Here is Autumn, the trees draped themselves with their beautiful orange tones, and we get cosy under a warm blanket to watch a movie, and read a good book while the rains hit the window… but wait a minute! Autumn is not all about that. It’s important to get some fresh air to boost your immune system. In this blog post, I have listed the 10 best activities to do in Alexandra Palace and our surrounding areas.
When is Autumn? Autumn starts on Friday 23rd of September and ends on Wednesday 21st of December.
-
Autumn Photoshoot with me at your local park
Book a fun family session in one of my favourite local parks. All ages are welcomed, from babies to mopey teenagers. We explore and play all sorts of games with your children. We will play and gather lots of orange leaves and throw them up in the air. The higher the better and the winner will get a special treat at the end of the sessions, but shhh! don’t tell them, it’s a secret!
I will focus on capturing your family’s love, connection and mood of the day, for you to cherish and display in your home. Check my pricing and booking information on this page.
2. Walks
Parkland Walk
Despite being heavily urbanised, North London offers a few magical walks that will make your heart sing. Get your wellies on, here are a few of mine and my neighbour’s favourites.
Parkland Walk is one of London’s longest trails, starting at Finsbury park and finishing in Alexandra Palace (or the other way around), this 4 km walk will take you across parks, and follow back gardens and old line tracks. Keep your children’s eyes peeled for hidden colourful art and a creature, hidden on the arches. I won’t say no more! 🤫
Circular Loop Through Highgate Woods, Queen Woods and Ally Pally
Follow this walk on All Trails, it’s a free app that I use for my hiking. This walk is 8.5 kilometres and should take you around 2h20 to complete for adults.
Pro tip: treat the troops to a snack in Muswell Hill, try Dunn’s or Gail’s Bakery.
Blue Bell Woods
Fancy just a short walk? This little park is right in between two neighbourhoods. In between two roads and hidden by some trees, this park offers bluebells when in season, but is also a lovely park in Autumn.
Pro tip: visit Sunshine Gardens centre after your walk. The staff are lovely and they offer a large choice of indoor/outdoor plants, pots and home decorations. They have a cafe in the outdoor section of the shop where you could warm up with a hot chocolate!
3. Art & Craft at Bruce Castle
Bruce Castle is a museum that offers fun family activities in Tottenham. It’s a 15-20 minute drive from Alexandra Palace. The entrance is free of charge on Sundays.
Inside the museum, you will find a dedicated family gallery with a giant chess board, dress-up costumes, board games, books and puzzles. This space is dedicated to children between 6 to 8 years old. Please contact them first for availability.
There is also a trail hunt, playground in the park and of course the museum to visit in the castle. See more information here.
4. Ice Rink at Ally Pally
Ice Skating is perfect for rainy weather. Located inside the beautiful Palace, the rink is open every day from 11 am up to the end of the day. Each session lasts 1h30 and is suitable for children from 3 years old. Skating is a fun family activity which will teach your child to try a new skill. They will learn to fall and get back on their feet. The venue offers cute skating penguins and bears to help beginners with their balance.
Tickets start from £6.50 for under 5 years old and £9.50 for adults. See more information and book tickets online before visiting through this link.
5. Go Ape in Alexandra Park
Get a real thrill with this adventure park in your local neighbourhood. With an incredible view of the city, this activity is great for energetic kids who need to let the steam off. With 4 different trails from easy to moderate, this will be perfect for yourself and your kids.
They are dog friendly so it’s perfect to bring your furry friend if you prefer to be a spectator while your kids have fun.
This activity is a special treat, the tickets start from £22 for the easy trail (1 hour) and £34 for the moderate trail (2-3 hours).
See more info on their website here.
6. Treasure Trail – The Muswell Hill Menagerie Trail
This treasure trail is perfect to discover your surroundings and have fun with the kiddos. You will be able to download the instructions online from their website here.
It’s only £9.99 and once you have paid, you will be able to download the map and clues on your phone or you can also print it. This trail is approximately 3.5 kilometres and should take you around 2 hours to complete.
7. Family Theatre at Art depot
This theatre in North Finchley offers shows for grown-ups and children. It’s a 15-20 minutes drive from Alexandra Palace. Here are a few family shows I have selected for you. It’s an affordable family activity, perfect for all weather as it’s inside. Tickets start from £12.
-
Groove Baby: Grooving With Pirates, Sunday 25th September, For children aged between 3 to 7 years old.
-
Artsdepot’s Fun Palace – Sunday 1st October – Free
At this event, little ones and grown-ups can learn how to build their own rocket, explore science and art and create their imaginary planet.
-
toooB, Thursday 13th October, For babies and toddlers aged 6-24 months.
-
The Wind in the Willows, Sunday 16th October, for children aged 4+
You can book your tickets and find more information on their website.
8. Rapunzel on Ice
This show is perfect to get on the Christmas vibe. Get ready for your kids to sing “Let it goooooo” at the top of their lungs! This Family activity is great for all weather as the show will take place at Alexandra Palace ice rink from the 5th to the 12th of December. This show is suitable for children from 3 years old. Book quickly as the first days are already being booked up. Tickets start at £13 for those under 16 and £15.50 for adults.
9. Little Dinausore Play Center
Located in Alexandra Park, this children’s play centre is perfect for good and bad weather as most of the activities happen inside. This centre offers a soft play area, games and drawing, while adults have a cafe and sitting areas to relax and talk with the other parents. The centre is open all year round, tickets start at £5.50 and the session last 2 hours. See more information on their website.
10. Let’s go to the Movie
Always perfect for rainy weather, the movies will be great accompanied by a bag of popcorn (sweat is the right way!). Vue Cinema in Wood Green offers a large choice of movies. Tickets are £5.99 if you book online. Check out their website here to see what’s on. I can’t wait to watch Minion: The Rise of The Guru.
I hope this will help you have great fun with your family this Autumn.
Alba
