Top places to visit in London with children in autumn

As the temperature has dropped and rain is on the forecast, I’ve started thinking about autumn excursions for me and Baby Girl, and here are some of the places in Central and East London that I’m sure I’ll include on the agenda:

The Unicorn
Dedicated children’s theatre The Unicorn makes it easy to introduce young children to performing arts. The modern theatre, which is located near London Bridge, has regular productions aimed at families with young children, and tickets for these shows may even include a bit of playtime. Young audiences at The Unicorn can typically enjoy performances with easy-to-follow storylines, covering topics the children can relate to. It’s great fun to see even toddlers getting enthusiastic about going to the theatre, and these shows tend to have a lively audience with lots of pointing, waving and talking throughout.

Museum of Childhood
To make children really excited about visiting museums, it’s worth making a trip to Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. Admission is free, and the museum boasts an impressive collection of toys, dolls’ houses, games and more–all very exciting for little ones. The museum also offers special family packs with toys and activity suggestions, ensuring families can make the most of their visit, and throughout the year there are special events for children, workshops and classes, such as dance sessions for under 5s. Museum of Childhood is easy to get to by tube, but I drove last time I visited, and it was easy to find pay-and-display parking nearby. Look at the congestion charging zone map if you want to drive outside.

Waterstones Piccadilly
Whether you’re shopping for new books or simply need a welcoming place to stop in central London, it’s worth taking the family to Waterstones on Piccadilly Road. The children’s books section in this huge bookshop includes several play areas, and it’s easy to keep little ones entertained here. There are crayons and colour-in sheets, books, and pull-along toys – not to mention an impressive selection of children’s books to buy.

Tags: Autumn, Children's theatre, Free admission, Museum of Childhood, Piccadilly Circus, Unicorn Theatre, Waterstones