{"id":30364,"date":"2023-05-08T10:04:44","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T09:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/?p=30364"},"modified":"2023-10-17T16:13:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T15:13:08","slug":"the-monument-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/the-monument-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips Visiting the Monument in London with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Visiting the Monument with kids can be a fun and educational activity. But is it safe? And worth the ticket price? In this post, we&#8217;ll take a look at the pros and cons of visiting the Monument as a family with young children.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting the monument is first of all a great way to teach your children about the history of the <a href=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/things-to-do-city-of-london-kids\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30174\">City of London<\/a>. Climbing the 311 steps to the top also offers stunning views of London.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_kids.jpg\" alt=\"monument with kids\" class=\"wp-image-32445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_kids.jpg 525w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_kids-248x330.jpg 248w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_kids-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The monument is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but it can get busy during peak hours. You can book your tickets online in advance and save some time and money. The tickets are \u00a35 for adults, \u00a32.5 for children and \u00a312 for a family of four. You can also get a joint ticket with the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is another awesome attraction nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prepare for the climb. <\/strong>The monument has no lift, so you have to climb up and down the spiral staircase. It can be tiring and dizzying, especially for young kids. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and snacks, and take breaks along the way. There are windows on each level where you can catch your breath and admire the view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make it fun and educational.<\/strong> The monument has some interesting features that you can point out to your kids, such as the golden urn on top that symbolizes the fire, the Latin inscriptions on the base that tell the story of the fire and the rebuilding, and the sculptures of dragons and lions that decorate the corners. You can also download a free audio guide from the website that explains everything in a kid-friendly way. Or you can make up your own stories and quizzes to keep them engaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reward yourself at the end. <\/strong>After you reach the top, you will receive a certificate that proves you climbed the monument. This is a nice souvenir that you can frame or stick on your fridge. You can also treat yourself and your kids to some ice cream or cake at one of the many cafes and restaurants around the monument. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download a Children&#8217;s Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A fun and educational activity for kids in the city of London to follow a children&#8217;s map to discover when exploring the main sights in the City, such as the Monument. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The treasure hunt trail is a self-guided tour that takes about two hours to complete. It starts at the monument and follows clues and directions to explore the history and landmarks of the city. Along the way, children can learn about the fire, the rebuilding of London, the famous people who lived and worked there, and the culture and traditions of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/payhip.com\/b\/OYTU3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"330\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail-330x233.png\" alt=\"city of london treasure trail\" class=\"wp-image-32394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail-330x233.png 330w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail-150x106.png 150w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail-585x413.png 585w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/city_of_london_trail.png 780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail is suitable for children aged 5 to 12, and it can be done in groups or individually. It only costs \u00a33.50 and includes both a beautifully illustrated map and a booklet with suggestions for kids at each sight. The treasure hunt trail is a great way to enjoy a family day out in the city of London. It is fun, educational, and rewarding. It also encourages children to use their imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/payhip.com\/b\/OYTU3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Download map here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climbing up the stairs with kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The monument is not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. The staircase is both narrow and steep with people climbing up and down. You&#8217;ll have to climb a lot of steps to reach the top, so make sure your kids are ready for the challenge. Explain to them what they will see and why it&#8217;s important. You can also bring some snacks and water to keep them hydrated and energized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-780x490.jpg\" alt=\"the monument staircase\" class=\"wp-image-32455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-780x490.jpg 780w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-330x207.jpg 330w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase-585x367.jpg 585w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_staircase.jpg 870w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The staircase inside the Monument is steep, but safe (with adult supervision).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as you set foot inside The Monument in London, you know you&#8217;re in for a thrilling adventure. There&#8217;s no elevator in the building, so it&#8217;s all about relying on the power of your legs to climb the 311 steps to the top. Are you up for the challenge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you make your way up the narrow staircase, you can&#8217;t help but feel a rush of excitement. You focus on your breathing and climb at a steady pace, taking in the magnificent views as you go. But be warned: crossing paths with people coming down can be a little nerve-wracking in such a confined space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoying the view!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, after all that effort, you reach the top and step onto the balcony. The panoramic view of the city is absolutely breathtaking. You can see The Gherkin, Fenchurch Street, the Sky Garden, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and so much more. It&#8217;s a view that will stay with you forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids.jpg\" alt=\"the view from the top of the monument\" class=\"wp-image-32462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids.jpg 780w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids-330x180.jpg 330w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids-150x82.jpg 150w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids-768x418.jpg 768w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top_kids-585x319.