Activities in London??

[Bloom]

Hi all, I am moving to London at the start of the new year and have a 2.5 year old. Although he has a lot of activities where we live now including nursery, I have found that the equivilants in London (central) are too expensive. So I am trying to look for alternatives that are cheaper. I will probably book him into Tumble Tots as our one expensive thing, but does anyone have any ideas of other activities that are cheaper?

We will be living near Baker St and I am interested in either weekly events or just one off things.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Bloom, I don't have any classes type activities but from Baker Street area,you have the great Regents park - with ducks etc and a boating lake for when he is a bit older. There is London zoo too, and big shops like John Lewis, ELC (in Debenhams), Selfridges, Hamleys, the Disney store etc are a short bus ride away so you can entertain your son with new toys for free! Bus rides in London are great for entertaining toddlers as there is loads to see and talk about. HTH and some others can come up with more sociable activities so that you can meet other parents with children his age.

Some local libraries do weekly story times for toddlers, and I don't think there is any fee.

Oh, and many churches do mums and toddlers once a week, no fee.

You won't be far from me but I think you'll be LB Westiminster. I would contact the council and ask for a list of mother/toddler groups etc. They might have the equivalent of Cindex that we have in Camden which lists all sorts of activities and services. Agree with Zoo, Regents Park and West End, also Marylebone area not far and it is very nice a villagey there with some green areas. Regents Park has at least 4 playgrounds. There's also a sports centre/swimming pool the other side of Marylebone Road but I can't remember the name, I'll have a think.......

There is so much to do in London with kids. I got time out's "london with kids" and I use it all the time. it has great maps and has the whole city covered.

One thing mentioned in the book is the Marylebone Library. It says it has two under five sessions a week tues: 10:30-11:30 for a story and craft and thurs 2:15-3:15 which is more toy based phone number: 02076411041

Coram's Fields isn't far from you. I think that they have activities like art classes:
93 Guildford Street, London WC1
This has only seven-acres but there is an under-fives play area, an animal enclosure with goats, sheep and a pig, a paddling pool, playground equipment and café.

Also check if there is a sure start in the area, they set up all sort of cofees and activities for parents and young children.

I have to say I find the zoo quite expensive, and everytime you turn around there is something else to spend money one(a merry go round, a moon walk both for a pound for each kid).
HTH

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. As for outdoor things like parks, there are loads nearby - we have been to some on visits already! The problem is, it is not so suitable in the winter. Also, I was really hoping to meet some other families and children. It is Westminster council, and I got their book on children's activities. The problem is, the vast majority of it is nurseries, playschool etc that cost a fortune. Also music and french classes that sound good, but cost a lot. There were only a few mother and toddler groups listed and they said primarily for under 3's - which ds is now, but won't be for long. I agree that there is so much to do in London that is great for visiting, but there seems to be a distinct lack of organised groups unless you can pay a fortune!!

I think you need to start somewhere though I agree winter is a terrible time to move. Try Coram fields though as I know they have other activities beyond the play ground. I too just moved to Crouch End, and am slowly getting my barings. I have found something new every week, but am still trying to find FRIENDS. But so far I have found drop in art and music classes, a playgroup at the local waldorf school, activities at the library. And most of these are just by scouring the message boards at coffee shops, checking out the library, and generally keeping my eyes peeled. But I also find that most activities the kids are much younger then my daughter who is 2.5.

Science Musuem in South Kensingston is great for a day out - they have a basement jam packed full of things for kids and it is totally free. Also the National History Musuem next door with dinasours etc.. - again free.

look at www.netmums.com ,sign into the Kensignton and Chelsea page, ( i dont think there is one for westminster) it will give a list of all the outdoor and indoor play activities in the borough. Fab site full of activities, for anything to do with kids