Dad and Toddler Activities in North London and at Home
It is Saturday morning, it is 7am, and a two-year-old is standing by your bed holding one shoe. You have the whole day ahead and the energy of a phone on 8%. If you are looking for dad and toddler activities that tire them out, get you moving and do not cost a fortune, this list is for you. I am a coach in Archway, and I think the toddler years are a gift for dads who want to be more active: your child wants to run, climb, throw and chase all day, and you get to join in. Here are ideas for home, the park and the woods of North London, plus a few ways to sneak your own workout in.
How much activity do toddlers need?
The NHS physical activity guidelines for children under 5 say children who can walk should be physically active for at least 180 minutes a day, spread throughout the day, including active outdoor play. That sounds like a lot, but it is not 3 hours of organised exercise. It is walking to the shop, climbing on the sofa cushions, kicking a ball and dancing in the kitchen. Your job is to give them chances to move, ideally moving with them.
Dad and toddler activities at home
1. The living room obstacle course
Sofa cushions to climb over, a blanket tunnel under two chairs, a line of masking tape to walk along, a pillow to jump onto. Do the course with them, crawling and all. Five laps and you will both be warm.
2. Animal moves
Bear crawls, frog jumps, crab walks and flamingo balances. Call out an animal and both of you move like it across the room. Bear crawls in particular are a great workout for your shoulders and core.
3. Ball games
Roll a ball between your legs, kick it into a laundry basket goal, throw a soft ball at a stack of plastic cups. Keep the ball soft and big enough that it cannot be swallowed.
4. Kitchen disco
Three songs, everyone dances, freeze when the music stops. Simple and very effective on a rainy afternoon.
For more rainy day ideas, read my guide to indoor activities for toddlers.
Out and about in North London
Highgate Wood
Ancient woodland with wide paths for small legs, sticks to collect and trees to hide behind. The City of London’s Highgate Wood visitor page has opening times and facilities. My post on Highgate Wood with kids covers the best bits for little ones.
Parliament Hill playground
On the edge of Hampstead Heath, with the City of London’s page on Parliament Hill playground and paddling pool giving details. Combine it with a walk up the hill. Carrying a toddler up there is a workout in itself.
Waterlow Park
Off Highgate Hill, with ponds, lawns and slopes for rolling down. The Lauderdale House guide to Waterlow Park is a good place to start planning a visit.
For a wider list of local play spots, see playgrounds near Archway and Highgate.
Woodland and park games
- Stick hunt: find a stick longer than you, a stick shorter than your finger, a stick shaped like a letter.
- Puddle hopping: wellies on, count the jumps.
- Follow the leader: they lead, you copy. Around trees, along logs, under branches.
- Chase and catch: let them escape most of the time. Sprint a few times yourself.
- Leaf throwing: big armfuls in autumn. Squats and overhead throws, if you are counting.
Sneak in your own workout
You do not need to choose between your fitness and time with your toddler. Try this 15-minute “play workout” at the park:
- Toddler squats: every time they pass you something, squat down and stand up. Aim for 30 over the session.
- Push-up tunnel: hold a high plank while they crawl underneath. Do a push-up when they come out. 3 rounds.
- Bench step-ups: 10 each leg while they play on the climbing frame next to you.
- Swing push lunges: each push of the swing, step back into a lunge. Alternate legs. 20 pushes.
- Toddler carry walk: hold them close to your chest and walk briskly up a gentle hill.
Keep it fun and stop if it stops being fun for them. You are a climbing frame first, an athlete second.
Safety, briefly
- Stay within arm’s reach on climbing frames and near ponds.
- Toddlers tire suddenly. Bring the buggy or carrier for the way home.
- Dress them for the weather, with spare layers and a snack.
- Lift with your legs, not your back, every one of the 50 times they ask to be picked up.
Where a bootcamp class fits
Toddlers are heavy, fast and constantly need lifting. A strong back, legs and core make every day easier, and an hour a week to yourself does wonders for your patience too. In my small-group classes you get 45 minutes of focused training while your partner or a family member has the kids, and you come home with more energy, not less. If boxing appeals, my SYP Box Fit beginner boxing class is a fun way to blow off steam, with no sparring.
FAQs
What are good activities for a dad and a 2-year-old?
Ball games, obstacle courses, animal moves, dancing, puddle walks and playground trips all work well. Short, varied activities hold attention better than one long one.
How can I keep my toddler active on a rainy day?
Build a cushion obstacle course, play hide and seek, have a dance party or do animal walks around the house.
Can I exercise with my toddler?
Yes. Squats, lunges, step-ups and planks can all be built into play. Keep your child safe and choose moves you can stop instantly.
How long should toddlers play outside each day?
There is no fixed rule for outdoor time, but the NHS recommends at least 180 minutes of activity a day for under-5s who can walk, including active outdoor play.
Book your first class
Want to keep up with your toddler? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, max 10 people, £15 a class, with every exercise scaled to your level. Book your £15 class or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send the timetable. If you and your partner want to train together, have a look at partner personal training in Archway.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