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you make your way back down to the bottom, you&#8217;re handed a certificate that proves you&#8217;ve climbed all 311 steps of The Monument. You feel a sense of pride washing over you &#8211; you did it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn about the Great Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Constructed between 1671 and 1677, the Monument was designed by Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren to commemorate the<a href=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/great-fire-of-london-for-kids\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22375\"> Great Fire of London<\/a> and the City&#8217;s rebuilding. Not only is it a testament to London&#8217;s history, but also an opportunity for your kids to learn about the city&#8217;s resilience and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids.jpg\" alt=\"great fire of london\" class=\"wp-image-32395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids.jpg 780w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids-330x242.jpg 330w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids-150x110.jpg 150w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/great_fire_resources_kids-585x430.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your children will be amazed as they climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument for stunning views of London. Don&#8217;t miss the chance to teach them about one of the most significant events in London&#8217;s history, while enjoying a fun-filled day out with the family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create a Tudor house from Pudding Lane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience the past and bring some historical flair to your home with this <a href=\"https:\/\/payhip.com\/b\/Nhjd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">printable Tudor house template<\/a>. This digital download lets you build your own miniature Tudor house, just like the ones that were common in England during the Great Fire. It contains everything you need to make a realistic and detailed model of a medieval house that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2.jpg\" alt=\"tudor house paper house template\" class=\"wp-image-32535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2.jpg 780w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2-330x233.jpg 330w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/printable_template_great_fire2-585x413.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This digital download is easy to use and enjoyable to make. All you have to do is print the templates on paper or cardstock, cut out the shapes, and glue or tape them together. You don&#8217;t need any special skills or tools &#8211; just a printer and some scissors! The instructions are clear and simple, and the templates are designed with accuracy and elegance. You will love the result &#8211; a beautiful and authentic Tudor house that you can display or play with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/payhip.com\/b\/Nhjd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Download template here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Monument safe for kids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is safe for children to walk up the stairs to the top of the Monument, but adult supervision is needed, especially for younger children. The climb involves climbing 311 steps, which can be tiring, so it&#8217;s essential to ensure that children are up for the challenge and can manage the climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top.jpg\" alt=\"the monument on the top\" class=\"wp-image-32457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top.jpg 560w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top-264x330.jpg 264w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/the_monument_top-120x150.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The narrow platform at the top of the Monument <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The History of the Monument<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Long ago, in 1666, a fire started in a bakery on <a href=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/pudding-lane-london-great-fire\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"32409\">Pudding Lane<\/a> in London. The man who owned the bakery, Thomas Farriner, had left the ovens on overnight and sparks started to fly. The fire quickly spread because the buildings around it were made of wood and there were strong winds blowing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was so big that it destroyed 80% of London\u2019s old buildings, <a href=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/city-of-london-churches\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7329\">87 churches<\/a>, and 70,000 homes. But luckily, not many people died. After the fire, it took a long time for London to become a good place to live again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To give people hope, the Monument to the Great Fire of London was built. It is 61 meters tall and is located where the fire started. You can climb the Monument and see a great view of London. It\u2019s a reminder of how important it is to be careful with fire!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips with Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids must have an adult with them if under 13. It can get very crowded, especially during holidays and summer months, so make sure to plan your visit and arrive early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best times to visit are at sunrise in the winter and sunset in the summer when you can take stunning photos. The visit usually takes about an hour, and if you&#8217;re climbing the 311 steps, be prepared for a bit of a workout! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you start climbing, there are no stopping places for rest, so make sure you&#8217;re ready. But don&#8217;t worry, the view from the top is totally worth i<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_kids.jpg\" alt=\"the monument london with boy outside\" class=\"wp-image-32440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_kids.jpg 450w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_kids-248x330.jpg 248w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_kids-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from the Monument<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Monument&#8217;s secret laboratory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that there&#8217;s a secret in The Monument? It&#8217;s actually an astronomical observatory in the basement! The column forms a zenith telescope, which helps scientists study stars and their movements. The people who built The Monument, Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren, wanted to use the telescope to prove that the Earth orbits the Sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They thought it was controversial because some people still believed the opposite! Even though the telescope didn&#8217;t work perfectly because the structure shook too much, it was still helpful for other scientific discoveries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert Hooke used the column to create a special tool called a wheel barometer, which helps measure changes in air pressure at different heights. He also studied pendulums and what they can tell us about how the Earth spins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_pudding_lane.jpg\" alt=\"the monument seen from fish street\" class=\"wp-image-32442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_pudding_lane.jpg 450w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_pudding_lane-248x330.jpg 248w, https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/monument_london_pudding_lane-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the latest update, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themonument.org.uk\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.themonument.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monument&#8217;s official webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Visiting the Monument with kids can be a fun and educational activity. But is it safe? And worth the ticket price? In&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32449,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[192,203,220,193],"tags":[53,222],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30364"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30364"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34749,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30364\/revisions\/34749"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}