Outdoor Family Activity ideas in North London

North London is a borough where green meets grit. Takeaway ice oat flat whites trump rent, and play is a way of life. Parks double as gyms, stages, and social hubs. Laughter spills from beer gardens and backstreets, while weekend markets hum like vintage treasure hunts. Here, creativity isn’t curated — it’s lived, improvised, and always just around the corner.

But Where Can We Go with Our Children That Isn't Another Play Park?

Sometimes it’s nice to break out of the usual circuit. Here are a few North London gems where you and the kids can do something a bit different — and maybe even enjoy it yourself.

Go Ape – Alexandra Palace.

I was surprised by how young they can start here. Three-year-olds are acrobat-ing like monkeys. It’s easy to walk to, especially if you're already lounging around Ally Pally. And finally — a park where the adults can join in too! Expect wobbly bridges, zip lines, and enough fresh air to guarantee an early bedtime.👉 Go Ape at Alexandra Palace

Jungle Falls Adventure Golf – Barnet.

Some mini golf courses — especially the squashed windmill types — tend to frustrate me a great deal. But this one has space. Each hole is fun, tricky enough to keep adults interested but not soul-destroying for kids. When a hole-in-one is just within reach, it motivates. When you're tallying twenty, you can still laugh about it... mostly.👉 Jungle Falls

Granary Square – Fountains.

Not exactly green. But I love Coal Drops Yard because of the wide pedestrian spaces. It doesn’t give you the city jitters like classic crowded London streets. The fountains at Granary Square are a winner in warmer weather — hundreds of jets shooting up in unpredictable patterns, perfect for barefoot chaos. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. There’s also plenty of alfresco restaurants nearby, so you can dry off over pizza.

👉 Granary Square Fountains

Tug of War – Just Grab a Rope

Sometimes the best stuff is the most low-effort. Get a long rope, find a patch of grass — Hampstead Heath, Waterlow Park, Highbury Fields — and split into teams. Bonus points if the losing team has to buy coffee.

Get lost in a maze.

Okay, this one’s in Essex — but worth the trip. Just time it right. I went late in the season, and the maze was half-dead, which made it incredibly easy to cheat and slip between the crispy leaves. Go peak August for the full leafy-lost effect.👉 Find local maize mazes here (or search for one near you in summer!)

Cycle the Parkland Walk.

An off-road path that runs from Finsbury Park to Highgate — no traffic, loads of nature, and the occasional hidden artwork. The kind of ride where kids can wobble along at their own pace and parents can finally unclench.

Water fight in the woods.

Take some small water pistols into Queen’s Wood or Highgate Wood. The trick? Smaller guns = less soaking = fewer tears. Plus, you blend in better with the foliage when you’re on stealth mode.

Climb a tree on Hampstead Heath.

I properly bouldered one recently — full scramble, a bit of panic, and a huge sense of achievement. Only to realise getting down was the real challenge. The Heath has plenty of solid private climbing trees, so your inner child wont flounder under the weight of an audience.

Cycle on Lord’s Recreation Ground.

There’s a mini road system laid out for kids to pedal around like they’re rocking the world in miniature. Road markings, roundabouts, the works — minus the rush hour.

Ally Pally Skatepark.

Ideal for younger kids just getting started with skating, scootering, or being a bit more adventurous on their bikes. It’s not intimidating — mainly because the more experienced skaters tend to skip it for being too tame. That makes it the perfect place to fall over safely and try again.