We love this book – even though we don’t have children. Written and compiled by Kate Hodges and Sunshine Jackson Little London’s pages are stuffed with ideas for child-friendly days out, and fun things to do. 201 ideas to be precise; with many of them free.
The book is arranged month by month throughout the year, and also by location, so it is really easy to find activities to keep little, and not so little, people entertained in London. Both authors have children of their own so know only too well what sort of things children like. All-time favourites have been marked with gold stars.
One of the entries awarded with a gold star is one of our own favourites – the brilliant Museum of London. But what we hadn’t appreciated that it is also very child friendly with every gallery having something for children to enjoy. Better still are the weekend/holidays when specially designed digital workshops, craft sessions and history classes run by enthusiastic staff take place. And don’t forget the wonderful activities for children held at the Natural History Museum
Another gold star has been awarded to London’s urban woodlands, which include Sydenham Hill Wood, Queen’s Wood and Epping Forest – wonderful open spaces for children to play in and make dens and shelters. Or how about Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury? It has playgrounds and even a small farm. But be warned, no adult is allowed in unless accompanied by a child.
The book is not all about museums or open spaces. All sorts of other attractions and events have been included. There are also suggestions for things to do at home on rainy days like making a pinhole camera, plus recipes for the likes of Eyeball Cake Pops and Sugar Skulls. Yummy!
Little London: Child-Friendly Days Out. Kate Hodges and Sunshine Jackson, with illustrations by Nicole Thompson. Virgin Books /Random House Group. ISBN 978-0-75355-529-3. £12.99. www.randomhouse.co.uk