Travelling with children

If you’re coming to the Games with children, your journey will be much easier if you allow plenty of extra time to get to your venue.

London Underground, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway

All train carriages have clearly marked seats that are designated for passengers who are less able to stand, including those travelling with children. Wheelchairs have priority over unfolded pushchairs.

Travel by coach

Travelling by 2012 Games coach service avoids passengers needing to interchange in central London, as they drop off and pick up at London 2012 venues. This may be a good option if you are travelling with younger children. Book coach travel now

Travel by cycle

Cycle parking is available at each venue and will be suitable for both adult and children’s bicycles.

Travel tickets

Children aged 10 and under can travel for free within London. There are concession fares for 11-15 year olds, 16-18 year olds and students aged 18+. More information is available on the Transport for London website

Spectators with a ticket for a London 2012 sports event or ceremony in or around London will receive a Games Travelcard for free travel in London zones 1-9 on the day of their event.

If you are visiting London for several days or more, we recommend you buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance.

Travelling with pushchairs

Low-floor buses in London are designed to allow pushchairs to remain unfolded in the wheelchair space. They should be safely positioned with brakes applied within the designated area. Wheelchair users have priority over everyone else for use of wheelchair spaces.

If someone in a wheelchair wishes to board, and the wheelchair space is occupied by standing passengers or pushchairs, standing passengers will be asked by the driver to make room if possible.

Pushchair owners will be asked to fold them and put them in the luggage space or keep them by their side.

When you arrive at the venue

Babes in arms aged 12 months and under will be permitted access to London 2012 venues without a ticket provided they are securely strapped to their parent or carer by way of a baby carrier, sling, papoose or similar.

This policy applies to all London 2012 venues except the following, where there are existing licensing agreements that mean all spectators must have a ticket, including babies aged 12 months and under:

• Wembley Stadium
• St James' Park
• Old Trafford 
• North Greenwich Arena

London 2012 venues will be extremely crowded and you will have to queue. Because of this, we would advise you to think very carefully before making the decision to bring you baby along to your event.

Parents of babies must adhere to the LOCOG bag policy – that is one bag per ticket holder which must be soft-sided and a maximum of 25 litres. Furthermore, parents must adhere to the food and drink policies for spectators.

Food

Baby food, baby milk and sterilised water are allowed into venues but must be carried in containers with a maximum capacity of 1 litre per baby. You may be asked to verify baby food by tasting it.

Examples include soya milk, sterilised water, formula, breast milk or cow milk specifically for babies and baby food of various consistencies.

In venue, there are a variety of food and drink options for sale. Some venues offer kids meals – smaller portions at lower prices – with some concessions also offering lunch and snack boxes for children. This includes items like a sandwich, a snack, a treat, fruit and water for £4 or £5.

Pushchair storage

Information points located at venues provide pushchair and wheelchair storage, as well as lost and found services.

Baby changing and bottle warming

Baby changing facilities can be found inside every venue. If catering staff have suitable equipment to perform bottle warming safely, they will assist. Where this is not possible, spectators will be directed to the next suitable location.

Staying safe

The weather can change quickly and be cold and wet or very sunny and hot. Remember to dress your children for all weather, keep them hydrated and protect them with sun crream – especially if you're outdoors.

Venues can get very busy with crowds moving quickly. If you become separated from your child or another family member, inform a member of staff or go to an information point.

You can minimize the risk of losing your child by making a wristband for them. Put your mobile number and any allergies on it, or put a card with the same details in his/her pocket. You can download a template card here

Once you reach your venue, consider finding a meeting point which is easily distinguishable in case you and your child are separated.

Queues in venues 

Queuing and waiting times on venue may be long. Think about bringing along some fun quizzes to keep your children entertained.