29 issues to do in London within the rain with children

There’s one factor you’ll be able to depend on with the British climate: you’ll be able to by no means depend on it – so it’s at all times value having concepts for issues to do in London within the rain with children, everytime you’re visiting town.

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Thankfully, you’re additionally spoiled for selection in relation to concepts for wet days out in London, from the well-known museums and different indoor household sights to extra quirky issues to do with children within the rain.

I’ve stored the deal with comparatively central areas the place potential (lengthy treks throughout London within the rain, or soggy tube journeys are not any enjoyable), in addition to skipping something the place it’s all in regards to the views – the London Eye is perhaps waterproof however wanting throughout a cloudy drizzly skyline will not be one of the best ways to expertise it! – with my high 29 issues to do in London with children within the rain.

Uncommon issues to do in London within the rain

Work collectively at an Escape Room

Escape the rain outdoors with some household bonding time inside at one among London’s many escape rooms. You’ll get to completely immerse yourselves in an imaginary world whereas fixing clues and puzzles collectively with a view to escape.

Cluequest in Kings Cross provides a few of the most child-friendly escape rooms in London. Youngsters of all ages can enter Mr Q’s spy universe for Operation Black Sheep or Plan52, whereas teenagers 16+ can attempt their cool new VR escape rooms.

Another family-friendly escape rooms embrace Si5 Spy Missions Croydon (finest for youthful children) and Enigma Quests College of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Play a sport of indoor loopy golf

One other of the most effective issues to do on a wet day in London with children is a little bit of aggressive enjoyable with a sport of indoor loopy golf.

A number of elaborate themed indoor loopy golf venues have popped up throughout London over the previous couple of years, with the whole lot from nostalgic seaside throwbacks to neon-clad tech-infused programs.

Nonetheless, it’s vital to know that many of those loopy golf venues are focused in direction of adults, with on-site bars, late opening hours and an 18+ coverage.

For child-friendly indoor loopy golf in London, attempt Puttshack White Metropolis and Puttshack Financial institution (underneath 18s welcome day by day till 6pm) or Junkyard Golf Membership Shoreditch and Junkyard Camden (underneath 18s welcome Sunday to Wednesday earlier than 6pm).

Take pleasure in a kid-friendly afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a real British establishment and an effective way to spend a wet day in London for teenagers and adults alike. 

There are many cool kid-friendly afternoon teas in London to select from too.

A few my favourites embrace One Aldwych’s mouthwateringly indulgent Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility Afternoon Tea, and the Potions Room Afternoon Tea the place you’ll be able to combine your individual magical potions (cocktails/mocktails) on the Wizard Exploratorium.

Get aggressive at Crystal Maze Dwell

Whether or not you’ve bought your individual fond reminiscences of the Crystal Maze or fancy one thing a bit uncommon to do in London with children, the Crystal Maze Dwell is a enjoyable and family-friendly immersive expertise on Shaftesbury Avenue within the coronary heart of London’s West Finish.

Mother and father will take pleasure in travelling again in time into the enduring 90s TV present, whereas children will love operating across the maze with the highly-enthusiastic Maze Masters, finishing a sequence of foolish themed challenges, from using an enormous buckaroo-ing spaceship to decoding riddles – it’s appropriate for teenagers 13+. 

When you’ve completed all the challenges, you’ll even get to move contained in the Maze’s centrepiece, the Crystal Dome, the place you’ll leap round and gather gold tokens that add factors to your last rating.

For extra uncommon issues to do in London with children (in any climate), take a look at this submit

Skate, Bowl and Play at Queens

Hidden away within the West London neighbourhood of Queensway, Queens calls itself London’s ‘greatest one-stop enjoyable store’ and any child’s dream time out.

The massive indoor venue is house to central London’s solely year-round ice rink, the place you may give ice-karting a attempt, vibrant bowling alleys, a retro gaming arcade and scrumptious burgers provided by MEATliquor. 

With so many enjoyable actions in a single place, you received’t have to go outdoors within the rain all day – or till that you must head house and Queensway tube station is true subsequent door.

Get energetic at Clip’n’Climb

One other enjoyable factor to do in London within the rain with children who don’t like to sit down nonetheless for lengthy is a climbing session at Clip ‘n Climb Chelsea.

Clip‘n’Climb is filled with indoor actions, with 21 thrilling climbing challenges, plus extra wet day actions such because the Velocity Climb, the Leap of Religion and extra.

The venue runs day by day climbing classes for anybody aged 4+, with absolutely skilled supervisors guiding the best way, in addition to morning toddler classes for energetic tots aged two to 4. It’s also possible to e-book out your complete venue for a novel youngsters’s celebration.

