Yes you load money on to the card

Under 10s don't need to touch in and out on the tube if you are with them
Only if they are travelling on their own - no money is deducted

https://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/students-and-children/5-10-zip-oyster-photocard?intcmp=1777

Hi,
Have just received eldest's zip card (we've been in the same boat as everyone else, until recently happily oblivious to the need to pay on the overground!).

I'm probably being a bit thick - do I load money on the card (like a pay as you go Oyster) for the journeys that are chargable and then all other times they just touch in and out and it won't take money off card? It comes with no instructions to indicate I can/how to do that. Any advice much appreciated!!

You can also get them an ID card and then get the seasonal passes (you still pay, of course).

So, for example I buy both my five-year-old and myself "term time" tickets (you have to tell them the dates).

For the ID you'll need a passport-sized photo and a proof of age.

This is great information. I too was recently stopped at Clapham Junction. My son JUST turned 6, but he's incredibly tall. No one has ever questioned us until a couple weeks ago. We aren't regular overground users however...

It looks like I will be applying for the same ZIP Oyster!

Hi Mungomuffit

If you apply on line it will only take @ 1 week to receive your card! Quite a bit longer if you do via post ;)

Happy travelling!

A x

https://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/students-and-children/5-10-zip-oyster-photocard

Info incl a link to the map above

In general overground trains south of the river they need a ticket once over 5 yrs
North of the river is free

Zipcards are the best option as the child fare is cheaper than the cash one

Sorry to bear bad news - if you're travelling on 'London Overground', thats from Clapham Junction round to Willesden Junction etc going clockwise, or to Canary Wharf etc going anti-clockwise its free. But on plain old overground services with South West trains or Southern yes you do need to pay for over 5s.

My kids have Oyster ZIP cards that they (you!) can load with cash that they use for those journeys Southern/South West train journeys and then touch in/out for free on buses and tube and London Underground.

Look at the last bit on the this link called 'oyster for kids'
http://www.southernrailway.com/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/kids-for-1/