If you are looking for a North London day out that gives children space to run, parents somewhere to grab a coffee, and everyone a view that makes London look just a little bit magical, Alexandra Palace Park is a very strong choice.
Alexandra Palace — known locally as Ally Pally — sits within Alexandra Palace Park, one of North London’s best-known green spaces, it’s one of those places that can work for lots of different family moods. You can go for a proper walk, pop into the playground, watch the ducks, hire a pedalo, visit the ice rink, or simply let the children burn off energy while you mentally plan your next cup of tea.
It is especially useful because it does not have to be a huge, expensive day out. You can keep it simple with the playground and park, or turn it into more of a treat with skating, soft play, food, or boating.
Where Is Alexandra Palace Park?
Alexandra Palace Park is in North London, between Muswell Hill, Wood Green, Hornsey and Bounds Green.
The address is:
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace Way
London
N22 7AY
It is a good option for families in Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Highgate, Wood Green, Hornsey, Finchley, Finsbury Park and surrounding North London areas.
What Is There For Children To Do?
The biggest win for families is the children’s play area, which is located near the boating lake. This makes it easy to combine playground time with a walk around the water or a stop at one of the nearby cafés.
The play area is open every day and closes at dusk, so it is worth going earlier in the day during winter months.
There is also plenty of open space for children who just need to run. This is one of the reasons Alexandra Palace Park works well for mixed-age families. Younger children can enjoy the playground, while older children may prefer the wider park, skatepark, ice rink, or boating lake.
The Boating Lake
The boating lake is one of the nicest family features at Alexandra Palace Park. Pedalos are available, making it a fun option for a sunny weekend or school holiday treat.
Even if you do not go on the boats, the lake area is still useful for a slower wander with children. It gives the day a bit more structure than just “let’s go to the park,” which can be helpful when you need to make an outing feel more exciting.
The Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace also has an ice rink, which can make this a good rainy day or colder-weather option too.
This is better suited to confident little ones, older children, teenagers, or families who want a proper activity rather than just a walk. Booking ahead is sensible, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Little Dinosaurs Soft Play
For younger children, Little Dinosaurs is an indoor soft play centre based at Alexandra Palace. It has a café and is open year-round, which makes it especially handy when the weather is miserable but the children still need to get out of the house.
This is a good one to keep in your back pocket for wet days, birthday meet-ups, or mornings when the park sounds lovely in theory but the sky has other ideas.
Food, Cafés And Parent Survival Stops
There are café options around Alexandra Palace, including near the East Court and the boating lake area.
For families, this is one of the biggest practical advantages. You are not heading into a completely empty green space with no backup plan. You can build the day around a playground visit, a walk, and a café stop without needing to pack like you are preparing for an expedition.
That said, bringing snacks is still wise. This is parenting law.
Toilets And Facilities
There are toilet facilities within Alexandra Palace, including accessible toilets in areas such as the East Court, Ice Rink and other venue spaces.
As with many large venues and parks, it is worth checking what is open before you visit, especially if there is an event taking place or if you are going very early or late in the day.
Parking And Public Transport
There is parking at Alexandra Palace, but charges apply. The East Court car park is usually open daily, with different arrangements on event days. The Grove car park is also normally open during the day.
If you are driving, check the official parking information before you set off, especially at weekends or when there is a big event at Alexandra Palace.
For public transport, Alexandra Palace station is nearby, and there are also bus routes serving the area. Be aware that the park is on a hill, so buggy users may want to plan the easiest route in advance.
Is Alexandra Palace Park Buggy Friendly?
Mostly, yes — but with a small warning.
Alexandra Palace Park is large and hilly in places. A buggy is absolutely manageable, but some routes will be easier than others. If you are visiting with a baby, toddler, scooter, bags, snacks, water bottles, wipes, coats and seventeen emergency raisins, you may want to stay around the playground, boating lake and café areas rather than trying to cover the entire park.
Best For
Alexandra Palace Park is especially good for:
Toddlers who need a playground
Primary school children who need space to run
Older children who might enjoy skating or boating
Families looking for a low-cost North London day out
Buggy walks with a view
Sunny weekend meet-ups
School holiday outings
A casual picnic day
Things To Know Before You Go
The playground closes at dusk.
Parking charges apply.
Event days can make the area much busier.
The park is hilly in places.
Picnics are allowed, but BBQs are not.
Check opening times before travelling if you are planning to use the ice rink, soft play, boating lake or cafés.
Quick Family Guide
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alexandra Palace, N22 |
| Best for | Playground, views, boating, skating, soft play, family walks |
| Good for toddlers | Yes |
| Good for older children | Yes |
| Buggy friendly | Mostly, but some hilly areas |
| Toilets | Available within Alexandra Palace areas |
| Café nearby | Yes |
| Parking | Yes, charges apply |
| Free option | Park, views, playground and walks |
| Paid extras | Ice rink, soft play, boating |
Is Alexandra Palace Park Worth Visiting With Kids?
Yes, Alexandra Palace Park is one of the best family-friendly places in North London because it gives you options.
You can keep it free with the playground, views and open space, or you can add paid activities like the ice rink, soft play or boating lake. It works for toddlers, older children, local families, visiting grandparents, and those weekends where everyone needs to get out before the house turns feral.
For North London mums looking for a flexible family day out, Ally Pally is definitely one to keep on the list.