Best Outdoor Activities for Toddlers in North London🌿
Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill & surroundings
North London is one of the most family-friendly areas of the city, filled with beautiful parks, nature trails, playgrounds, farms and calm green spaces that toddlers absolutely love. Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, these are some of the best outdoor spots to enjoy with little ones — all tried, tested and loved by families we work with at Nest & Kin.
🌳 1. Highgate Wood (N6)
A magical woodland perfect for toddlers who love exploring.
Why toddlers love it:
Shaded paths (ideal for stroller walks)
Fallen logs for balancing play
Squirrels everywhere
Large open areas for running
Nanny tip: Bring a small bucket for collecting leaves, sticks and pinecones.
🌼 2. Waterlow Park (N6)
A peaceful gem next to Highgate Village.
Highlights:
Toddler-friendly playground
Ducks and ponds
Stunning gardens and quiet corners
Tables perfect for picnic snacks
Great for: Calm mornings, bonding time, or post-nap strolls.
🌿 3. Hampstead Heath (NW3)
One of the best open spaces in all of London — toddlers thrive here.
What to enjoy:
The Parliament Hill Playground
Sand and water play areas
Grass slopes for rolling and running
Wide paths for scooter rides
Dog-watching (always a toddler favourite!)
Nanny tip: Create a mini “nature treasure hunt” — toddlers LOVE this.
🦢 4. Golders Hill Park (NW11)
A gorgeous park connected to Hampstead Heath with lots of toddler entertainment.
Why it’s perfect:
A small free zoo (birds, deer, owls)
Butterfly house in summer
Café for snacks
Playground nearby
Beautiful flower gardens
Atmosphere: Calm, pretty and ideal for weekend family time.
🌾 5. Kenwood House Gardens (NW3)
Wide lawns, forests and incredible views — wonderful for toddlers with lots of energy.
Perfect for:
Ball games
Rolling down grassy hills
Exploring woodland corners
Family photos
Bonus: Free entry to the house if you want a calm indoor moment.
🐐 6. Freightliners City Farm (N7)
Not exactly woodland — but one of the best toddler activities in North London.
Toddlers can:
Meet goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits
Feed animals safely
Learn about nature
Play in small garden areas
Great for sensory and early learning.
🧸 7. Alexandra Palace Park (N22)
Huge, open, and full of activities for all ages.
Activities:
Soft grassy hills
Playground
Duck ponds
Ice-cream stand
Stroller-friendly walks
Nanny tip: Go early on sunny days — it gets busy later.
❤️ Why North London is perfect for toddler development
Outdoor time helps toddlers:
Build gross motor skills
Improve balance and confidence
Explore and be curious
Sleep better (VERY important!)
Learn new vocabulary
Experience nature in a big city
North London offers the perfect mix of safe, open, stimulating environments for little ones.
🌟 Final Tip from Nest & Kin
You don’t need complicated plans. Toddlers thrive with simple outdoor play:
🍃 Collecting sticks
🦆 Feeding ducks
🌼 Naming flowers
🚶 Walking on logs
🌳 Running freely
🪺 Watching birds
North London gives families and nannies everything they need for happy, active children.
💛 How Nest & Kin Supports Families in North London
At Nest & Kin, we work closely with many families and nannies across North London — especially in areas like Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill and Crouch End. One of the things parents love most about our nannies is their ability to plan meaningful outdoor activities just like the ones in this guide.
Our nannies are experienced, warm and confident in creating:
Fun outdoor routines
Nature-based play
Safe exploration for toddlers
Age-appropriate developmental activities
Calm, structured days
We believe children learn best when they’re engaged, outside, moving and discovering the world around them — and North London offers the perfect environment for that.
If you’re looking for a nanny who can help your little one explore parks, farms, playgrounds and nature with confidence and joy, we’d love to support you.
📧 tamara@nestkin.co.uk
📱 07853 701735
🌐 www.nestkin.co.uk
