This is an effort to put together a comprehensive list to the playgroups in the neighbourhoods of of Finchley Central, Mill Hill East and North Finchley, London's N3 and N12.
You can, of course also check the distance to your nearest Children's Centre but if you are looking for something different, read on!
Q1: Is it term time?
Q2: Are you prepared to leave the house before 9:30 am?
If you answered yes to both of these, read Monday - Friday options.
If you answered 'NO!' skip through to 'Weekend' at the bottom.
Mondays
Acorns playgroup at St Mary's Parish Church
£2.50 / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Chances of getting in, if you're late: High
Although run by the church, it is sometimes closed due to sickness. It is usually held at the Hall but every third week it is held in the lovely old church building with the pastor reading story time. Tea and coffee for mums from 10 am.
Kids' snacks: sit down 'meal' of cut fruit
Tuesdays
FRS playgroup at Finchley Reform Synagogue Hall
£3.50 / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Chances of getting in, if you're late: Very High
Tones of space. One of the best toy selections. Coffee and tea available right away, the atmosphere is always warm and relaxed - which is why we go to these right?! I like this group because there are no rules imposed on the children, they can run around until they tire themselves out.
Kids' snacks: informal snacks on the mat during story time
Playgroup by Finchley Methodist Church
£3.50 / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Chances of getting in, if you're late: Moderate
Lovely, light and bright space for the kids. Complete with story and song time. Lots of Lego here!
Kids' snacks: informal snacks on the mat during story time
Wednesdays
Finchley Methodist Church
£3.50 / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Chances of getting in, if you're late: Moderate
Lovely, light and bright space for the kids. Complete with story and song time. Lots of Lego here!
Kids' snacks: informal snacks on the mat during story time
Barney's Toddler Group by ST Barnabas Church
£2 (suggested donation) / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Come early! Fills up frequently.
By far the best organised church playgroup! Coffee and tea is immediately available, it is run by a small army of spirited volunteers. They even have a dedicated page on their website with Facebook page and everything. Welcoming place. Group gets very busy, with many frequent attendees.
Kids' snacks: sit down 'meal' of cut fruit
Thursdays
Do you know one?
Fridays
Barney's Toddler Group by ST Barnabas Church
£2 (suggested donation) / 9:30 - 11:30 am / Come early especially on Fridays!
By far the best organised church playgroup! Coffee and tea is immediately available, it is run by a small army of spirited volunteers. They even have a dedicated page on their website with Facebook page and everything. Welcoming place. Group gets very busy, with many frequent attendees.
Kids' snacks: sit down 'meal' of cut fruit
Afternoons, Weekends and School Holidays
Coffee and Crayons
This child friendly cafe is open until 6 pm every single day! ...they must close for Christmas - you can check their website. They have a small soft play corner for kids on the ground floor - that is open all the time. However on Mondays and Tuesdays they have an additional Stay and Play space operating for the whole day - you can see the fees here.
What do you think of this list so far?
It was not enough for my little munchkin and I, and I looked far and wide for other establishments with similar ethos. I have not been to them all... but I challenge you to tell me what other child friendly cafe or soft play in North London, I have missed!
(I'm serious, let me know in the comments)
See the complete toddler-centric guide to going out here:
Have you tried Hoop or Mush apps?
Let me know in the comments.
If you have found this helpful - I would love to know about it! Check out my other stories too.