London with little ones #5 Museum of Childhood

Inspired by one of Lj's favourite bedtime stories, 'Maisy goes to the Museum' we went to the Museum of Childhood, London today. I knew it was a good place for kids but I hadn't remembered it to be as great as it was today. Perhaps my children are at the right stages to enjoy it.

We caught the train to Liverpool Street and the No. 8 bus from Bishopsgate to Bethnal Green. Now that MJ is 5 he can no longer travel for free and I did question whether it was worth making the trip when I was purchasing our ticket. Knowing I had a packed lunch in my bag and the entry to the museum is free we bought our ticket and boarded the train.

 This photo was not taken today...today the weather was grey and wet!



After a quick coffee and snack (actually we ate most of our lunch!) we got down to some serious play.

 Lj spent a long time on this touch screen computer, selecting toys and watching how they work. Clearly it was intuitive as I didn't have to help her at all.

MJ spent a long time watching the Hornby trains moving round the large track.

There were so many interactive things for the children to play with. Dressing up as a fireman and playing on the fire engine, dressing up as a Victorian Cook and making dinner in the kitchen, sensory play, a puppet theatre, dolls houses of all shapes and sizes, Duplo, they even got socks and boots off for a play in the sand pit accompanied by the sound of waves lapping on a beach!

We took part in the special activities based on the story 'The Nutcracker'. Listening to the story being told and making our own Nutcracker!

We listened and MJ danced to 'Jingle Bell Rock'!

 MJ and I played a game of Snake and Ladders.

The favourite toy of the day was the Rocking Horses...worth queueing twice for!

We easily spent 5 fun filled hrs playing...I think a record stay for us at a museum.

Tonight before bedtime we listened again to the story of the 'Nutcracker' and to Tchaikovsky's, 'Nutcracker Suite' which interestingly MJ recognised from our Children's Classics CD.

Tomorrow, I hope we have time and energy to make some puppets and MJ has already said he will build the theatre!

 Finally a few tips if you decide to visit...

:: Buggies can be left in the foyer (we left coats too)...it will be one of many.
:: If you have a packed lunch you can take it downstairs in the Clore Room, where there is also drinking water available.
:: Check out 'what's on' when you arrive and ask if there are activities suited to the age of your child. We followed the 'Retro trail' and there are Montessori back packs available.
:: The cafe food looks lovely...I had a tasty Latte for £2.35
:: For sunny days, there is a green park next door if the kids need anymore of a run around!

 A tired Lj on the return leg of our journey...she fell asleep shortly after this photo was taken!