Explore Kentish Town with These Top Activities for Families
Posted on 28/10/2025
Explore Kentish Town with These Top Activities for Families
London's Kentish Town is a charismatic North London neighbourhood, alive with eclectic shops, green spaces, and a vibrant sense of community. For families seeking a day out or those new to the area, exploring Kentish Town can be a delightful adventure full of discovery. Whether you love nature, history, indoor fun, or delicious food, this guide will walk you through the best things to do in Kentish Town for families, ensuring you enjoy every moment together.
Why Visit Kentish Town for a Family Day Out?
Kentish Town is one of London's hidden gems, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Families flock here for its accessible parks, diverse eateries, and wealth of child-friendly activities. The area boasts excellent transport links, making it a convenient spot for city-dwellers and visitors alike.
- Safe, family-friendly neighbourhood
- Plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions
- A rich calendar of events and workshops
- Loads of kid-friendly cafes and restaurants
Top Family Activities in Kentish Town
1. Enjoy Outdoor Fun in Kentish Town's Parks
If green spaces are your family's playground, Kentish Town has an abundance of options. Talacre Town Green is a compact yet lively park with a children's play area, ideal for little ones to burn energy. Bring a picnic or just soak up the local atmosphere.
Hampstead Heath, though technically just outside the official bounds of Kentish Town, is accessible within a 15-minute walk. This vast wild parkland features:
- Adventure playgrounds
- Ponds for swimming and wildlife spotting
- Open meadows and woodlands for exploring
- Dramatic views of London from Parliament Hill
Don't miss Waterlow Park nearby, known for its formal gardens, children's playground, and family-friendly cafe.
2. Visit Kentish Town City Farm
A firm favourite for local families, Kentish Town City Farm offers a chance to get close to animals right in the bustling city. Children can see (and sometimes feed) goats, sheep, chickens, and even donkeys. The farm also runs workshops and seasonal events, making it an ideal spot for family outings year-round.
- Hands-on animal experiences
- Gardening and arts activities
- Regular community events and fairs
Tip: Make sure to check farm opening times and book ahead during busy periods or school holidays.
3. Experience Family Swimming at Kentish Town Sports Centre
Looking for indoor activities in Kentish Town for families? The Kentish Town Sports Centre has a modern swimming pool with dedicated family times and children's lessons. It's a fantastic place to introduce young ones to swimming or cool off on a hot day. There's also a soft play area and a gym that offers child-friendly classes.
- Heated indoor pool with family sessions
- Parent and baby swim lessons
- Modern, clean facilities and changing rooms
4. Dive into the Past at The Parliament Hill Lido
Just on the edge of Kentish Town, Parliament Hill Lido is a dazzling open-air swimming pool open year-round. Built in 1938, it's a piece of London history and offers families a refreshing way to spend a sunny afternoon.
- Huge unheated outdoor pool
- Family shallow area with sunbathing space
- Cafe selling snacks, drinks, and ice cream
Be sure to bring towels and plenty of sunscreen during the summer months!
5. Visit the Kentish Town Library
The Kentish Town Library is a welcoming resource for families. Not only does it offer a wealth of children's books, but its regular activities like story time, craft workshops, and family reading sessions mean it's always bustling with fun and learning.
- Free story and rhyme times for all ages
- Arts and craft afternoons
- Quiet zones for family reading
Indoor Family Activities in Kentish Town
6. Arts and Crafts at The Little Art Club
Feed your little one's creativity at The Little Art Club, which hosts inspiring art sessions for toddlers and children of all ages. Families can enjoy parent-and-child workshops in painting, sculpture, and seasonal crafts. Check their website for updated class times and booking info.
- Friendly, supportive instructors
- Drop-in and bookable sessions
- All materials provided
7. Family-Friendly Dining in Kentish Town
Exploring Kentish Town wouldn't be complete without sampling the local food scene. This part of North London is famous for its family-friendly eateries, bakeries, and cafes. Here are some favourites:
- The Fields Beneath - A vegan cafe offering delicious cakes and hearty lunches with plenty of space for prams and kids.
