London Toddler

It’s said the best things in life are simple and free, which is so true. And there are so many free, great things to do in London with small children. You never need to spend much money. Just make sure it’s something you’ll both enjoy. Relax and simplify.

London parks

The best thing about London is it’s parks. There’s one near everybody. They are brilliant whatever the season to let your toddler burn off energy. In spring look at the flowers, in Summer, have a picnic, in Autumn take a box and collect leaves, in Winter wrap up warm and run about with a ball to keep warm. Take some bubble solution, blow bubbles and pop them. If you get bored of your local park, go to another one.  Go into Central London and visit one of the Central parks. There is lots to explore and enjoy.

Feed the ducks

Feeding the ducks and spotting the wildlife (squirrels, insects etc) are brilliant toddler activities. If you fancy going into Central London check out Duck Island in St James’s park where you can also see black Swans. (Please note the lake is currently being drained and cleaned but will be refilled by May 2009 - in time for the Summer)

Playgrounds

At nearly every park there is an accompanying playground. One of the best one’s in London is Diana’s Memorial Playgroundwhich has a huge pirateships surrounded by a huge sandpit. It’s being refurbised for Summer 2009 with sound walls, wobble platforms, play tunnels and a see-saw. Sounds like it’ll be fantastic!

Libraries
There’s normally so much going on at London libraries. I take my toddler to a baby singing session at Lewisham library on Thursdays called Baby Bounce. It’s free and very enjoyable. Check out your local library. Many have story telling, singing and of course books all for the under 5s.

Museums

If it’s raining, there’s lots of free museums that cater for the needs of babies and toddlers. The Science Museum has the basement with activities for the under 5s. Then there’s the soft play at the National Army Museum, the free aquarium at the Horniman museum, the dinosaur exhibit at the Natural History Museum and play areas at the V & A Museum of Childhood

City Farms
Toddlers are intrigued by animals and London is full of free city farms which have lots of different animals to look at. I love Mudchute Farm but check out your local city farm

Go for a walk
Toddlers love doing just that toddling. Take them on a walk. It doesn’t matter where, just around the block or to the local park. I always walk to the post box with my son and he loves it. He stops to look at the smallest things, the leave on a hedge, a wall!! Then at the end he has the magic of posting a letter! The awe of being so young. If it rains it’s brilliant because you can put them in their wellies and let them splash in the puddles.

Visit the shops
You have to be a bit imaginative with this one and think of shops your toddler might like. Go to a pet store, they will love looking at the animals. Go to a toy store, although maybe not always the best place if your trying not to spend money. There is of course Hamleys Toy Store in Central London which always has lots of toys your little one can look at and get their hands on. Many Early Learning Centre also have toys set up where your children can try out the toys and play. My son currently loves going to the Supermarket. He sits in the trolley and I pass him the items to put into the trolley. We say what they are called and what colour they are. I do give him something to eat as we go around but he enjoys the supermarket and the other day was disappointed when we weren’t going in there.