London is a great kid's town with more parks than any urban area and more attractions than children can cover in a month. Small children will adore the London Toy Museum with it's many rooms jammed with toys and the backyard trains to watch and ride. Packing a lunch enjoyed in a rental rowboat on Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park or Regent's Park Lake or a visit to the Docklands Aquatic Center ranks high. Tormenting the sentry in front of the Prime Minister's House suits those who like to make funny faces. The Tower of London's appeal increases with scary tales of the two princes. Boys like the armor; girls enjoy the Crown Jewels, or sometimes, visa versa. Teenagers won't want to miss the biggest record stores anywhere at Tower, Virgin and others around Leicester Square or the Hippodrome and other clubs and discos. Just hanging out in the square ranks high. Bookish types find the bookstores around the corner a treat, and those who want to see the Beatles as a "nostalgia group" will enjoy Carnaby Street. Tennis teens will appreciate a chance to tour the Wimbledon museum.
There is always something suitable for kids on stage in London, and a host of children's theater as well. In Little Venice, the Puppet Theater Barge is a good choice, and there are barge tours here too.
Museums are a solid choice with dinosaurs or the 600 or so hand's exhibits on in the National History Museum, or the Children's Toy Museums top of the list. The London Transport Museum's a good choice, and kids go bonkers at the Clowns, fire breathers, unicyclists and other attractions in Covent Garden.
Zoos are always good for all ages. The London Zoo was the first to offer a children's zoo before WW II and many other attractions, but today it is rather old-fashioned. Where else can you ride a camel, elephant or other creature? Battersea Park features a children's zoo, but the big hit is feeding the duks or swans in St. John's and other parks. Hotels and bakeries can come up with stale bread for this.
Kids will either adore or despise brass rubbing which is a fine rainy day option. Basically you put a paper on a brass plate and rub with a sort of round crayon until the image transfers. Then the rubbing center staff sticks this in a mailing tube and you can have the image framed at home. Most parents, and some kids will think this a better keepsake than a Planet Hollywood tee-shirt. If you're shopping for children, Hamley's Shop on Oxford Street or Harrod's in Knightsbridge are a good start. TIP: Many spots offer annual family tickets - 2 adults and up to 4 kids - for a bit more than individual visits so you can return often and mix outdoor, indoor, active and passive activities. Check for special children's and teen attractions in the weekly activities booklets as there are dozens of special events each year.
From
patriotic themed accommodations to European styled hotels, Washington D.C.
offers a host of lodging options. For instance, the Crowne Plaza is a four-star, deluxe hotel
located in Franklin Square, just a few blocks from the White House. Downtown Washington D.C. offers a wide
range of hotels to choose from. ....more
Hilton Casino Atlantic City Hotel compares well with the 39 hotels in the city.
In Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hilton Casino Atlantic City can be found at Boston
& Pacific Avenue. Hilton Casino Atlantic City contains Indoor Pool, Lounge,
and Hotel Parking. The hotel is minutes to fine dining, shopping and
entertainment .... more
