Weekend Plans Sorted: Family Activities in Barnet

Posted on 21/10/2025

Weekend Plans Sorted: Family Activities in Barnet

Are you searching for the perfect way to spend quality time with your family this weekend? Look no further than Barnet! This vibrant part of North London offers a fantastic array of family-friendly activities and experiences that cater to all tastes, ages, and interests. Whether you want to get outdoors, explore culture, or simply relax with your loved ones, our comprehensive guide to weekend family activities in Barnet will help you plan unforgettable experiences. Read on for inspiration, tips, and essential visitor information that will guarantee your weekend plans are sorted!

London

Why Barnet is the Ideal Family Weekend Destination

Barnet stands out as a prime location for enjoyable family weekends thanks to its excellent parks, diverse leisure centres, educational attractions, bustling high streets, and welcoming community events. Easily reachable from Central London and neighbouring areas, it combines city convenience with a relaxed suburban charm. What makes Barnet family activities truly special is their variety--there's something to do in every season, come rain or shine.

Top Reasons to Choose Barnet for Family Fun

Accessibility: Great transport links make it easy to reach.
Green Spaces: Plenty of parks and woodlands for outdoor adventures.
Family-Friendly Venues: Museums, play centres, and more for all ages.
Diverse Dining: Child-friendly cafes and restaurants abound.
Community Events: Regular festivals, markets, and family activities.

Best Outdoor Family Activities in Barnet

1. Explore the Beautiful Parks and Nature Reserves

If you and your kids love being outdoors, Barnet's green spaces offer endless possibilities for fun and relaxation.

Trent Park: A sprawling former royal hunting ground that's perfect for picnics, woodland walks, and spotting wildlife. Don't miss the adventure playground and outdoor gym.
Hadley Green: Ideal for strolling, kite flying, and sports - with lots of open space and pretty village surroundings.
Oakhill Park: Features play areas, tennis courts, and a cafe for family snacks.
Friary Park: A hidden gem with beautiful gardens, a playground, cafe, and even a skatepark for teens.
Totteridge Fields: Go on a nature walk and admire the seasonal wildflowers, ponds, and butterflies.

Barnet's parks are free to enter, most have all-weather paths, and you're bound to spot local wildlife like ducks, squirrels, and songbirds. Don't forget a football, frisbee, or a picnic rug for hours of open-air family fun!

2. Delight in Adventure & High Ropes at Go Ape Trent Park

Looking for thrills? The Go Ape centre in Trent Park is one of North London's most exciting outdoor attractions for families with older children (minimum age and height limits apply). Tackle treetop rope courses, zip wires, and swinging Tarzan jumps while enjoying the forest canopy. Staffed by experienced instructors, it's a fantastic way to bond as a family and conquer new challenges together!

Indoor Family Activities in Barnet

3. Discover the Best Family-Friendly Museums

Royal Air Force Museum London: Located on the edge of Barnet in Colindale, this award-winning museum is a must-visit for families interested in history and science. See iconic aircraft up close, try hands-on exhibits, and let the kids loose in the themed play area. Regular family workshops and events are held during weekends.
Barnet Museum: Dive into local history! Explore fascinating artefacts from the Roman, medieval, and Victorian periods, and don't miss out on interactive family trails.

4. Unleash Creativity at Arts and Crafts Workshops

When the weather's damp, why not join a creative family arts session? Barnet offers:

Clay Time Pottery Studio: Paint your own pottery--fun for all ages, and you get to take home a souvenir!
Leafy Oak Arts: Regular weekend craft workshops for the whole family, often themed around the seasons or upcoming holidays.

5. Play at Indoor Soft Play Centres

Kidz Adventure Barnet: Slides, climbing frames, and ball pits--perfect for under 8s to let off steam, while parents relax with a coffee.
Jungle Monkeyz: A jungle-themed indoor play centre with dedicated zones for different age groups.

Tip: Make sure to book soft play sessions ahead at busy times. Some venues offer special toddler mornings and family discounts.

Cultural Experiences and Learning for Families in Barnet

6. Watch a Family Show at Chickenshed Theatre

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company celebrated for its brilliant, engaging shows suitable for children and adults alike. Treat your family to a matinee musical, fairy tale adaptation, or immersive workshop. Theatre trips are a fantastic way to inspire a love of the arts in your children!

