Having now accepted our status as dedicated, if frazzled and rapidly aging, parents, my partner and I are devoting time to planning some activities for wet weekends and hyper half-terms joined by nephews and nieces.

In our former, almost forgotten, 'couple' life we lived in London. Those days (as I like to remember them) were filled with friends, posh restaurants, cocktails, super-cool bars, exhibitions, theater, and lazy Sundays reading the papers. I did watch too much Sex and the City though. In reality, much of my spare time was spent attempting to crawl out of bed in my tiny flat in one of the most unfashionable parts of outer East London. My most cultural achievement was to make it to the corner shop for some bread and Heat magazine before lunchtime.

However, I thought London was the best city in the world then (New York a close second) and I still do. Our lives may have changed forever but our capital can still keep us entertained with little H tottering along too. It is a fantastic place for young children and these are my top ten activities if you ever find yourself in the big smoke with little people.

1Tiny tots love vehicles so even your journey can be fun. Riding on a train, London bus or taxi, taking the tube or DLR (where you can pretend to be the driver) or just watching the traffic or trains will entertain many little ones. You probably won't find it quite as fascinating.

2If your little tinker is getting really serious about transportation, the newly-reopened London Transport Museum in Covent Garden may be ideal. Exploring the link between transport and the growth of modern London, there are many regular features that will appeal to children, such as costumed characters, and special activities during school holidays like building a bus. 'London's Transport in Miniature' will be running on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March 2008 at The Museum Depot at Acton, demonstrations of steam and electric train collections on the Museum's miniature railway.

3The London Aquarium on the South Bank of the Thames has nearly 400 species on display in over 2 million liters of water. Seeing anything from sharks and stingrays to moray eels and piranhas, your little fish are sure to enjoy the multi-sensory journey which includes a pool where they can stroke a range of friendly creatures and regular talks and feeding sessions. Captain Pugwash and his crew are in residence every day from Saturday 9 February to Sunday 24 February.

4Still lurking on the South Bank, the Tate Modern has a lot to offer families with children. The building itself is a brilliant place for older children to explore. Every weekend the 'Start' team are on hand to provide exciting games to play in the galleries, mainly for the over fives. They will be running special activities during half-term week. 'What Can the Matter Be?' is a talk and demonstration uncovering some of the secrets behind the gallery's collection to be held on Saturday 23 February.

5Escaping the hustle and bustle of the South Bank with your brood for half an hour may well appeal. The London Eye (on the South Bank opposite the Houses of Parliament) is an exciting experience whatever your age. Although it does only travel at 0.6 miles per hour - twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting, according to their website - so it's not for speed freaks. The views are outstanding and on a clear day you can see around 40km from the top, that's as far as Windsor Castle. The capsule's are quite cool too.

6Two of the best free attractions in London have to be the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in South Kensington. At the Natural History Museum, Harry and the Dinosaurs will leap into real life for your tot after seeing the big softy Diplodocus and super-sensing T.Rex (who's a bit scary for very little ones). The life-size model of a blue whale is awesome and there are fun activities planned every day (including talks, behind-the-scenes tours, Explorer backpacks and a science discovery centre). Ice Station Antarctica is a temporary interactive exhibition running until 20 April (extra charge applies).

The Science Museum's Launchpad gallery has been updated recently and is aimed at 'curious and creative 8-14 year olds' who want to explore the world of physics. It's packed full of exhibits, shows and demos. The Garden and Pattern Pod are two interactive galleries designed for younger children. There are numerous daily activities and events and also an IMAX 3D cinema making this an inspiring day out for everyone.

7I might be biased as I lived there for a while, but Greenwich is one of the most beautiful areas of London and ideal for a family trip to the capital. It has everything you'll need for the day from the wide open spaces of the park, the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum, OLd Royal Naval College and university buildings, to high street shops and restaurants, independent boutiques and bistros, a lively market and riverside walks. An unexpected highlight for our funny little man is the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, where you walk under the River Thames.

8Wicked, The Lion King, The Sound of Music, Dirty Dancing, Billy Elliot...you can't go wrong with one of these West End shows.

9London is full of green spaces and parks - ideal for letting energetic monsters let off steam. You might even get the chance to lie down for a while. Hyde, St James', Green and Regent's parks are all easily accessible.

