Spontaneous north London experiences you have to try this summer

Nearest Tube: Euston

Drawing on ’80s TV and his experiences of becoming disabled as a child, artist Jason Wilsher-Mills presents a major solo exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in Euston. For ‘Jason and the Adventure of 254’, his largest and most personal commission to date, he’s reimagining the gallery space as a hospital ward and cramming it full of interactive elements, alongside sculptural pieces and illustrations. You can touch everything in the exhibition, so it’s ideal for families: everyone is sure to take something away from this fun but profound show.
183 Euston Rd, NW1 2BE. Until Jan 2025. Mon-Sun, 10-6pm. Free.
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Nearest Overground: Gospel Oak

Sheep and pigs and chickens, oh my! If you’re looking for a farmyard fix in north London, don’t fear: Kentish Town City Farm is the one for you. With a wide range of animals big and small to encounter, from donkeys to guinea pigs, the City Farm is a lovely day out for little ones – though bigger kids are also welcomed and encouraged.
1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN. Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm. Free.
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Nearest Tube: Wood Green. Then W3 bus to Alexandra Palace Palm Court

We’re calling it: pétanque – a version of boules – is going to be the cool London hobby of choice this summer, and there’s pretty much no better setting to play it in than surrounded by the lushness of Alexandra Palace Park. Hop on one of the courts, dust off your lucky cochonnet (it’s that little silver ball, fyi) and bookend a game with a gentle stroll around the greenery. Don’t forget to go to the top of the park after your game, you’ll get one of the best views of the city.
Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Mon-Sun. Free.
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Nearest Tube: Hendon Central or 303 bus (Royal Air Force Museum)

Got some plane-obsessed kids on your hands? Take them along to the RAF Museum in Colindale, where they can get up close and personal with aviation. Though tickets are bookable in advance, the museum is free to visit. It boasts six hangars of exhibits, all of which are fun and interactive – under-fives can sit in a miniature plane, older ones can fly a drone, and much more besides. Up, up and away!
Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL. Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. Free, donations welcome.
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Nearest Tube: Finsbury Park

Sometimes all you want to do is walk and, for those days, Parkland Walk – that is, London’s longest linear nature reserve, which spans three miles between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace Park – is the ideal stretch. The walk allows you to see two of London’s prettiest parks, all while getting that precious step count up, too. Sounds like a win/win to us.
Florence Rd, N4 3EY. Free.
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