There’s one factor you may depend on with the British climate: you may by no means depend on it – so it’s all the time price having concepts for issues to do in London within the rain with children, everytime you’re visiting town.
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Happily, you’re additionally spoiled for alternative with regards 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 concentrate on comparatively central areas the place attainable (lengthy treks throughout London within the rain, or soggy tube journeys aren’t any enjoyable), in addition to skipping something the place it’s all in regards to the views – the London Eye may be waterproof however trying throughout a cloudy drizzly skyline isn’t one of the simplest ways to expertise it! – with my prime 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 considered one of London’s many escape rooms. You’ll get to completely immerse yourselves in an imaginary world whereas fixing clues and puzzles collectively so as to escape.
Cluequest in Kings Cross presents a number of the most child-friendly escape rooms in London. Children 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 Faculty of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Play a sport of indoor loopy golf
One other of the perfect 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 every part from nostalgic seaside throwbacks to neon-clad tech-infused programs.
Nonetheless, it’s essential 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 (below 18s welcome every day till 6pm) or Junkyard Golf Membership Shoreditch and Junkyard Camden (below 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 youths 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 may combine your personal magical potions (cocktails/mocktails) on the Wizard Exploratorium.
Get aggressive at Crystal Maze Stay
Whether or not you’ve received your personal fond recollections of the Crystal Maze or fancy one thing a bit uncommon to do in London with children, the Crystal Maze Stay is a enjoyable and family-friendly immersive expertise on Shaftesbury Avenue within the coronary heart of London’s West Finish.
Mother and father will get pleasure from travelling again in time into the enduring 90s TV present, whereas children will love working across the maze with the highly-enthusiastic Maze Masters, finishing a collection of foolish themed challenges, from using an enormous buckaroo-ing spaceship to decoding riddles – it’s appropriate for youths 13+.
When you’ve completed all the challenges, you’ll even get to go contained in the Maze’s centrepiece, the Crystal Dome, the place you’ll leap round and gather gold tokens that add factors to your remaining rating.
For extra uncommon issues to do in London with children (in any climate), try this put up
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 day trip.
The massive indoor venue is residence 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 equipped 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 you must head residence and Queensway tube station is correct 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 full of 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 every day climbing classes for anybody aged 4+, with absolutely skilled supervisors guiding the way in which, in addition to morning toddler classes for energetic tots aged two to 4. You too can ebook out your entire venue for a singular youngsters’s social gathering.
Bounce round at FlipOut London
FlipOut London (E6) is London’s greatest indoor trampoline and journey park, positioned in East Ham.
Unfold over two flooring, the large 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.
Youngsters below 5 can benefit from the devoted toddler space, whereas everybody else (together with adults) can profit from the remainder of the adrenaline-fuelled actions, so it’s excellent in case you’re in search of a enjoyable London exercise for youngsters of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
Head to London’s Board Sport Cafe
Drag the children away from their iPads or PS5s and luxuriate in an excellent quaint household sport night time at London’s first Board Sport 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 get pleasure from.
There’s additionally a choice of food and drinks you may order to your desk so you may keep so long as you wish to keep away from the gloomy climate outdoors.
Be careful for… Monopoly Lifesized. Tackle challenges so as to purchase properties plus you play on a lifesize board, with a Junior Board in case you’re visiting with children.
Hit London’s world-class toy retailers
Dodge the rain by treating the children to a day exploring London’s many improbable toy retailers.
You’ll be able to 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, try my decide of the perfect
Spark their creativeness at KidZania London
Head to Westfield buying 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 every part. Youngsters can expertise working as a pilot, police officer, physician, actor, DJ or absolutely anything else they need. They even earn kidZos (KidZanian foreign money) which they will spend on different actions or on the mini-city Division Retailer.
KidZania is for youngsters aged 4-14, and over eights might be left alone after check-in so that folks can head off to discover the numerous retailers 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 considered one of London’s most uncommon cinemas – Electrical Cinema Portobello – the place as a substitute of seats, the display screen has comfortable sofas and armchairs so that you can cosy up on.
The cinema exhibits loads of new releases that are applicable for older children and youths, whereas Children 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 in case you’re visiting London with older children, try the offers on the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. in case you haven’t booked prematurely.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with children, try my prime picks
There’s lots for youthful guests to get pleasure from as properly, 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 aimed toward mini theatregoers aged six months plus.
You’ll discover performances in central London as properly: 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 may whereas away hours gazing on the waxworks on show at Madame Tussauds – and posing alongside fairly a couple of.
And there are continually updates and new figures being added: the Marvel Corridor of Heroes is all the time a favorite for followers of the flicks, there’s a Star Wars space, in addition to seeing the celebrities of sport, trend and movie.
Tickets price from round £33, together with an choice to reschedule at no cost in addition to reductions in case you ebook direct. You too can discover tickets with free cancellation from Get Your Information.
Shrek’s Journey
Shrek followers will love the prospect to stroll by means of the world of Far Far Away, assembly a number of the well-known characters together with Princess Fiona and Donkey.
There’s a problem to gather components to search out Shrek and make it residence safely, in addition to 10 themed reside exhibits and a 4D flying bus to finish Shrek’s Journey. Higher for major college aged children who’ll admire the enjoyable than for toddlers and preschoolers.
With the choice to reschedule at no cost, you can even get mixed tickets to different Merlin sights, together with the close by aquarium or London Eye. Tickets with free cancellation are additionally out there from Get Your Information.
