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We are taking the kids on their first jaunt to Europe this fall with a whirlwind trip to London! We have 3.5 days for the whole family to enjoy the city before we have to head back home. Why are we going so far for such a short trip? Because the tickets were cheap and our vacation time is dwindling. That’s why.
On our recent trip to Hawaii, we did a bit of preparation beforehand and it really enhanced the trip for the children. Even though they are only 2 and 4, they have the capability to recognize their surroundings and put their experiences into perspective.
It’s a bit hard at this age, because I’m not ready to introduce my children to some of the more gory aspects of London’s history, but fortunately, London has tons of history and culture that can be age-appropriate!
This collection is aimed at the preschool (pre-Harry Potter!) age group. At this age, just reading them fun books or watching a movie together can be educational and help set the stage for an awesome trip. So here we go!
A London Education for Preschoolers
Picture Books
All Aboard the London Bus by Francis Lincoln Children’s Books
Madeline in London by Ludwig Bemelmans
Katie in London by James Mayhew
Read-aloud Chapter Books
My kids are just getting to the point where we are reading them chapter books. These are also great to bring along on the trip for bedtime since they tend to be lighter then picture books and they are often available on Kindle.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Kid’s London Guidebooks
Guidebooks may not be the correct word, but these are all books designed to teach about London, instead of stories that take place in London.
We completely must go to London by Lauren Child
Activity Books
The best thing about activity books is you can save them for the plane ride! That way pull double duty as a distraction on the plane and an educational tool that will be fresh in their mind.
Peppa’s London Day Out
Movies set in London
Again, movies are a great resource to save for the plane ride. Our flight to London will be overnight so I’m hoping they’ll sleep a good portion of the trip. I know they aren’t going to sleep 13 hours though! So we’ll need a movie or two to keep them occupied. These have the added advantage of just being great movies!
101 Dalmations
Music from the UK
My children are not particularly educated when it comes to great music, they still prefer Old McDonald, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the time for an introduction! I could list hundreds of modern and classic bands here, but since my kids already know the Beatles, we’ll be listening to them before our trip.
Toys
If your child has a favorite book about London, consider getting a coordinating plush that they can take pictures with around town.
For some kids, it might be more fun to pick out a special new toy while in London. For other kids, having something special to take on the trip and have throughout would make the whole trip more exciting.
Padding Bear Stuffed Animal
Magnets From Everywhere 
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