Bounce round at FlipOut London

FlipOut London (E6) is London’s greatest indoor trampoline and journey park, situated in East Ham.

Unfold over two flooring, the massive park is an energetic child’s dream, with over 50 trampolines and stunt areas, foam pits and battle beams, a 30ft slide, 12 climbing partitions, indoor caving, a laser maze and a ninja warrior course.

Kids underneath 5 can benefit from the devoted toddler space, whereas everybody else (together with adults) can take advantage of the remainder of the adrenaline-fuelled actions, so it’s good for those who’re searching for a enjoyable London exercise for youngsters of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

Head to London’s Board Recreation Cafe

Drag the children away from their iPads or PS5s and luxuriate in a great quaint household sport evening at London’s first Board Recreation Cafe Draughts.

Now with two venues in Waterloo and Hackney, the cafes have over 1,000 distinctive board video games on their cabinets, so that you’re assured to search out one thing the entire household will take pleasure in.

There’s additionally a number of foods and drinks you’ll be able to order to your desk so you’ll be able to keep so long as you prefer to keep away from the gloomy climate outdoors.

Be careful for… Monopoly Lifesized. Tackle challenges with a view to purchase properties plus you play on a lifesize board, with a Junior Board for those who’re visiting with children.

Hit London’s world-class toy outlets

Dodge the rain by treating the children to a day exploring London’s many unbelievable toy outlets. 

You may simply spend a few hours getting misplaced exploring all seven flooring of Hamleys on Regent Road – the world’s oldest and largest toy retailer – whereas the likes of the LEGO Retailer and M&M World are simply across the nook in Leicester Sq..

Plus don’t miss the magical Harry Potter retailer at Platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross.

For extra concepts of Harry Potter areas in London, take a look at my decide of the most effective

Spark their creativeness at KidZania London

Head to Westfield procuring centre in Shepherd’s Bush the place you’ll discover KidZania – one of many coolest and most immersive children play areas within the capital. 

The 75,000sq ft real-life mini-city lets children take management of the whole lot. Kids can expertise working as a pilot, police officer, physician, actor, DJ or absolutely anything else they need. They even earn kidZos (KidZanian forex) which they will spend on different actions or on the mini-city Division Retailer.

KidZania is for youngsters aged 4-14, and over eights could be left alone after check-in so that oldsters can head off to discover the numerous outlets and eating places in Westfield. Every session is 4 hours lengthy, making it an effective way for the entire household to flee a drizzly day in London.

Watch a film at Electrical Cinema

There’s nothing fairly like spending a wet day snuggled up watching a film. So how about heading to one among London’s most uncommon cinemas – Electrical Cinema Portobello – the place as a substitute of seats, the display has comfortable sofas and armchairs so that you can cosy up on.

The cinema exhibits loads of new releases that are acceptable for older children and youths, whereas Youngsters Membership every Saturday is extra appropriate for youthful youngsters.

Together with your cinema tickets, you’ll additionally get 50% off the adjoining Electrical Diner which serves scrumptious consolation meals all day lengthy.

See a present

The West Finish is rightfully well-known for its theatre so for those who’re visiting London with older children, take a look at the offers on the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for those who haven’t booked prematurely.

For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with children, take a look at my high picks

There’s a lot for youthful guests to take pleasure in as effectively, with nice child-friendly exhibits and a few superb youngsters’s theatres. Attempt puppet and marionette exhibits on the Little Angel Theatre in Islington, whereas the Unicorn Theatre close to London Bridge is geared toward mini theatregoers aged six months plus.

You’ll discover performances in central London as effectively: on the Theatre Royal Haymarket, there are some nice household pleasant exhibits just like the Tiger Who Got here To Tea and Peppa Pig’s Enjoyable Day Out, in addition to Frozen the Musical on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Wet day household sights in London

Madame Tussauds

From celebrities to superheroes to the royal household, you’ll be able to whereas away hours gazing on the waxworks on show at Madame Tussauds – and posing alongside fairly a number of.

And there are continually updates and new figures being added: the Marvel Corridor of Heroes is at all times a favorite for followers of the films, there’s a Star Wars space, in addition to seeing the celebs of sport, vogue and movie.

Tickets value from round £33, together with an choice to reschedule free of charge in addition to reductions for those who e-book direct. It’s also possible to discover tickets with free cancellation from Get Your Information.

Shrek’s Journey

Shrek followers will love the possibility to stroll via the world of Far Far Away, assembly a few of the well-known characters together with Princess Fiona and Donkey.

There’s a problem to gather elements to search out Shrek and make it house safely, in addition to 10 themed reside exhibits and a 4D flying bus to finish Shrek’s Journey. Higher for major faculty aged children who’ll respect the enjoyable than for toddlers and preschoolers.