- Arancini Brothers - Kids (and adults) adore the namesake risotto balls, served up fast and fresh.
- Mario's Cafe - One of Kentish Town's most famous spots, serving up classic British breakfasts and welcoming young families.
- Rustic Pizza - Perfect for sharing; their wood-fired pizzas satisfy all ages, and they're happy to cater for allergies.
If you fancy a sweet treat, don't miss the independently owned ice cream parlours and local bakeries sprinkled throughout Kentish Town Road.
Exploring Local Culture and Hidden Gems
8. Family Walks and Street Art Trails
Kentish Town has a reputation for its colourful street art and quirky buildings. Take a family stroll around Leighton Road and Queen's Crescent to spot murals and decorative mosaics.
- Look for ever-changing community artworks
- Snap photos in front of neighbourhood landmarks
- Bring a sketchbook for older kids!
9. Discover Musical Heritage at The Forum
The O2 Forum Kentish Town isn't just for adults. This legendary live music venue sometimes hosts afternoon family shows and festivals. If you're a family of music lovers, keep an eye on the schedule for special kids' concerts or family-friendly gigs.
Tip: Some local music schools also host youth concerts here during school holidays.
10. Browse at Owl Bookshop
Owl Bookshop is an independent retailer beloved by locals and visitors alike. With a huge children's section, frequent story-telling sessions, and a knowledgeable staff, it's an excellent spot to inspire a love of reading in kids of all ages.
Special Events and Seasonal Activities for Families
Kentish Town's calendar is always packed with family-friendly festivals and pop-up markets. Here are a few highlights:
- Kentish Town City Farm Summer Fair - Pony rides, farm games, and live music for families.
- Queen's Crescent Market - A lively street market with food, crafts, music, and regular family workshops.
- Annual Winter Lights Festival - Illuminations and light displays throughout Kentish Town's streets.
- Halloween and Christmas events - From spooky trails to festive crafts, there's always something magical for families to do in Kentish Town.
Tips for Making the Most of Kentish Town with Kids
- Arrive early to make the most of popular spots and avoid crowds at the city farm and swimming pools.
- Check event calendars for up-to-date listings of workshops, shows, and markets happening during your visit.
- Don't forget wet weather gear--many activities move indoors if it rains, but parks and the Heath are beautiful even in drizzle!
- Bring snacks and drinks--while there are plenty of cafes, having water and easy nibbles is always handy.
- If exploring by public transport, download a family travel card for savings on bus and Tube journeys.
How to Get to Kentish Town
Kentish Town is exceptionally well connected. Both Kentish Town Underground (Northern Line) and Thameslink Overground put you at the heart of the action in under 20 minutes from central London. Multiple buses also serve Kentish Town Road and its surrounding streets, making travel with children a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentish Town Family Activities
Is Kentish Town suitable for toddlers and young children?
Absolutely! With child-friendly parks, soft play options, and safe cafes, Kentish Town is perfect for families with young children.
Are the activities expensive?
Many of Kentish Town's best family activities are free or low-cost. The city farm, parks, and library events are all budget-friendly, though you may wish to treat the family to lunch in one of the excellent cafes.
Can you recommend family-friendly accommodation nearby?
There are several guesthouses, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments close to Kentish Town Road, plus excellent transport links to other parts of London if you'd like to stay elsewhere.
Plan Your Kentish Town Family Adventure Today!
Exploring Kentish Town with your family promises memorable days packed with laughter, learning, and fun. Whether you're meeting friendly animals, splashing in historic pools, creating art, or enjoying mouthwatering local food, this North London neighbourhood offers something for every member of the family, whatever the weather. With so many top Kentish Town activities for families, why not start planning your next outing now?
Have you visited Kentish Town with children? What was your favourite family activity? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments!
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