ReallyKidFreindly.com – The guide to how good places really are for your family

May 28th 2009

The magic carpet - interest for the kids, down time for the folks and a little culture for all.

We are not hardened gallery types and I was slightly sceptical about taking a 2 year old and a 9 month old to a gallery. I assumed I would encounter a hushed, earnest environment full of intense tourists with guide books, arty types stroking their beards and angst ridden design students seeking inspiration. OK, so there is a bit of that, but when we and about a dozen other parents met our guide in reception for the Children's Magic Carpet Ride, she enthusiastically greeted us and then led the way off through the gallery with babies, toddlers, buggies, bags, shouts, screams, raisins and all the usual paraphernalia in tow - totally unconcerned that we might somehow be disturbing people. And actually to be fair, most other visitors simply smiled or said "ahhhh" as she weaved us through corridors and galleries to reach a specifically chosen picture. Here the carpet was unrolled, the kids duly seated and our host began to engage them in the picture, asking questions and guiding songs as she pointed out features and let their imaginations wander. 30 minutes was just long enough to hold our 2 year old's attention whilst mum and I relaxed at the back on the nearby benches. Babes in arms were obviously welcome, but I think toddlers from 2 upwards will really get the most enjoyment. A great free activity in the heart of London (Sundays 10-30 and 11-30 - more often during holidays) - afterwards we spilled out on to Trafalgar square, where fountains, pigeons and Nelson provided an easy half hour of diversion, then on to nearby Smollenskys for a superb child friendly lunch.

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Best for: Toddlers, Pre-school, School children, Twins & multiples, Impaired mobility, Large groups

February 13th 2009

The Magic Carpet Ride

The National Gallery provide a special Sunday morning session for toddlers called The Magic Carpet Ride. There are two sessions in the morning and you need to arrive a good 15 mins before it starts in order to get into a group. We took our 2 year old daughter and she loved it. The gallery curator took us through the galleries to a specific painting and rolled out the magic carpet for all the children to sit on in front of the painting. He then engaged the children for half an hour by getting them to use their imaginations and look at the painting and describe what they could see. The painting took on a story based on the childrens' own interpretation of it. It was a great opportunity to introduce young children to art and looking at pictures. Afterwards we took our 2 year old around the gallery looking at some more paintings on our own and she enjoyed running around looking at everything for a short while. There was a very nice cafe with high chairs.

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Best for: New baby, 6-12 months, Toddlers, Pre-school, School children, Twins & multiples, Impaired mobility, Large groups