny that the OP specifically said 'no museums' and then everyone starts recommending museums...

 

[Reynard]

I know nothing about anything, I just thought it was funny that the OP specifically said 'no museums' and then everyone starts recommending museums...

Mmmm, but a) they're free to get in and b) there are a lot of interactive exhibits that would not only interest a seven year old boy, but also his mother. If you choose wisely in terms of museums and galleries to visit, you can avoid all the queues and the boring dusty relics LOL.

Did you know that the Natural History museum has a rather fine display of gemstones and an earthquake simulator. The Science Museum has a fantastic space and rocketry exhibit, as well as lots of mini experiments to do. And the Imperial War Museum has a WW1 trench experience and a WW2 Blitz experience...

Besides, if the weather is pants, you do need something to fall back on that's indoors...

 

[flake99please]

We visited the natural history museum last year as part of an afternoon in London. Having queued for the best part of 30 minutes to get in, to then be 'herded' through some of the exhibits was something none of us enjoyed tbh.

We also went into Hamleys, M&Ms world, and spent some time in the princess Diana memorial playground last year. We also did a 'duckbus' tour which we enjoyed.

I think the London Eye will almost certainly be on the agenda as our hotel is between there and Victoria rail station.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. It gives us all something to consider before we head down.

One other question..... Has anyone visited Ripleys, believe it or not? What did you think of it?

 

[Reynard]

We visited the natural history museum last year as part of an afternoon in London. Having queued for the best part of 30 minutes to get in, to then be 'herded' through some of the exhibits was something none of us enjoyed tbh.

Was that one of the guided tours round the place? You do have to wait for one of those and I certainly wouldn't recommend them, but a 30 minute wait to get in sounds strange. Used to pop in regularly to the nat hist and sci museums when I was at Imperial (which is next door to both). Don't remember ever having any problems...

 

[Markymark]

Doesn't make sense to me. There is sometimes a queue to get in but then you're free to wander around as you choose.

 

[flake99please]

It wasn't a guided tour, but were guided towards the dinosaur skeleton exhibits which was where we were herded along. The rest of the museum was not so crowded, but it certainly tainted the museum experience for wife/son.

 

[ianrauk]

I'm with @Markymark here. Who was guiding you along if you weren't with a guided tour.
You are free to do as you please in the museum at your leisure.

 

[derrick]

Camden town, Not sure the little one would be up for that, Covent garden is well worth a visit. Plenty of shows in London, I find Museums boring but there is plenty of other stuff to do. Personally i would go some where else, Am not really into London,

 

[smutchin]

Mmmm, but a) they're free to get in and b) there are a lot of interactive exhibits that would not only interest a seven year old boy, but also his mother. If you choose wisely in terms of museums and galleries to visit, you can avoid all the queues and the boring dusty relics LOL.

That's all very well, but if someone starts a thread asking for bike recommendations and specifically says 'don't recommend Cannondale bikes, I can't stand them', would you then expect five pages of comments extolling the virtues of Cannondale bikes?

Actually, knowing this place, yes, you probably would...