10Nestled within Regent's Park is London Zoo which recently won a number of awards at the Visit London Awards, including the 'Kids Love London' award. There's so much to see here including the new £5.3m enclosure Gorilla Kingdom, the Ambika Paul Children's Zoo, Butterfly Paradise, Meet the Monkeys and Clore Rainforest Lookout.

We're lucky enough to live within an hour's drive of London so I'm hopeful that H will grow up feeling part of this wonderful city. Kids really do love it.

About the Author

Max Clarke is a first-time parent and part-time copywriter for a travel services company. She is looking forward to many happy travels with her partner and their little boy. http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/theatre-breaks.html?agent=we066

 

Sitting at the foot of the Ozark Mountains, Missouri has a rich history and an assortment of attractions to offer the entire family. Lodging in Missouri is both easy and affordable, providing ease and comfort to vacationers and business travelers alike.

Stunning History of Saint Louis Lodging

Missouri's most famous landmark is perhaps the Gateway Arch (http://www.nps.gov/jeff/). At 630 feet high, it is the tallest national monument in the United States. Approximately one million visitors each year ride its trams to the top to take in the stunning St. Louis skyline.

Right across the street from the Arch is the Adam's Mark St. Louis. This riverside hotel has an impressive three-story atrium in the lobby, complete with a pair of nine-foot bronze horses imported from Italy. Guestrooms offer a view of the Arch, downtown, and the Mississippi River. Cardinals fans are only two blocks from Busch Stadium, and for a fee, you can reach downtown destinations by a romantic, horse-drawn carriage.

While in St. Louis, be sure to visit the zoo, or take a stroll through historic Laclede's Landing. In 1763, a French fur-trapper named Pierre Laclede began exploring the Illinois Country in search of a place to set up a trading post. In 1764, he chose the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the place now occupied by St. Louis. In 1784, the area he chose was cleared, cabins were built, and Laclede christened the place Saint Louis to honor the Patron Saint of the King of France.

If you have never visited this intriguing city before, you will find a variety of lodging in St. Louis within easy reach of this city's historic landmarks and attractions.

Exciting Entertainment Near Kansas City Lodging

If you are taking a business of pleasure jaunt through Kansas City, you will be in for a surprise for the interesting lodging options available in this fine city. You will find lodging in Kansas City - Missouri's other well-known city - that offers many affordable and comfortable options.

In the exciting casino district, try the Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa. For exciting entertainment, this Kansas City hotel includes a 62,000 square-foot casino, a luxury spa and health club, and 42" plasma screen televisions.

For a stylish experience, the gorgeous Hotel Phillips is located in downtown Kansas City, less than two miles from Union Station. This trendy art deco hotel was built in 1931 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and guests include many former Presidents of the United States. Live jazz and swing music is offered every Friday and Saturday night to liven up your Kansas City experience.

While in Kansas City, do not miss its many attractions, such as the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks, the Liberty Memorial (http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/), and the World War I Museum. These are great for an interactive, educational experience for both little and big kids alike.

Internationally Renowned Activities by Branson Lodging

Surrounded by three lakes at the foot of the Ozarks, Branson has a large variety of activities, sight-seeing opportunities, and theme park adventures. Try taking a guided tour by motorcycle, or soar above it all on a helicopter adventure. Ride the Branson Scenic Railway, or test your mettle at the Haunted House & Monster Asylum. For a more tasteful experience, visit the Stone Hill Winery.

Just three miles from Table Rock Lake - popular for bass fishing and water sports - is Stonebridge Nightly Rentals. This 3,200 acre gated resort includes an 18-hole championship golf course, putting green, driving range, pro shop, three tennis courts, and two outdoor pools. Scuba diving in Table Rock Lake is said to rival that in the Caribbean! This is a great way to get away from it all, without having to even leave the country.

Take the kids down to visit the exciting Strip, a seven-mile stretch of amusement parks, restaurants, and shops. Branson's newest theme park, Silver Dollar City, has a nightly laser and fireworks show that should not be missed, as it was voted the number one amusement park in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. Or treat your family to the amazing Celebration City, with over 100 working craftsmen demonstrating their skills.

Missouri has many varied and interesting things to show her visitors, and lodging in Missouri makes it easy to take in her stunning sights.

About the Author

LodghingHunt.com is a hotel reservation service providing affordable Missouri lodging options. For more information on Branson lodging or Kansas City lodging, please visit lodginghunt.com.