10 of the best playgroups in Islington

Rainbow
Rainbow is a friendly, morning group for pre-school children and their carers. It’s a great way to while away a rainy morning – while your tot gets stuck in messy play you can chat with other parents over a hot drink and a snack. It runs during school term time only and has a small cafe serving toast and bacon butties. There is a small charge of £1 but a hot drink is included.
More details about Rainbow

Playgroup at Christ Church (N1)
Held on the first floor hall of a church in Highbury Grove, it also offers access to an enclosed outdoor play area. This group, which runs in term time, is suitable for toddlers aged 30 months to five years and there is a charge ranging from £5-£50 (children over three can use their free educational provision here)
More details about the playgroup at Christ Church

Caxton House Toys Library and Drop-in
Aimed for parents/carers of underfives (babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers), it runs on Mondays and Fridays and runs all year round. Activities range from painting pictures, puzzle solving, having a messy play, using building bricks and even riding round the big hall on bikes and scooters. Refreshments are included. Membership costs £1 per year and there is a small fee to borrow toys.
More details non Caxton House toy library and drop-in

Fun Mondays at The Parent House
Play with your child and meet other parents/carers. A wide range of toys for all ages are available and the garden is open whenever possible. The drop-in is run in a building on the premises ofWintonPrimary Schooland offers a range of courses and support for parents, you can even pop in for a coffee and a chat.
More details about Fun Mondays

The Ark
A term-time, free group for under fives, it’s a great place for parents and children to meet in a playful, relaxed and friendly environment. Crafts, messy play, toy puzzles, singing, books, playing musical instruments and tea and coffee. The drop-in is in a room on the first floor, so there are a few stairs to walk up.
More details on The Ark

Highbury Roundhouse Toddler Group
A group for underfives, it offers plenty of activities to engage your tot, including arts and crafts, book corner, play dough, role play, dressing up and sing-along. There is a wide range of indoor toys and equipment, but an outside space is also on offer depending on the weather. Refreshments are available for children and grownups.
More details on Highbury Roundhouse Toddler Group

Hippo Club
A very popular term-time group held in St Augustine’s church, it provides a great range of toys, from slides and rideons to soft shapes and playhouses. There are toys for younger children and two dedicated baby areas. There is a charge of £2 per family, which includes refreshments and craft materials and you need to register. There is a waiting list, but you can attend a taster session before your membership is processed.
More details on Hippo Club

Parents and Toddlers
A term-time group for underfives held at Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission every Wednesday, it offers an extensive range of toys for children to enjoy under parents’ supervision. A friendly, relaxed environments for parents to socialise, including refreshments.
More details on Parents and Toddlers