A child's view of London

LONDON - London has loads for children to do. But instead of visiting Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, why not treat your kids to some hot spots popular with children who live in London?

Instead of the disappointing London Aquarium, try checking out Hampton Court Palace, where Tudor actors bring Henry VIII's court to life. And try eating at the Wagamama, an Asian chain of cheap eats that include noodle dishes loved by kids. And the most-talked-about show among Londoners?

The Wizard of Oz

opens July 23 at Royal Festival Hall. Go to

» READ MORE: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

for tickets.

Here are more favorite destinations of local children:

The best bargain in town: London Walks. Two-hour walking tours cost only $12 for adults, with children under 15 free. Older children will enjoy the company's ghost walks, Jack the Ripper walks, and tours of London showcasing the Harry Potter film locations. Go to

» READ MORE: www.walks.com

for more information.

Be transported back to Roman times with a visit to the London Bridge Experience, which opened in February. A tour of the bridge's 2,000-year history, which takes place in the vaults and excavated tombs of London Bridge, is exhilarating for young and old. (A few bits might be too scary for very young children.) Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices: $40 for adults, $30 for children. Go to

» READ MORE: www.londonbridgeexperience.com

for information.

Go to Holland Park's adventure playground, which boasts seesaws, colorful spinners, rocking tables, and rope structures to climb and swing on.