Sea Life London Aquarium
A beautiful various to town’s zoos for animal lovers, London’s aquarium is a good place to go to with youthful children – the Sea Life London Aquarium close to the London Eye can get busy at peak instances 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 price from £24.50 for adults, £21.50 for youths, and preserve a watch out for particular presents 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 really alarming years of historical past, plus loads of particular results and rides to get your coronary heart racing even quicker.
One in all a string of areas across the UK, like the opposite Dungeons, every location has areas themed to swimsuit its personal historical past too. The London Dungeon, for instance, brings you nose to nose with the Nice Hearth and Sweeney Todd.
Kensington Palace
Childhood residence of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was a favorite of George II and his courtroom, and has additionally been residence to Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince William and Harry.
With altering exhibitions, together with a current one on royal trend, you can even see shows from Queen Victoria’s early years, from her troublesome relations along 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 may 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 courtroom with some horrible historical past positive to entertain children.
Tickets price from £20 for adults, £10 for youths, free in case you’re a Historic Royal Palaces member.
Try my overview of a day trip at Kensington Palace with children
Westminster Abbey
Unmissable in case your children are considering British historical past, over 3,300 individuals have been buried or commemorated at Westminster Abbey, together with 16 separate British monarchs (or 17, in case you imagine the bones considered the Princes within the Tower embrace these of Edward V) plus lots of their consorts.
As you discover inside, you may see the tombs of Henry V and all of the Tudors besides Henry VIII, alongside early kings equivalent 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 13th 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 may happen.
Tickets price from £29 for adults, £13 for youths, and you can even purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
For extra concepts of royal locations in London, try my decide of the perfect
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.
Should you want to ebook 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 virtually every part indoors, it’s best for a wet day too. Do ensure you ebook forward as tickets get snapped up properly 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 prospect to trip broomsticks, drink butterbeer (elective!), see the Hogwarts Specific, stroll into The Forbidden Forest and watch a dragon rampage by means of 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 improbable year-round however particularly when it’s chilly and moist outdoors. It’s price declaring that you simply received’t be the one individual considering 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 in all London’s hottest museums, the Pure Historical past Museum‘s assortment covers zoology, paleontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy, in considered one of London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.
But it surely’s the dinosaurs which draw many of the guests, not less than on the primary event, with a complete part on these eternally fascinating creatures – even when Dippy the diplodocus has been changed by Hope the blue whale skeleton.
There are frequently particular exhibitions as properly, such because the Unbelievable Beasts exhibition and Titanosaur.
Try my scavenger hunt in case you’re visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with children
The Science Museum
One other of London’s hottest museums, the Science Museum is right you probably have youngsters who wish to get palms on, with collections overlaying science and expertise 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 may comply with 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 improbable 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 isn’t probably the most clearly family-friendly of the South Kensington museums, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for youths than you may anticipate.
You’ll be able to 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 youngsters’s exercise packs to find as properly.
Try my full set of ideas for visiting the V&A with children right here
The British Museum
One of many world’s best collections overlaying human historical past, artwork and tradition, the museum has round eight million artefacts (solely a tenth are ever on show) in virtually 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 range and the fascinating tales behind so many artefacts imply that children are more likely 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 aimed toward preschoolers, plus an app that can assist you discover.
Try my full set of ideas for visiting the British Museum with children
The Museum of London
Town’s museum about London itself, the Museum of London takes you proper from prehistoric instances by means of to extra trendy 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 web site at Smithfield in 2026, though the Museum of London Docklands continues to be open
Alongside the way in which, children can uncover Romans, Saxons (together with an opportunity to pop inside a recreated Saxon home), medieval London and the plague, the Nice Hearth and extra.
There are additionally some nice household trails to comply with across the museum. Should you’re visiting with older children, try 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 number of the earliest transportation used within the metropolis.
However the highlights are firmly centered on London’s buses and tubes. In addition to having 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 youths aged below 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 House
Reopened in 2021 after an £18 million overhaul, the Museum of the House is barely toes 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 properties modified over the centuries, there are shows galore overlaying every part from altering expertise and video games to intelligent innovations, completely different interiors fashions and many interactive enjoyable as properly.
Plus, it’s additionally utterly free to go to in case you’re in search of 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 House with children
The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum won’t be town’s best-known museum, however there are a few the reason why it’s an amazing one to go to in London on a wet day with children.
To begin with, you may 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 residence 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. Periods final 45 minutes and have to be prebooked.
Then there are sometimes household trails and particular exhibitions within the museum itself, in addition to plenty of interactive enjoyable.
Nationwide Gallery
In addition to the fabulous artwork collections, there’s lots on the Nationwide Gallery for youths, together with trails to comply with and household actions.
For youthful children, there are sometimes Sunday storytelling classes on the ‘magic carpet’ aimed toward under-fives, stopping in entrance of a distinct portray every time, and stopping to color and draw is positively inspired as you discover.
Tate Fashionable
This modern artwork museum could be very welcoming to children, in addition to having the large turbine corridor to run round in.
In addition to the particular exhibitions on the Tate Fashionable, there’s lots to see at no cost, and you’ll comply with a map taking you to a number of the areas finest for households, to start out getting youthful guests excited about artwork.
*first printed 2021, final up to date 2023*
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Predominant picture, afternoon tea and Platform 9 3/4 courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
