Talacre Gardens Kentish Town: Playgrounds and Kickabouts
“Can we go to the park and play football?” If you hear that every weekend and your answer is usually “maybe later”, this one is for you. Talacre Gardens in Kentish Town is one of those local spaces that makes saying yes easy: two playgrounds for different ages, an all-weather pitch for a kickabout and open grass for everything else. You can be in and out in an hour, and with a little planning that hour can be active for you as well as the kids.
I coach busy parents in Archway, a couple of stops up the Northern line, and here is how I would use this park if I lived nearby.
Talacre Gardens at a glance
The space is officially listed as Talacre Open Space, and locals also call it Talacre Town Green. It sits between Kentish Town and Chalk Farm, with an entrance on Prince of Wales Road, NW5. According to Go Parks London’s Talacre listing, it was created in 2007 thanks to the efforts of local residents, it is managed by Camden Council with the Friends of Talacre Town Green, and it opens from 7:30am until dusk. Features include:
- Separate play areas for younger and older children
- An all-weather pitch for football
- Open space for running, frisbee and general play
- A wildflower meadow, flowerbeds and an orchard project
- Benches and a step-free entrance
It is roughly two hectares, so it is big enough to run around properly but small enough to keep track of everyone.
The playgrounds: who they suit
Having two separate play areas is a real plus if you have kids of different ages. The younger children’s area means toddlers are not dodging ten-year-olds on the climbing frames, and the older area gives school-age kids something more challenging. If you have one of each, position yourself where you can see both and use the time for a few minutes of your own movement (more on that below).
A kickabout plan that works for parents and kids
Most family football turns into one child hogging the ball while a parent stands in goal. Here is a better structure for 30 minutes on the pitch or grass. You need one ball and four jumpers or bottles as markers.
Warm-up (5 minutes)
- Jog a slow lap of the pitch together.
- Side-steps, skips and backwards walking between two markers.
- 5 “toe taps” on the ball each foot, then swap.
Skills game: dribble gates (8 minutes)
Make 4 or 5 “gates” with pairs of jumpers spread around. Kids dribble through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds while you count. Then you have a go. Rest, repeat 3 times. This is surprisingly hard work for an adult, as you are constantly changing direction.
Passing ladder (7 minutes)
Stand 3 big steps apart and pass back and forth. Every 5 good passes, both take one step back. If a pass goes wrong, go back to the start. It builds accuracy and keeps the ball moving between everyone.
Mini match (10 minutes)
Small goals, small space, and one rule: the parent can only score with their weaker foot. Keep it fun, keep it moving. Short bursts of chasing the ball are some of the best conditioning you can do.
If the pitch is in use, the open grass works just as well. Football clubs and groups sometimes use all-weather surfaces, so be ready to share or move over.
Your 10 minutes in the playground
When the kids head back to the play areas, use a bench at the edge for this quick circuit. Do each move for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, and go round twice:
- Bench step-ups, alternating legs
- Incline push-ups, hands on the bench
- Squats, sitting back towards the bench and standing up
- Bench plank with hands on the seat
- Marching on the spot with high knees
That is an honest little workout, and you have not taken your eyes off the kids. For a fuller version of this idea, have a look at my playground workout guide.
Quieter visits: the meadow and orchard
On days when nobody wants to run, slow down. The wildflower meadow and orchard are lovely for a bug hunt, a picnic, or simply a walk round with a toddler pointing at everything. Ten slow minutes outside still does wonders for mood, yours included. If you want more ideas like this for younger kids, my post on active games for kids in the park is a good next read.
Getting there and nearby
The park is close to Kentish Town West on the Overground and within walking distance of Kentish Town and Chalk Farm on the Northern line. From Archway, Kentish Town is two stops on the Northern line. If you want a bigger outing on another weekend, Hampstead Heath is not far away; see my Hampstead Heath family day out guide.
Where a bootcamp class fits
Kickabouts are great for the kids and get you moving. But if your knees ache after twenty minutes of chasing a football, or you are out of breath before the mini match, it is a sign your own fitness needs some focused attention. Strong legs, a stable core and a bit of conditioning make family sport feel fun rather than punishing.
My small-group classes in Archway are built for parents in exactly that spot. SYP Recharge is a good first class if your main goal is more energy for weekends like this.
FAQs
Is Talacre Gardens the same as Talacre Open Space?
Yes. The park is listed as Talacre Open Space, and you will also see it called Talacre Town Green. Many locals just say Talacre.
What time does the park open?
Go Parks London lists opening from 7:30am until dusk. Check on-site signs for any changes.
Can anyone use the football pitch?
The all-weather pitch is often used for casual kickabouts, but it may be in use by groups at times. If it is busy, the open grass is a good alternative.
Are dogs allowed?
Go Parks London says dogs can currently access the space but notes this is under review, so look for signs, especially near the play areas.
Book your first class
Want to feel fitter for every kickabout? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in a weatherproof church hall in Archway N19, with a maximum of 10 people and easier and harder options for every exercise. It is £15 a class and the timetable is sent when you book. Book my £15 class or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you would like to see how my 1-1 coaching works before deciding anything, read how personal training with me works.
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.
