Betsy's Buddies go to London
By Betsy McCormack

While in London, there are many opportunities to have fun with infants and toddlers. The first and most obvious choice is Hyde Park. This park is spectacular for many reasons. A play area for elementary age children and younger is located between the Edinburgh and Albert gates. Children can swing, climb, slide and run in an enclosed play area. The horse trail runs right next to the play area, so children can enjoy watching the horses.

Just a short walk from the play area is a dining room with many varieties of food. They offer children's platters or a la carte items. You will find fruit, vegetables, chicken nuggets and french fries (or "chips" as they are referred to there). You can rent small boats to float along the Serpentine, or just stand on the banks and feed the multitude of geese and ducks. Squirrels can be persuaded to eat right out of your child's hand, or she can feed the many pigeons that abound. With plenty of space to run and play and hide, Hyde Park is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Not too far from Hyde Park is Regents Park, home of the London Zoo. The Zoo isdaily all year, with different hours in the summer and winter. If you want to see everything, you should plan more than one day at the zoo . With over 10,000 animals, your child will have a grand time. There is even a children's zoo with animals that particularly appeal to children, such as llamas, reindeer and penguins. In the children's zoo, your child can interact directly with the animals. Admission prices are Ј8.00 for adults and Ј6.00 for children.

If you are operating on a tighter budget, an alternative would be the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. You would definitely need a taxi, bus or underground to get to Battersea (depending on where you are staying), but the admission prices there are Ј1.10 for adults and Ј0.60 for children.

Another great place to take your children is the London Aquarium. The Aquarium is located in a three story building, home to many varieties of marine life, from starfish to sharks. Displays include a living rain forest, Europe's largest display of fish and marine life, and captivating shark display tanks. In the interactive touch pools, adventurous children can handle amazing creatures such as harmless rays, hermit crabs, anemones and starfish, with the guidance of trained Aquarium staff. Located on Westminster Bridge Road, the ride to the Aquarium is filled with historical sights. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are across Westminster Bridge, just a short walk away from the Aquarium.

One new attraction,d for the year 2000, is the London Eye. This amazing structure resembles a carnival Ferris wheel. However, this unique piece of machinery rises to a height of 135 meters (that's 445 feet for you Americans). On a clear day, the view from the top is spectacular. For those of you afraid of heights, have no fear. You walk into a fully enclosed glass "pod" that holds approximately 20 people. Equipped with a bench for the weak-kneed and a tour guide for the curious, you and your children can experience a "bird's eye view" of historic Westminster and London. The London Eye is definitely a must see.

These few items barely scratch the surface of what London has to offer. All in all, London is a great place to bring the family on vacation. You and your family will have a great time exploring the rich culture and heritage of London. Better yet would be to include a trip to the surrounding countryside and experience history for yourself. But even if you never get any farther than Hyde Park, the trip will be worth it.

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