7. Visit Local Libraries for Story Time & Events

Chipping Barnet Library
Burnt Oak Library
East Finchley Library

These libraries regularly hold weekend story sessions, craft clubs, author visits and even family board games afternoons. Libraries are increasingly vibrant community hubs perfect for a quiet hour or two together, especially with younger children.

Active Family Fun: Sports and Recreation in Barnet

8. Splash About at Barnet's Swimming Pools

Copthall Leisure Centre: Modern facilities, wave machine, slides, and fun floats for the kids. Family-friendly lane swimming and lessons are also available.
Finchley Lido: Features both indoor and outdoor pools (the latter is great in summer!), plus a poolside cafe for healthy snacks.

Don't forget to check for family fun swim sessions during the weekend!

9. Strike it Lucky at Hollywood Bowl Finchley

Bowling is always a winner for families! Hollywood Bowl offers ramps and lighter balls for children, plus arcade games and diner snacks. Bowlers of all ages are welcome!

10. Test Your Skills at Megajump Trampoline Park

Located in Borehamwood, close to the Barnet border, Megajump features interconnected trampolines, foam pits, and even a ninja assault course. Great exercise, great fun, and a perfect way to tire out energetic kids before Sunday night!

Seasonal and Special Weekend Events in Barnet

11. Enjoy Barnet Street Markets and Community Festivals

Throughout the year, Barnet hosts lively markets, food festivals, summer fairs, and Christmas events that welcome families:

Chipping Barnet Market: Browse local produce, crafts, and street food every Saturday.
Underhill Festival: Family rides, entertainment, live music, and food stalls (usually held in late spring).
Barnet Christmas Fayre: Festive stalls, Santa's grotto, and children's activities every December.

Family-Friendly Dining in Barnet

12. Best Barnet Restaurants and Cafes for Kids

The Urban Alchemist: Delicious brunches and child-friendly portions, with high chairs and welcoming staff.
Prezzo Barnet: Kids' pizza-making kits and a great menu for picky eaters.
Spizzico: Authentic Italian cuisine, coloring packs, and speedy service.
Caffe Nero (High Barnet): Snacks, cakes, and space to park prams or buggies.

Many venues in Barnet are allergy-aware and have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to keep everyone happy. Always ask staff about the latest menu updates.

Tips for Planning Your Perfect Family Weekend in Barnet

Book ahead for popular attractions, shows, and dining spots, especially during school holidays.
Check online for special offers, family tickets, and discounts to save money on your weekend plans.
Plan mixed activities: Combine indoor and outdoor options to suit the unpredictable British weather!
Pack essentials: Sunscreen, raincoats, snacks, and spare clothes for the kids--be ready for anything.
Transport links: Barnet is well-served by buses (including child-friendly Oyster fares) and is close to Northern Line tube stations.

Barnet Weekend Itinerary: Sample Plans for Every Family

For Families with Young Children

Morning: Explore Oakhill Park Playground
Midday: Grab lunch at The Urban Alchemist
Afternoon: Pottery painting at Clay Time
End with: Saturday story time at Chipping Barnet Library

For Adventurous Families

Morning: Go Ape in Trent Park
Lunch at: Old Courthouse Cafe (Trent Park)
Afternoon: Barnet Museum or Hollywood Bowl
Evening: Pizza and dessert at Prezzo

For All-Weather Explorers

Start with: Royal Air Force Museum
Lunch: Family-friendly Italian at Spizzico
Afternoon: Soft play at Jungle Monkeyz or Megajump trampoline park

Conclusion: Make Memories with Family Activities in Barnet

Whatever your children's interests--history, sport, art, or simply playing outdoors--Barnet offers family activities to suit every taste and budget. From hiking in local parks to arts workshops, unique museums, and welcoming theatres, every weekend can be a new adventure. With this article as your guide, you'll never be stuck for inspiration again. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and head out for a fun-filled, memory-making family weekend in Barnet!

Weekend plans sorted: Barnet is your next family adventure waiting to happen. Share your experiences, discover new favourites, and keep coming back--because there's always something new to explore in Barnet.

What are your favourite family activities in Barnet? Let us know in the comments below!