London with a Little Ben

After I had my first baby, I was determined that having a child wouldn’t change our holidays. I swore that I wouldn’t spend my vacations at Walt Disney World or eating hot dogs at crowded water-parks. I imagined myself calmly leading my toddler by the pudgy hand through airy museums full of modern sculpture and abstract paintings. I’d point, he’d look curiously, and I’d explain Dadaism or ask him what he saw in DeKooning’s interpretation of the female form. Afterward, we’d stroll smiling to a bijoux café where I’d have a glass of wine and he’d have freshly squeezed juice while we discussed whether to have French-Vietnamese or Indo-Chinese for dinner.

You may laugh, but I was convinced something close to this ridiculous reality was possible. Now I know better and to be honest, I look forward to Walt Disney World. I can’t wait to see his face light up when his imagination comes to life. I won’t mind taking him to the occasional water-park either, though I might pack art supplies and an organic vegan picnic for balance.

Balance, I’ve learned, is the secret. I still go to museums quite regularly and we often eat out as a family, but these activities must be well timed and planned. I take the one-for-you, one-for-me approach and in London, this methodology leads to pure pleasure for everyone.

Some parents may think London a very stodgy, uninviting place for children, but they would be so wrong and their children would miss a fun and educational opportunity. Londoners may not pinch children’s cheeks the way the Italians do or ruffle their hair the way the Germans do, but as a rule, they politely make way for little feet and look on with amusement. Most major attractions in the city consider children in their programs and it’s easy to find something pleasing to the adult eye, while engaging a child.

In London, take your little travelers to one of the many free museums. The British Museum has a wealth of interesting and adventurous objects to amaze big and little brains, including mummies, buried treasure, and games from different cultures. Parents can prepare their kids for the visit by taking them on one of the virtual tours for children available on The British Museum Web site.