Remember Baby’s day out? In that movie, the baby crawls out of the window of his kidnappers’ flat and had the most amazing adventures. While the parents were worried sick, baby had the time of his life. Do we know what our kids really want from a day out? Too often we try to combine our own favourite activities with what we think children might like. Over the years I have asked kids from pre-schoolers to teenagers – over 100 kids – what they wished to do on a day out in London and I now have a clearer picture of what that is.
I did not expect to hear from them across ages that they enjoyed some of the museums, particularly the Science Museum. But then again my own son loves it. We have spent there many hours over time since he was three years old up to now that he is 12.
The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace came top of children’s London wish-list.
The Queen came up in a lot of conversations and kids seem fascinated by her role and her lifestyle: they want to know how she lives, what she does in her spare time. They are also fascinated by the history of Kings and Queens hence the curiosity to see the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Among more modern landmarks that the children identified as their favourite London attractions there are the Shard, the London Eye and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
London’s iconic architecture, both modern and historical, does not fall short, with the London Eye being one of children’s favourite place.
Topping the poll of parents’ favourite landmarks to visit with their families is Buckingham Palace, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
When asked what they think of London, two in ten children said that they find the city a bit scary but most of them think London is very exciting and fun.
What’s your ideal day out in London, mum?
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