Young people in London


How well-equipped is London for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?

London is a fantastic city for raising children and there are public change rooms, many playgrounds (usually a couple within each neighbourhood) and lots of parks for children to play in. You will also find many restaurants and pubs which are child friendly, such as the restaurant chain, Giraffe.

Discuss any safety issues for children in London.

As with any large city or indeed any location, parental guidance and responsibility are important to a child's safety.

What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in London?

Kids and teenagers in London have a variety of things to choose from! Centrally, there's Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park is only a stroll away from there. Here you'll find the rollerbladers and cyclists of all age groups and in the summer it is a favourite place for family picnics and friendly soccer (or football) and volleyball games on weekends. Further afield there's Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and much more, offering expansive amounts of green space and plenty to do; ranging from cycling to deer spotting!

Founded in 1829, the London Zoological Gardens situated on the Northern edge of Regents Park is the oldest zoo in the world. The zoo is home to almost 10,000 creatures, many of them are rare. The most famous wax museum in the world and probably the oldest continuous operation is Madame Tussaud's. Here, you'll find replications of nearly every major celebrity of this century, as well as scores of earlier notables. A visit to the adjacent London Planetarium can be included on the same ticket for a slightly higher price.

What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?

Mostly sports or going to the cinema and shopping centres to meet friends. In summer there are large numbers of family friendly festivals, workshops, exhibitions and concerts which take part outdoors all over town.

What's it like to be a teenager in London? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?

There is plenty for teenagers to do in London. For example there are loads of concerts (like Party in the Park, held in Hyde Park with the latest pop stars, hip hop and other groups performing). However, it is advisable to be aware that the drinking age in England is 18.

Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?

Your local school will be able to tell you about the youth club in your area. There are also scouting clubs for boys and girls. These groups offer adventures, amusements and activities.

I want my child to get the most out of our stay in London. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?

Try the London Bus Tours - they are a great way to see the sights and get to know some of the city's culture. You can also hop on and hop off as often as you like throughout the day. There are also many world-class museums in London which offer fun and often interactive ways of learning about the local culture and history, such as the Natural History Museum and the Museum of London.
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