London aquarium

[wellington]

I'm just wondering whether it is worth it to visit the London Aquarium/Sealife Centre? I've only ever paid minimal entry costs to events and sights but it is my son's 4th birthday coming up, he loves animals and sea creatures and we've never been so I wondered if we should consider visiting. I'd love all your opinions please.

[KatDew]

I have been twice once with just my son once with all three. They loved it and it is something that gets talked about for ages afterwards, however it is expensive for what ends up being a half day activity.

London zoo is more like a full day trip but slightly more awkward to get to

[slh2009]

I recently took my 2.5 year old and he loved it, also talks about it still. We went at 3pm when the price is reduced a bit. Enjoy!

[gebbjane]

Yes it's worth it took my 3 year old daughter and she loved it. We Used the 2for1 deal so it wasn't so pricey http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-aquarium

[DonGee]

Rice Crispies currenty has a 'free adult entry' voucher on the box. Free adult entry when with a full paying child. That should help save a bit.

[BeccaL]

Also cheaper if you book in advance online, and you don't have to queue to get in. Definitely worth a visit

[leons]

Def worth a visit for a 4 year old. If you collect Tesco vouchers you can also get tokens for free entry for both adults and children (under 3s are free).

[Strawbs]

Can someone let me know how it is set up i.e. could I take a very active 2 year old there who likes to run about and see things (rather than EVER walk! hehe) or would that be just too hard in a place like that? x

[Saffron]

I think you'd be fine. My daughter did a lot a running around, and we were ok even though it was crowded. Take a high vis vest? There's low lighting in some parts of the aquarium. Also, best to wait until all the schools are back in session and tourists have mostly cleared out, maybe? Otherwise you'll be fighting the crowds to keep up with your LO through some of the more narrow displays. xx

[wellington]

Thanks for the input and advice. I think we'll wait till school returns and go during the week with our clubcard vouchers. I'm sure he'll love it though. He will either go swimming (which is a treat as he is no.2 and he has only been a few times in his life) or horse riding instead.

[Strawbs]

Saffron that is a great idea! thank you.. xxx

[slh2009]

Strawbs, my 2 year old sounds like yours (reading the 'high energy' trhead with interest/empathy!) and I didn't find it too stressful. I took him on my own and found that there was enough to keep his interest so not too much running off, he especially liked the huge tank with the sharks and turtles!

[Strawbs]

Thanks slh2009 that is great to hear!! I normally avoid things like this like the plague which actually means outside of practically living at the park we dont do a lot of activities in confined spaces (ok NONE) but I'd hope like your child he'd like to see all the different sea animals etc and might actually participate in the activity rather than running around wildly. I think I am going to do with Saffron suggested and go outside of school holidays time, take a day off work and head in with him and test the waters pardon the pun! x

[slh2009]

Haha..I hear you! It was actually a Monday I went in term-time so yes think that is probably more manageable. I've got a bit braver of late in taking him to places on my own...Surrey Quays farm the latest, he loved the train and bus ride then we sat out the back watching the boats for a while...oh and he got to stroke a goat which he liked. Covent Garden at the weekend not so much fun.....!! Enjoy :-)

[EmilyPie]

Definitely go outside of school holidays. I spent a very stressful summer holiday morning trying to chase my very mobile then 1yo through massive crowds as he repeatedly ran off, largely oblivious to the fish which he couldn't see anyway through all the people. Still shudder thinking about it. Esp as we went with a friend and her 6yo who wanted to spend hours staring quietly at every tank. Looked like it would be great without so many people though. Especially the sting rays and the penguins.

[hoppermum]

Thinking of going tomorrow morning with the sainsburys 2 for 1 but a bit concerned about queuing being 30 weeks pregnant and having a toddler...people who have been recently, would you recommend advance priority tickets and is there anywhere I can buy these with a 2 for 1?

Thanks

[slh2009]

Hi I went last Sat in the pouring rain and there was quite a queue although it moved fast. We probably waited 30 - 40 mins. I would get the fast track tickets if I was you as the schools are still off tomorrow I think. I had 241 voucher but not sure you can do it for these tickets

[Saffron]

Mr Saff and I have had fast-track tickets for all the big attractions we've been to with Little Saff, eg Aquarium, ZSL Zoo, London Eye. It's sooooo worth the little bit extra you have to pay. Every time, we've walked straight past HUGE queues for just a few extra pounds. xx

[rosendale]

a lovely place to enjoy , worth every penny

petter

[Cora]

Just to say if you have a baby/toddler (I think it's under three) who doesn't pay it is worth thinking g about getting an adult annual pass...that way you can go as many times as you want. I did it for the first few yrs of my kids (asked for it as a present for the kid from relatives) was a great place for calm breastfeeding while watching the fish...getting out of the heat in the summer, and letting the toddlers explore....Think it was just over 40 pou ds when I did it...