Family Day Out Ideas for Every Age in Barnet
Posted on 20/10/2025
Family Day Out Ideas for Every Age in Barnet
If you're looking to spend some quality time with your loved ones, Barnet is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out. Nestled in the northern part of London, Barnet offers a delightful mix of parks, attractions, and activities to suit children, teenagers, parents, and even grandparents. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or a midweek escape, you'll find plenty of ways to create cherished memories as a family in Barnet.
Why Choose Barnet for a Family Day Out?
Barnet combines the charm of a leafy suburb with the excitement of London living. It boasts accessible green spaces, engaging historical sites, diverse eating options, and plenty of family-friendly attractions suitable for all ages. The area is renowned for its community events, cultural gems, and fun-packed venues, making it a top choice for family activities in North London.
Top Family Day Out Ideas in Barnet
Here are some of the very best family day out ideas in Barnet that cater to all age groups:
1. Explore the Wonderful Parks and Nature Reserves
Barnet is blessed with some of London's most beautiful parks. These green escapes are ideal for toddlers discovering the world, energetic children, and even adults seeking relaxation.
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Trent Park:
Ideal for: All ages
Highlights: Playground, wildlife, lakes, woodlands, and the historic Trent Park House.
The vast stretches of Trent Park invite picnics, woodland walks, cycling, and even horse riding. Children love exploring the adventure playgrounds and spotting ducks at the lake. -
Oak Hill Park:
Ideal for: Families with young children or elderly members.
Highlights: Inclusive play areas, tennis courts, and beautiful gardens.
It's a perfect place to run around, enjoy family ball games, or have a leisurely tea at the cafe. -
Highgate Woods:
Ideal for: Older kids and teens who enjoy nature.
Highlights: Forest trails, wildlife watching, large picnic areas.
Highgate Woods is a unique woodland offering a true sense of escape despite being near the city.
2. Get Adventurous at Local Activity Centres
For families aiming for something more active, Barnet hosts various adventure centres and sports complexes. These venues offer engaging experiences, team-building opportunities, and plenty of energy-burning fun!
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Go Ape in Trent Park:
Swing through the trees with zip lines and rope courses. Perfect for adventurous families with older children (minimum age and height restrictions apply).
Tip: Book ahead during weekends and holidays, as it gets busy! -
Hollywood Bowl Finchley:
Indoor bowling is a favourite with both kids and grandparents. Enjoy neon lights, arcade games, and classic American food alongside your game. -
Queen Elizabeth's Stadium:
Athletics, gymnastics, football clubs and more--encourage your children's sports skills while everyone cheers from the stands.
Best Educational Family Outings in Barnet
Combining learning with fun is a great way to inspire children of all ages. Here are some educational family day out ideas in Barnet:
- Barnet Museum: Discover the fascinating history of Barnet, from its origins to its modern community. The interactive exhibits and friendly guides will capture the imagination of children and adults.
- Royal Air Force Museum London: Explore the amazing world of flight through real-life aircraft, simulators, and hands-on science exhibits. Suitable for children of all ages, the museum lets families uncover the secrets of aviation in a fun and immersive way.
- Stephens House & Gardens: Roam the stunning gardens, historic house, and wildlife areas. Various seasonal events and family activities are held throughout the year.
Creative and Indoor Activities for Family Days Out in Barnet
Sometimes, the unpredictable UK weather means outdoor plans need a backup. Thankfully, Barnet offers a range of creative and indoor experiences for families:
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Pottery Cafe & Art Studios:
Try arts and crafts at Pottery Cafe (East Finchley Arts for Kids, for example), where children and adults can create their own masterpieces to take home. -
Kidzania London (nearby):
Although technically located in Westfield London, Kidzania is well worth a short journey. This scaled city allows children to role-play more than 60 real-world careers - ideal for budding doctors, firefighters or chefs.
*Suitable for ages 4-14. -
Vue Cinema and Everyman Barnet:
Enjoy the latest family-friendly blockbusters or arthouse animations in cozy, contemporary settings. Some cinemas host special parent-and-baby or autism-friendly screenings.
Fun for Teenagers and Older Children
Entertaining teenagers and tweens can sometimes be tricky. Barnet, however, has something to offer even the hardest-to-please family members!
- Archery Fit Barnet: A unique outing where older children and teens can try their hand at archery and learn from skilled instructors.
- Odeon Luxe, Southgate: The luxury cinema experience, with reclining seats and gourmet snacks, is sure to impress your teens.
- Flip Out Brent Cross: This indoor trampoline park is just a short drive away and offers parkour, free running, and dodgeball arenas.
Perfect Family Dining Spots in Barnet
No family day out in Barnet would be complete without sampling the borough's delicious food scene. Thankfully, Barnet offers something for every palate and dietary preference, from child-friendly cafes to sit-down restaurants and takeaways.
- Cafe Jacqui: Located right by Friary Park, it's a welcoming spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The homemade cakes are a must-try!
- Saray Restaurant: Serving exquisite Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, Saray is spacious and very welcoming to children.
- The Arkley Pub & Kitchen: With an outdoor play area, seasonal menu, and Sunday roasts, it's an ideal choice for large family groups.
Annual Events and Festivals: Make Your Family Day Out Unforgettable
Barnet's calendar is packed with special events, fairs, and festivals that offer even more reasons to enjoy a family day out:
- East Barnet Festival: One of the largest free community festivals in North London, with music, food, fair rides, and family-friendly entertainment, usually held in July.
- High Barnet Christmas Fayre: Street food, crafts, and festive entertainment for all ages transform the town centre each December.
- Outdoor Theatres and Cinema: During the summer, many of Barnet's parks host open-air film screenings and live Shakespeare performances.
Tips for a Successful Family Day Out in Barnet
- Plan ahead: Check websites and social media for opening hours, ticket availability, and special events.
- Travel light but prepared: Pack snacks, water, sunscreen or raincoats as needed--Barnet's weather can change fast!
- Get everyone involved: Let each family member help choose an activity or destination for the day.
- Combine experiences: Mix outdoor adventures with educational stops or a delicious meal to keep all ages happy.
- Capture the memories: Take plenty of family photos at Barnet's beautiful locations!
Family Day Out Itinerary Ideas for Every Age
Wondering how to structure your perfect family day in Barnet? Here are some tailored itineraries based on age groups, so every family member enjoys the day:
Families with Toddlers and Young Children
- Start the morning with a gentle stroll and playtime at Oak Hill Park.
- Head for a mid-morning snack at Cafe Jacqui.
- Spend a couple of hours at Barnet Museum, focusing on interactive exhibits.
- Finish with a family picnic or lunch at the park, letting the little ones run free.
Families with Older Kids and Pre-Teens
- Explore Highgate Woods or go wild at Go Ape, Trent Park.
- Lunch at Saray Restaurant.
- Enjoy some indoor creativity at a local pottery studio or wind down at the cinema.
Multi-Generational Family Adventures
- Gather everyone at Stephens House & Gardens for a guided tour and stroll through the grounds.
- Enjoy a family feast at The Arkley Pub & Kitchen, with options to suit all dietary needs.
- Wrap up your day with a gentle afternoon tea or ice cream at a local cafe.
Getting Around Barnet
Barnet is easily accessible by public transport, including London Overground stations at High Barnet and New Barnet, as well as numerous bus routes. Driving? Many of the borough's parks have parking facilities for families traveling by car.
Conclusion: Make Memories with a Day Out for the Whole Family in Barnet
Start planning your next family adventure in Barnet--where memories are made and smiles are guaranteed for every generation.
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