Is the London Eye worth it? Well, this is the view (or one of the many views from it) so that you can judge for yourselves.

Kids will be attracted by the unique shape, reminiscent of a Big Dipper, so atmospheric, particularly when silhouetted against the evening sky.

To get the most 'edutainment' from the visit, here are my top tips:

1. Have them familiarise themselves a little with London's layout and top landmarks first. Then you can point these out more easily from the top! A complicated map-reading exercise isn't necessary - a London Underground Tube map will do.

2. Buy them a camera and have them practice taking shots (this will engage their interest if the younger ones' attention begins to pall towards the end.)

3. Take a picnic lunch, buy the 'advance tickets', have lunch overlooking the barges and pleasure steamers plying the lapping water of the historic RiverThames while you wait. You will save time and patience and the time will pass productively.

4. There is a children's play park right by the London Eye so it makes an ideal 'whole day' activity.

5. Take a stroll along the river - left takes you past City Hall. Then cross the bridge over the Thames (more photos against the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament) past Big Ben and along the other side. Takes a leisurely 20 minutes.

6. Visit the Houses of Parliament too.

7. These attractions are within a few minutes walk of Waterloo Station which has all the amenities you need, snack shop, minimarket, toilets etc.

8. Have a great day!

If you're coming to see us, perhaps for the Olympics, be sure to fit in a visit to the London Eye.

image - dominic sayers - flickr - creative commons