With the choice to reschedule free of charge, you may also get mixed tickets to different Merlin sights, together with the close by aquarium or London Eye. Tickets with free cancellation are additionally accessible from Get Your Information.

Sea Life London Aquarium

A beautiful various to town’s zoos for animal lovers, London’s aquarium is a superb place to go to with youthful children – the Sea Life London Aquarium close to the London Eye can get busy at peak occasions and on wet days.

One of many greatest collections in Europe, the aquarium homes over 500 species, 14 themed zones and greater than 2 million litres of water with some uncommon creatures, in addition to some favourites together with penguins and clownfish.

Tickets value from £24.50 for adults, £21.50 for teenagers, and hold a watch out for particular provides and weekday offers.

London Dungeons

One for older and braver children, a visit to the London Dungeons is assured to scare you into forgetting the climate, with reside actors whisking you thru 1,000 actually alarming years of historical past, plus loads of particular results and rides to get your coronary heart racing even quicker.

One among a string of areas across the UK, like the opposite Dungeons, every location has areas themed to go well with its personal historical past too. The London Dungeon, for instance, brings you nose to nose with the Nice Fireplace and Sweeney Todd.

Kensington Palace

Childhood house of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was a favorite of George II and his court docket, and has additionally been house to Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince William and Harry.

With altering exhibitions, together with a current one on royal vogue, you may also see shows from Queen Victoria’s early years, from her tough relations together with her mom to her first assembly with future husband Prince Albert, in addition to tracing her path from a princess no-one thought could be Queen to her coronation.

Elsewhere within the palace you’ll be able to nonetheless play Georgian playing video games, spot a throne, marvel on the grand staircase and picture the balls held right here – plus the seedier aspect of the royal court docket with some horrible historical past certain to entertain children.

Tickets value from £20 for adults, £10 for teenagers, free for those who’re a Historic Royal Palaces member.

Try my overview of a time out at Kensington Palace with children

Westminster Abbey

Unmissable in case your children are concerned about British historical past, over 3,300 folks have been buried or commemorated at Westminster Abbey, together with 16 separate British monarchs (or 17, for those who consider the bones considered the Princes within the Tower embrace these of Edward V) plus lots of their consorts.

As you discover inside, you’ll be able to see the tombs of Henry V and all of the Tudors besides Henry VIII, alongside early kings corresponding to Edward the Confessor, who died per week after the abbey was consecrated.

Plantagenet kings together with Henry III, who had the present abbey constructed within the 13^th century, and Edward I additionally lie right here, whereas Mary I and Elizabeth I share a tomb. The final King of England to be buried right here is George II.

And each king or queen of England has been topped right here, besides two – Edward V, who was deposed and presumed murdered earlier than his coronation, and Edward VIII who abdicated earlier than his might happen.

Tickets value from £29 for adults, £13 for teenagers, and you may also purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.

For extra concepts of royal locations in London, take a look at my decide of the most effective

Warner Bros Studio Tour

Though the Warner Bros studios aren’t in London itself, it’s solely a 20-minute prepare journey from Euston (plus the shuttle bus from Watford Junction station) to succeed in the positioning in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

When you want to e-book tickets with a coach switch, click on right here

For Potter followers – myself included – it’s the final word vacation spot at any time, however with nearly the whole lot indoors, it’s ultimate for a wet day too. Do be sure you e-book forward as tickets get snapped up effectively prematurely.

There are props galore, an array of magical creatures plus background on how the units and animatronics had been created, in addition to the possibility to trip broomsticks, drink butterbeer (elective!), see the Hogwarts Categorical, stroll into The Forbidden Forest and watch a dragon rampage via Gringotts financial institution.

London’s museums on a wet day

With world-class museums, together with free entry at so many, London’s museums are unbelievable year-round however particularly when it’s chilly and moist outdoors. It’s value stating that you simply received’t be the one individual pondering this, and tickets do want prebooking at current.

Try my full ideas for visiting London’s museums with toddlers and children

The Pure Historical past Museum

One among London’s hottest museums, the Pure Historical past Museum‘s assortment covers zoology, paleontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy, in one among London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.

But it surely’s the dinosaurs which draw a lot of the guests, at the least on the primary event, with an entire part on these eternally fascinating creatures – even when Dippy the diplodocus has been changed by Hope the blue whale skeleton.

There are commonly particular exhibitions as effectively, such because the Incredible Beasts exhibition and Titanosaur.

Try my scavenger hunt for those who’re visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with children

The Science Museum

One other of London’s hottest museums, the Science Museum is good when you have youngsters who prefer to get palms on, with collections protecting science and know-how from the oldest surviving steam locomotive to the mannequin of DNA and the forerunners of computer systems.

