Tower of London
It's on every tourist's 'to do' list, but with good reason: the Tower is the history of the British monarchy writ in bricks and mortar. The Crown Jewels are on display here, plus you can see the very spot where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. To get the most out of the day, take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders (aka Beefeaters), and enjoy tales of ghosts, intrigue and murder.
Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB (0844 482 7777 or +44 20 3166 6000 from outside the UK; hrp.org.uk). Adults £17, children (age 5–16) £9.50, under-5s free. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9am–5.30pm; Sunday–Monday 10am–5.30pm. Nearest station: Tower Hill tube.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
This imaginatively designed play area, opened in 2000 after the Princess's death, has become a beacon for families on sunny days. Inspired by the story of Peter Pan, its centrepiece is a huge wooden pirate ship, surrounded by a sandy 'beach', and there are numerous nooks and crannies to explore. Understandably, it gets crowded at peak times, but there's plenty of seating for weary grown-ups, and a reasonably priced café.
Kensington Gardens, W2. Admission free. Open from 10am daily; visit royalparks.org.uk for closing times. Nearest station: Queensway tube.
Greenwich
Reaching this picturesque corner of southeast London is half the fun: take a riverboat (they're all pushchair friendly) from Westminster Pier. It's a short stroll from the dock to the 'village' centre, with its indoor and outdoor market stalls, and the (free) National Maritime Museum, while nearby Greenwich Park has a huge toddler-friendly playground and boating lake. If you still have the energy, walk up the hill and take in a planetarium show at the Royal Observatory.
Greenwich, SE10. For details of individual attractions, visit greenwichwhs.org.uk. For riverboat times, call +44 (0)20 7222 1234 or visit tfl.gov.uk. Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR.
HMS Belfast
Not for younger children — there are lots of ladders to climb between decks – but older kids (and their parents) will enjoy exploring this World War Two cruiser moored at the bank of the Thames. Aim the guns at the Houses of Parliament, play Captain on the bridge, or venture down to the boiler room; it gets more atmospheric the further below deck you go. Best of all, admission is free for under-16s.
Morgan's Lane, Tooley St, SE1 2JH (+44 (0)207 940 6300; hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk). Adults £12.95, under-16s free. Open 10am–6pm until 31 October, 10am–5pm November–end February 2011). Nearest station: London Bridge tube/rail.
ZSL London Zoo
Cute monkeys? Check. Cheeky penguins? Check. Feeding sessions and zoo-keeper talks? Check. There are few surprises at ZSL London Zoo, but it does what it does brilliantly. Its layout is easy to negotiate, and there's plenty to see under cover — like the new Rainforest Life centre — so even the British weather can't dampen the experience.
Regent's Park, NW1 4RY (+44 (0)20 7722 3333; zsl.org). Adults from £17.20, children from £13.70, under-3s free. Open daily from 10am; check the website for closing times. Nearest station: Camden Town tube.
Covent Garden
First and foremost a shopping mecca, Covent Garden nevertheless has an abundance of energy and charm, thanks in part to the numerous street entertainers that perform here. Let teens and tweens loose on the market stalls selling vintage clothing and jewellery while you take younger kids for day-glo cupcakes at Candy Cakes (downstairs in the main hall) and enjoy a spot of people-watching.
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2. Nearest station: Covent Garden tube.
The London Dungeon
Fans of the 'Horrible Histories' series will relish this homage to London's dark past, from the Great Plague to the infamous Jack the Ripper. The question is, will parents be brave enough to wander the Labyrinth of the Lost, or try Extremis, a ride that simulates the hangman's drop? With actors on hand to ensure visitors 'have a horrible time', it's gruesome, ghoulish and great fun.
28-34 Tooley Street, SE1 2SZ (+44 (0)207 403 7221; thedungeons.com). Adults £22.50, children (age 4–15) £16.50 (discounts available online). Open seven days a week; check the website for times. Nearest station: London Bridge tube/rail.
Battersea Park
One of London's most beautifully landscaped parks, Battersea caters brilliantly for younger children: there are fountains, flat, even paths for scooting/cycling, a boating lake, a fabulous kids' playground with lots to keep toddlers entertained, even a zoo (near the Peace Pagoda, at the Chelsea Gate entrance). With plenty of parking, it's the perfect spot to while away a Sunday.
Albert Bridge Road, SW11. Open 8am–dusk. For zoo opening times and prices, visit batterseaparkzoo.co.uk. Nearest station: Battersea Park rail.
Natural History Museum
It may be famous for its dinosaur skeletons, but there's heaps more to see at this fascinating museum, from a lifesize model of a blue whale to fossils and creepy crawlies. Be prepared for lots of walking — the scale of the place is huge — but there are three cafés and a snack bar, and an indoor picnic area for rest stops.
Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (+44 (0)20 7942 5000; nhm.ac.uk). Admission free. Open daily from 10am–5.50pm. Nearest station: South Kensington tube.
Science Museum
It's located just a stone's throw from the Natural History Museum (see above), but the Science Museum deserves a day trip all of its own. Highlights are 'The Garden' (in the basement) where pre-schoolers can play with water and construction toys, and the 'Launchpad' gallery, with 50 hands-on exhibits. Avoid the school holidays if possible, when 'crowded' takes on a whole new meaning.
Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (+44 (0)870 870 4868; sciencemuseum.org.uk). Admission free. Open daily from 10am–6pm. Nearest station: South Kensington tube.
