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Playgrounds

Timbuktu Adventure Playground

📍 London, Greater London

★4.6(26 Google reviews)💰FreeđŸ‘ļ6+

Free child-led adventure playground in Islington for ages 6+ with rope bridges, treehouses, drop slides, enormous sandpit, pond, and apple trees. Strong community atmosphere with skilled playworkers running daily themed activities.

✓ Free entry✓ Child-led play✓ Exceptional playworkers✓ Daily themed activities✓ Strong community feel✓ Ages six-plus
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★★★★★Featured review by Class Rockets

My children, aged 7 and 9 (a boy and a girl); have been going to Timbuktu for the past year. They absolutely love going there. It is one of the few activities they do which always gets a thumbs up. In the holidays they can go every day and I keep expecting them to say they want to do something different but they keep wanting to go every day!! Part of that is the exciting activities planned each day, like Easter egg hunting, slime making, go-kart making, the disco. There is a big outdoor play area, with sand and water play, swings, slide and climbing frames . It is absolutely fantastic for them to go there in the evening, where they get lots of exercise and social interaction, compared to sitting at home on their phones or watching telly. They would even rather go there than the park with me because their friends are there and there are more activities. The staff are absolutely lovely, caring people who I feel completely confident to trust my children's well being with. I feel so lucky to have Timbuktu nearby as it provides everything children need for healthy physical, emotional, social and even brain development. This is especially needed in today's environment of fear about letting children play outside by themselves with their friends. Here they can play with their friends in a safe and stimulating environment. Brilliant!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children aged 6–10 who want a free, staffed outdoor space that genuinely engages children beyond a standard playground. The child-led ethos and strong community feel reward regular visits rather than one-offs. Saturday family days let parents participate alongside their children, making it accessible for all family setups.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Saturday family days are open to parents — arrive at the start to make the most of themed activities
⏰Healthy lunches and drinks are provided for children during holiday sessions
đŸŽŸī¸Daily themes during school holidays rotate across crafts, water play, BBQs, and more
🚗The pond, apple trees, and den-building areas are what set this apart from standard playgrounds

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.6
★★★★★

26 Google reviews

Exceptional staff and playworkers40%
Wide variety of daily activities30%
Strong community atmosphere20%
Free entry and accessibility10%
C

Class Rockets

6 years ago

★★★★★

“My children, aged 7 and 9 (a boy and a girl); have been going to Timbuktu for the past year. They absolutely love going there. It is one of the few activities they do which always gets a thumbs up. In the holidays they can go every day and I keep expecting them to say they want to do something different but they keep wanting to go every day!! Part of that is the exciting activities planned each day, like Easter egg hunting, slime making, go-kart making, the disco. There is a big outdoor play area, with sand and water play, swings, slide and climbing frames . It is absolutely fantastic for them to go there in the evening, where they get lots of exercise and social interaction, compared to sitting at home on their phones or watching telly. They would even rather go there than the park with me because their friends are there and there are more activities. The staff are absolutely lovely, caring people who I feel completely confident to trust my children's well being with. I feel so lucky to have Timbuktu nearby as it provides everything children need for healthy physical, emotional, social and even brain development. This is especially needed in today's environment of fear about letting children play outside by themselves with their friends. Here they can play with their friends in a safe and stimulating environment. Brilliant!”

N

Nisha Morgan

6 years ago

★★★★★

“My son and I attend the Saturday family days on a regular basis, it is a great friendly environment with so much to do from amazing crafts, activities inside and lets not forget the amazing playground. There is so much to do we stay there from start to finish. The staff there are so helpful, amazing and involve everyone in all activities. the other children who attend are so friendly, kind and caring and are always willing to help. The best thing about Timbuktu is how children can explore and learn in a safe place and how the centre has a massive community feel which is entirely child lead. my only regret about Timbuktu is not finding it sooner.”

J

Julie Tomlinson

3 years ago

★★★★★

“Timbuktu is infinity plus infinity plus infinity plus infinity and beyond, fantastic and brilliant,best fun ever. They are the words from my grandchildren 8yrs and 6yrs. They loved making new friends,all the activities,arts n crafts,an outing,BBQ, water slide,sandpit,all the things to ride and climb on and games. All the staff are amazing,so welcoming,friendly and caring for each child's needs. Healthy lunches given and plenty to drink to keep them hydrated. I recommend Timbuktu to any parent or grandparents who are looking for a fun,safe environment for our energetic kids. Thankyou Timbuktu. JULIE TOMLINSON.XXX”

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Ewelina Sadlowska

6 years ago

★★★★★

“Great laid back atmosphere. Professional staff on site with positive attitude. Children are encouraged to play freely and explore and are given opportunities make decisions and take positive risk under supervision. Family like atmosphere.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Timbuktu Adventure Playground offers rope bridges, treehouses, drop slides, an enormous sandpit, a pond with frogs, apple trees, and den-building areas in a free-entry site in Islington. Playworkers run daily themed activities including crafts, planting, water slides, and BBQs during school holidays. Saturday family days welcome parents. Healthy lunches and drinks are provided for children during sessions.

🕐 Opening Hours

Wednesday15:30 – 18:30
Thursday15:30 – 18:30
Friday15:30 – 18:30
Saturday15:30 – 18:30
Sunday12:00 – 17:00

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