Southbank with 15mo and 3.5yr old

[devsdev]

Hi there,

I know there have been recommendations to go to the Southbank Centre with kids, but just wondering what exactly people do there. I am trying to coordinate a meeting with my sister in law and niece who will be coming from Kensington and with the Jubilee down the best place to meet seems to be Waterloo/Embankment/Southbank. It's Sunday and I hope to meet her fairly early (9:30/10ish) so the kids can play, we can eat and then my LO can sleep. Where can we go for the kids to have a bit of a run-around - just along the river? Is there any inside space that would be good in case it's raining? I've only ever been there without kids and it's usually involved drinks while overlooking the Thames, so this is a new one for me!

[EmilyPie]

There is a playground near Waterloo, looking at the boats on the river, there are rides etc near Waterloo too, including a Mary poplins style merry go round, and there are usually street artists, musicians etc too. We normally get coffee etc in the royal festival hall. Plenty of room for buggies and lots of space to run around if it is wet. Towards London bridge there is the golden hynde ship and the turbine hall in the Tate modern for running about in if it is wet. Cafe at the Tate is also pretty baby friendly. Have fun.

[crystal7]

There's a lovely playground behind St Thomas's hospital, 5 min or so walk from Waterloo on Lambeth Palace Rd, called Archbishop's Park. It's much better than the one near the Eye. RFH is great for a run around and not very busy before 11 ish on weekend mornings plus it has a nice cafe. Think Turbine Hall closed at the moment but could be wrong. Enjoy!

[devsdev]

Thank you!

[gillandjoe]

Turbine Hall is open again. I love the Royal Festival Hall for the space, and amazing lift with singing voices in it. There is also a rooftop garden with bar above the Hayward. Southbank with kids is the best :)

[nunheadmum]

My two - now 7 and 5 - have loved the Royal Festival Hall since they were little and still do! Loads of space just to explore. Great cafes for coffee and croissants for mum and dad (buy them outside and bring in), loads of levels and nooks and crannies to explore, often music / entertainment at the weekend, often things going on outside. Cafe at the front does simple kids sandwiches. Poetry library with kids books and seats/beanbags for a quiet 5 mins.

If all that doesn't keep them happy there's all the other options folk have mentioned round and about.

Many a good Sunday has been passed at the Southbank!!