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During my four months of calling London home, I studied the intricacies of the city from iconic Big Ben to high fashion. Here are my favorite suggestions for families visiting London.

From September-December 2007, London, England was the place I called home. During my four months living and studying there, I observed the intricacies of the city. London is electrified by centuries of history and the energy of its modern people. Family members of any age will embrace the elegance and breadth of the city. For more information, you can always check with the British Tourist Authority at VisitBritain.com or LondonTown.com. The London Pass is great for local sightseeing, as most of the city's small off-beat museums are included in a one-price admission booklet. This link provides a coupon for 5% off the retail price of the pass if you use this code: londpas05 But, since there's a lot to do and see in any visitor's presumably short amount of time, allow us to help plan your stay.

Fun for the Little Ones

(toddlers to age 8)

Hyde Park
Hyde Park, London. W2 2UH.
44 (0) 20 7298-2100
Hyde Park is not only one of the Royal Parks of London, but one of the largest parks in Central London. The sprawling grounds can provide hours of exploration. It is most famous for its Speakers' Corner, where anyone may stand up and speak publicly. Another focal point is the Serpentine, a manmade lake that divides the park in half. In the summer months, visitors can ride the Solarshuttle ferry, swim, or rent rowboats. Other highlights of the park include the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial fountain, and the September 11th Memorial. Crossing the Serpentine Bridge will take you to Kensington Gardens, which used to be the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Here you can find a famous statue of Peter Pan, the boy who tried to never grow up (and here, we can all feel like kids again!) Check the website for seasonal events being held in the park.

Roald Dahl's Children's Gallery
Buckinghamshire County Museum
Church Street
Aylesbury, HP20 2QP
+44 (0)01 296 33144
A fantastic interactive display funded by the noted author's widow brings nature and science to life through his writings (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and others), vivid illustrations, and 3D creations, such as a walk-in peach and the great glass elevator. Aylesbury itself is a small, rural place that will intrigue travelers. Museum hours vary year round so please be sure to check the Buckinghamshire website for calendar details. As this is a popular exhibit and a fun daytrip from London, booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

Pollock's Toy Museum
1 Scala Street
London WIT 3452
+44 (0)20 7636 3452
The renovated museum is housed in two buildings that have been joined together. There are 10 different displays in rooms and winding staircases that features over 200 year old toys. Some of the crowd favorites include: board games, English tin toys, puppets, folk toys from all over Europe, teddy bears and doll houses. It's open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday.

The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Visitor Centre
17-19 Cockspur Street
Trafalgar Square
London, SW1Y 5BL
44 (0) 20 7389-5040
This hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour provides live English commentary and recorded commentary in other languages. With four routes and 90 stops, you choose where you want to get off and explore. The free "Kids Club" provides commentary specifically designed for children, as well as an activity pack. Another popular touring company is Big Bus Tours, which offers two routes making 70 stops.

Trafalgar Square
London, WC2N 5BY
Considered to be the center of central London, people say it is impossible for a local to stand in Trafalgar Square and not see someone he knows. The aesthetic centerpiece is the towering Nelson's Column, a massive statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar. The statue is surrounded by four large bronze lions and the kids will love climbing up on the lions and posing for pictures. Take note of Charing Cross, the original location of the Eleanor Cross placed as a memorial to Eleanor of Castile, which is now occupied by a statue of King Charles I on a horse. This location is recognized as the center of London from which all distances are measured. Trafalgar Square is also home to holiday celebrations and is located directly next to the National Art Gallery.