Things to do with kids in Islington
Islington might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family day out, but it quietly punches above its weight. Coram's Fields is one of the best playgrounds in central London, the Little Angel Theatre is genuinely magical for children under 7, and the walk along the canal from Angel to King's Cross and Granary Square is one of those routes that works at any age. The northern fringe of the Barbican is also worth knowing about for a rainy Sunday.
What makes Islington particularly good for families with under-5s is the density: everything is walkable, nothing requires much forward planning, and there are enough green spaces and cafe stops to turn a vague Saturday morning into a genuinely good day without the usual logistics burden of a bigger expedition. The Upper Street restaurant strip is reliably family-friendly for lunch.
One of London's best-kept secrets: a huge, wild playground where adults can only enter with a child, which means the whole energy of the place belongs to kids. The sandpit, paddling pool (open in summer), and small petting zoo are all brilliant.
Free to play in during summer, the 1,000 choreographed jets in Granary Square are one of London's best spontaneous kid activities: bring a towel and a spare set of clothes, surrender to the inevitable soaking, and grab coffee from one of the surrounding cafes.
Tiny, warm, and completely magical: this Islington puppet theatre has been making handcrafted shows for small children for over 60 years and it shows. Even babies who are not really following the story seem held by the whole atmosphere of the place.
London's second-largest conservatory is hidden on the third floor of the Barbican complex and open only on select Sundays. Kids love the fish ponds, the exotic plants, and the feeling of exploring a hidden jungle in the middle of the city. Book free timed tickets in advance.