Best attractions for 18 month old in London?

[brownbug78]

DH and I were thinking about taking DS (18mths) to either Legoland or Chessington tomorrow, but we're worried that with it being sunny and a Bank Hols, they'll both be heaving

Anyone got any good ideas for somewhere else that's really age appropriate that might be a little less busy (and a little less £££)?

Just a walk along the South Bank watching all the people and street performers. Lots to see on the river & gawp at the London Eye. Plenty of places to eat. Some of the Museums/Film theatre may have things going on. Can also walk down as far as the Tate Modern - plenty to look at there, but don't spend too long or LO will get bored! We choose about 3 pictures to look at before heading out.

Coram Fields is perfect for that age, and free -- will be busy but is big so plenty of space for them to play.

I was at Coram Fields yesterday and it really wasn't too busy considering it was so sunny and it's bank holiday. I'd definitely recommend it. It's round the corner from the Brunswick Centre which has a Waitrose so you can get picnic makings to make it a super-cheap day out. There's also a really nice cafe there which does very good coffee

18 month old will be happy just with steps and stones. Any park should do: St James, Hyde Park. Chelsea Flower Show would have been nice but I think it ended yesterday.

oh dear god, not a theme park on a bank holiday.

Try Kew Gardens two for 1: www.daysoutguide.co.uk/royal-botanic-gardens-kew

Wisley Gardens is probably better as a garden, but there's no playground though. Our 21 month old likes it though.

Whipsnade Zoo is lovely, so much better than London Zoo, assuming Bedfordshire is convenient to get to.

DH works at Kew, so we're there all the time - bit of a busman's holiday... Other gardens might be good idea though. Thinking maybe Battersea Park Children's Zoo as another idea - cheap and cheerful and speicifically for LO's.

it depends what's easy to get to. Where do you live, and are you driving or going by public transport? Neither theme park you mentioned is actually in London...

Richmond Park and Bushy Park both have deer and are nice. Parking might be tricky though, as it's free. Good playground in Bushy Park.

Rather than Legoland, Windsor Great Park is nearby and is lovely. Free parking is possible on the road at Blacknest Gate, from where you can walk round Virginia Water (3 miles?) and through the Valley Gardens. Totem Pole is quite impressive. The playground is next to the Savill Gardens though (which is a nicely layered garden, smaller than Wisley or Kew - free next month for Fathers on Fathers Day). Parking there is free for 90 minutes, then £1/hour to £5.