Area guide

Things to do with kids in North of London

Family days out, playgrounds, museums and green space in North of London — sorted by what's actually fun with children.

All places in this area

7 places in this part of town

Lee Valley White Water Centre (Water Tubing)
All ages£15-£30
Playgrounds · North

Lee Valley White Water Centre (Water Tubing)

This 2012 Olympic venue offers plenty of ways for the whole family to get wet, from family paddling sessions to water tubing and inflatable obstacle courses on the calmer lakes. There is a sandy beach play area and a terrace cafe beside the white-water course.

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Watford Cycle Hub Mini Town
Under 13Free
Getting about · Central

Watford Cycle Hub Mini Town

Just a short trip from London, Watford Cycle Hub's Mini Town offers a safe, realistic mini-road layout where kids aged 12 and under can build cycling confidence and learn essential road safety skills. Complete with miniature traffic lanes, junctions and road signs, little riders can practice navigating traffic in a totally enclosed, stress-free environment. It's completely free to enter, and you can bring your own bike or scooter — or rent bikes and helmets directly on-site. Make a full day of it: King George V Playing Fields has a large adjacent playground, open green space and an on-site community café, so there's plenty to do once the laps are done. Pack a picnic, and if your child needs a helmet check or bike tune-up, the friendly Cycle Hub mechanics are on hand to take a look while you're there.

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Willows Activity Farm
Under 13£30+
Wildlife & farms · North

Willows Activity Farm

Breathe the country air and release the energetic toddlers and kids - this huge farm park is themed around Peter Rabbit and his friends. It's a pricey entrance fee but then everything's included - from bounce on giant inflatable pillows to the chance to drive miniature tractors, hop on the Tristan the Runaway Tractor ride, meet real farm animals in the undercover barn - plus the real winner on rainy days: the huge indoor soft play area, complete with slides and obstacle courses. Pre-booking online is a good idea as peak dates regularly sell out. Breathe the country air and release the energetic toddlers and kids - this huge farm park is themed around Peter Rabbit and his friends. It's a pricey entrance fee but then everything's included - from bounce on giant inflatable pillows to the chance to drive miniature tractors, hop on the Tristan the Runaway Tractor ride, meet real farm animals in the undercover barn - plus the real winner on rainy days: the huge indoor soft play area, complete with slides and obstacle courses. Pre-booking online is a good idea as peak dates regularly sell out.

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (The Making of Harry Potter)
All ages£30+
Views & landmarks · Outer

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (The Making of Harry Potter)

Walk through the real sets from the Harry Potter films — the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾ — plus props, costumes and sip butterbeer, the Wizarding World at Leavesden Studios has museum-ised the filming location where all eight movies were brought to life. Alongside thousands of original props, costumes, and creature effects, you can try interactive experiences like broomstick flying or sampling Butterbeer at the Backlot Café. It isn't a theme park with rides, but an extraordinary, deep-dive tribute to cinematic artistry that captivates visitors of every generation.

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Berkhampstead (castle, canal, playground)
All agesFree
Playgrounds · Central

Berkhampstead (castle, canal, playground)

Historic market town Berko is a rural day-trip close to northwest London - it has an idyllic canal, castle ruins dating back to 1066, and plenty of family-friendly playgrounds. For history-loving kids, toddlers who enjoy spotting trains and boats, and parents wanting great independent eateries, this is a great day out. Baby parents: leave the buggy behind if you plan to explore the castle ruins, as the path isn't very buggy-friendly, and use a sling instead. Lots of eateries around Lower King's Street if you don't fancy a picnic.

See details★ 4
Verulamium Park (St Albans)
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · West

Verulamium Park (St Albans)

Spanning over 100 acres of parkland set around historic Roman ruins, this destination park boasts a huge playground, splash park, mini-golf course and a lake teeming with waterfowl. It is an exceptional day trip for families with young children and history buffs alike - it has Roman bath ruins inside the park, but you can also walk across it to the Verulanium museum, to St Albans' town centre with shops, cafes and the St Albans museum itself, with lots of kids' activities and dress-up (all free). Insider tip: order waffles from the famous The Waffle House located right at the edge of the park. Mine's a banofee special.

See details★ 4.1
Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm
All ages£5-£15
Treats & eats · Central

Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm

This popular spot serves up dozens of handmade ice cream and gelato flavours, made directly from farm-fresh milk. Every year they're also expanding the entertainment options: playgrounds, hay bales, pony rides, sand pits, tractors to climb on, and mazes can often be found here. Expect a queue on warm weekend afternoons, but it moves quickly. Free entry, large car park, but you'll want to buy an ice or two.

See details★ 4.1

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