Parenting never seems to get any easier. As if the day to day routine and responsibility of looking after someone other than you wasn't enough now we are constantly bombarded with news and reports explaining what we should and shouldn't be doing with our kids. Thanks to the many TV programmes and books that have flooded the market on child care in recent years, entertaining the family now involves a lot of creative thinking. Taking the kids to the local park for a kick about or even a trip to the local swimming pool are now as dated as prawn cocktail starters or double breasted suits. It's not enough to just take the kids somewhere and expect them to 'get on with it', being a modern parent is all about taking part; interacting is the buzz word of the moment. So where should you look when planning the family's weekend outing? If you are the type of person that thinks kids are not catered for in places other than the park or the local swimming pool then you're in for a big surprise. Most places that survive on the coming and going of paying customers have now woken up to the fact that if they want to attract the adults with the wallets and the credit cards then the best way to do this is through their children. Restaurants, cinemas and art galleries have all made a real effort to cater for children. And with travel companies also becoming more aware of the importance of catering for children it's never been easier to try something different. A trip to London is a great way to spend a day or even a long weekend with the family. Attractions like the London Eye and Madam Tussauds are aimed at families but London art galleries are also now more accessible and attractive to children than ever. With the idea of participation and interaction being the most important way to get children to engage and learn new things London art galleries have invested heavily in providing things for children to do once they get through the doors. Some even put on exhibitions aimed specifically at children. If you haven't been to any London art galleries recently then you may be pleasantly surprised at how welcoming and family friendly they are. The days when they were considered to be stuffy rooms full of pictures that only academics took any interest in are long gone. In 2007 Tate Modern and The National Gallery were two of the most visited places in the country with over ten million people visiting the two attractions. The fact that these two high profile names, along with many other London art galleries, are also free to get in to, makes the appeal to a family even greater. The moment you enter one of the big London art galleries these days the first thing you'll notice is the informal and relaxed atmosphere. For a family it's incredibly refreshing, especially if you can remember when children were supposed to be seen and not heard. Any parent will understand how ridiculous an idea that is. In London art galleries today you'll find groups of children sitting on the floor in groups sketching and painting copies of the pictures on the walls. One of the things that all children love doing is drawing and with a gallery full of images to choose from there's bound to be something to excite them. Many new exhibits also involve interaction. Family outings shouldn't be about just passing the time they should be about learning. Clever use of computers and gadgets means that children can get involved in the learning process at many London art galleries without having it forced on them. If children are enjoying the learning experience then they are likely to benefits much more from it. And interactive exhibits aren't just for the kids; adults can take part too, although you'll probably have to stand in line!
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