Together with the house and flight galleries, you’ll be able to observe humanity’s technological advances, medical historical past, areas like The Backyard and Sample Pod that are nice for youthful children, in addition to Wonderlab (one a part of the museum which does have an entry cost) which has exhibits and unbelievable interactive reveals.

Try my ideas for visiting the Science Museum with children

The Victoria & Albert Museum

The world’s largest museum of ornamental arts and design will not be essentially the most clearly family-friendly of the South Kensington museums, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for teenagers than you would possibly anticipate.

You may discover collections spanning 5,000 years of artwork, in addition to cultures from world wide (to not point out non permanent exhibitions which have featured Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland), there’s an limitless supply of inspiration.

There are numerous interactive shows, household actions and kids’s exercise packs to find as effectively.

Try my full set of ideas for visiting the V&A with children right here

The British Museum

One of many world’s biggest collections protecting human historical past, artwork and tradition, the museum has round eight million artefacts (solely a tenth are ever on show) in nearly 100 galleries.

I’ve been visiting the British Museum since I used to be a baby myself, fascinated by the Egyptian galleries – and the sheer scale of things on show, the variability and the fascinating tales behind so many artefacts imply that youngsters are prone to be simply as enthralled, whether or not it’s by the mummified crocodile, the Easter Island Moai or one thing else.

There are additionally some nice trails, together with ones geared toward preschoolers, plus an app that will help you discover.

Try my full set of ideas for visiting the British Museum with children 

The Museum of London

The town’s museum about London itself, the Museum of London takes you proper from prehistoric occasions via to extra fashionable eras, exploring the individuals who lived on the positioning over the centuries and the way their affect endures.

EDIT: The museum is quickly closed till reopening in its new website at Smithfield in 2026, though the Museum of London Docklands remains to be open

Alongside the best way, children can uncover Romans, Saxons (together with an opportunity to pop inside a recreated Saxon home), medieval London and the plague, the Nice Fireplace and extra.

There are additionally some nice household trails to observe across the museum. When you’re visiting with older children, take a look at the Museum of London Docklands too – additional out in east London, there are some fascinating shows about London’s river and dock historical past.

The London Transport Museum

The gathering on the London Transport Museum in Covent Backyard begins with sedan chairs and carriage, in addition to a few of the earliest transportation used within the metropolis.

However the highlights are firmly centered on London’s buses and tubes. In addition to with the ability to see altering designs for London’s transport and the event of the well-known tube map and indicators, children can fake to drive a bus and get behind the controls of a tube prepare simulator.

There’s additionally a particular play space for teenagers aged underneath seven, plus common household and craft actions, and particular exhibitions together with the Hidden London space.

Try my overview of a go to to the London Transport Museum with children

The Museum of the Residence

Reopened in 2021 after an £18 million overhaul, the Museum of the Residence is just ft away from Hoxton Overground station – and whereas the gardens received’t be at their finest on a wet day, the shows inside are fascinating.

In addition to the interval rooms, displaying how houses modified over the centuries, there are shows galore protecting the whole lot from altering know-how and video games to intelligent innovations, totally different interiors fashions and plenty of interactive enjoyable as effectively.

Plus, it’s additionally utterly free to go to for those who’re searching for concepts for a wet day in London with children that received’t break the financial institution.

Try my overview of visiting the Museum of the Residence with children

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum may not be town’s best-known museum, however there are a few the explanation why it’s an awesome one to go to in London on a wet day with children.

Initially, you’ll be able to hop on board the Mail Rail – beneath the museum are the unique tunnels and station platforms of London’s 100-year-old postal railway, which as soon as delivered mail throughout town. 

It’s additionally house to Sorted! The Postal Play Area – a play space that designed as a mini city, with streets and buildings, plus heaps to push, pull, slide down and extra. Classes final 45 minutes and should be prebooked.

Then there are sometimes household trails and particular exhibitions within the museum itself, in addition to a lot of interactive enjoyable.

Nationwide Gallery

In addition to the fabulous artwork collections, there’s a lot on the Nationwide Gallery for teenagers, together with trails to observe and household actions.

For youthful children, there are sometimes Sunday storytelling classes on the ‘magic carpet’ geared toward under-fives, stopping in entrance of a special portray every time, and stopping to color and draw is positively inspired as you discover.

Tate Fashionable

This up to date artwork museum could be very welcoming to children, in addition to having the massive turbine corridor to run round in.

In addition to the particular exhibitions on the Tate Fashionable, there’s a lot to see free of charge, and you may observe a map taking you to a few of the areas finest for households, to start out getting youthful guests interested by artwork.

*first printed 2021, final up to date 2023*

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Important picture, afternoon tea and Platform 9 3/4 courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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