31 issues to do in London within the rain with youngsters

There’s one factor you possibly can depend on with the British climate: you possibly can by no means depend on it – so it’s all the time value having concepts for issues to do in London within the rain with youngsters everytime you’re visiting the town.

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Thankfully, you’re additionally spoiled for selection 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 youngsters within the rain.

I’ve saved the concentrate on comparatively central places the place attainable (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 concerning the views – the London Eye is likely to be waterproof however wanting throughout a cloudy drizzly skyline will not be one of the simplest ways to expertise it! – with my prime 29 issues to do in London with youngsters within the rain.

Wet day household sights in London

Sea Life London Aquarium

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

One of many largest 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 teenagers, and hold an eye fixed out for particular provides and weekday offers.

Shrek’s Journey

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

There’s a problem to gather substances to seek out Shrek and make it dwelling safely, in addition to 10 themed stay reveals and a 4D flying bus to finish Shrek’s Journey. Higher for major college aged youngsters who’ll admire the enjoyable than for toddlers and preschoolers.

With the choice to reschedule at no cost, you too can get mixed tickets to different Merlin sights, together with the close by aquarium or London Eye. Tickets with free cancellation are additionally obtainable from Get Your Information.

Madame Tussauds

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

And there are continuously updates and new figures being added: the Marvel Corridor of Heroes is all the time a favorite for followers of the films, there’s a Star Wars space, in addition to seeing the celebrities of sport, style and movie.

Tickets price from round £33, together with an choice to reschedule at no cost in addition to reductions for those who e-book direct. You may also discover tickets with free cancellation from Get Your Information.

London Dungeons

One for older and braver youngsters, a visit to the London Dungeons is assured to scare you into forgetting the climate, with stay 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 places 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 head to head with the Nice Hearth and Sweeney Todd.

Kensington Palace

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

With altering exhibitions, together with a current one on royal style, you too can see shows from Queen Victoria’s early years, from her tough 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 possibly can 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 certain to entertain youngsters.

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

Take a look at my assessment of a time out at Kensington Palace with youngsters

Westminster Abbey

Unmissable in case your youngsters are all for 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 regarded as the Princes within the Tower embrace these of Edward V) plus lots of their consorts.

As you discover inside, you possibly can see the tombs of Henry V and all of the Tudors besides Henry VIII, alongside early kings equivalent to Edward the Confessor, who died every week after the abbey was consecrated.

Plantagenet kings together with Henry III, who had the present abbey constructed within the thirteenth 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 price from £29 for adults, £13 for teenagers, and you too can purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.

For extra concepts of royal locations in London, try my choose of one of the best

Warner Bros Studio Tour

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

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

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 experience broomsticks, drink butterbeer (elective!), see the Hogwarts Categorical, stroll into The Forbidden Forest and watch a dragon rampage via Gringotts financial institution.

In case you favor to e-book tickets with a coach switch, click on right here

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is well essentially the most well-known of London’s bridges, and in addition to getting a view of its well-known blue and white paint, you possibly can head inside to find its historical past.

There’s an opportunity to face on the glass walkway and look down, head into the engine rooms, and there are common household actions for teenagers too.

Take a look at the Tower Bridge Path for Little Explorers and household path app. Purchase tickets to Tower Bridge through the Tiqets web site and there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Take a look at the Tower Bridge Cat sequence of tales too, one in all my picks for the finest youngsters books about London

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 mentioning that you just received’t be the one individual pondering this, and it’s smart to prebook throughout college holidays specifically.

Take a look at my full ideas for visiting London’s museums with toddlers and youngsters

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 in all London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.

But it surely’s the dinosaurs which draw a lot 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 repeatedly particular exhibitions as effectively, such because the Incredible Beasts exhibition and Titanosaur.

Take a look at my scavenger hunt for those who’re visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with youngsters

The Science Museum

One other of London’s hottest museums, the Science Museum is right you probably have youngsters who prefer to get arms 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 area and flight galleries, you possibly can comply with humanity’s technological advances, medical historical past, areas like The Backyard and Sample Pod that are nice for youthful youngsters, in addition to Wonderlab (one a part of the museum which does have an entry cost) which has reveals and unbelievable interactive reveals.

Take a look at my ideas for visiting the Science Museum with youngsters

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 count on.

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

There are numerous interactive shows, household actions and youngsters’s exercise packs to find as effectively. The sister museum, the Younger V&A (previously the Museum of Childhood) is in Bethnal Inexperienced relatively than South Kensington, however makes one other nice possibility for a wet day in London.

Take a look at my full set of ideas for visiting the V&A with youngsters right here

The Younger V&A (Museum of Childhood)

After being closed for years, the London Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Inexperienced reopened in summer season 2023 with a brand new look and a brand new title – the Younger V&A.

With its shows of toys and video games, it has been a household favorite for years (not least for the nostalgia worth), and the much-loved highlights can even be returning alongside some new future favourites – look out for Kermit the frog becoming a member of the gathering, which incorporates one of many oldest Paddington toys in existence.

Nevertheless whereas the constructing is similar grand corridor, youngsters have been concerned in arising with the redesigned look, now themed round three galleries: Play, Think about and Design. There are areas to attraction to the youngest guests, the place studying is effectively disguised as play, plus the possibility to design your personal recreation, get impressed to be inventive and extra.

The emphasis is on giving youngsters loads of possibilities to get arms on, whether or not that’s acting on stage, listening to storytelling, creating Minecraft cities or hitting the sandpit, in addition to new gadgets happening show, with a complete of two,000 gadgets to get pleasure from.

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 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 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 can assist you discover.

Take a look at my full set of ideas for visiting the British Museum with youngsters 

The London Museum Docklands

One of many metropolis’s museums specializing in London itself, the London Museum Docklands sits in a transformed warehouse on West India Quay, as soon as the center of London’s thriving docks trade, and it’s the right place to find this aspect of the capital.

Galleries are set out in chronological order, so guests journey from late Tudor instances via to the fashionable day, when London’s monetary district took over the realm, with trails to assist discover.

In addition to interactive sections, equivalent to strolling via a recreation of Sailortown and searching inside an air raid shelter, there are shows on slaver, in addition to on the Nice Stink and the Nice Dock Strike, so some harder-hitting subjects coated right here.

Whereas among the shows will attraction extra to older youngsters, there’s a terrific play space referred to as Mudlarks for youthful ones – the primary museum is free however there’s a small cost for Mudlarks, and prebooking is strongly suggested.

The London Museum (previously the Museum of London) is briefly closed till it reopens in its new web site at Smithfield in 2026, though the London Museum Docklands continues to be open

The London Transport Museum

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

However the highlights are firmly targeted 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, youngsters can fake to drive a bus and get behind the controls of a tube practice simulator.

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

Take a look at my assessment of a go to to the London Transport Museum with youngsters

The Museum of the Dwelling

Reopened in 2021 after an £18 million overhaul, the Museum of the Dwelling is barely 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, exhibiting how properties modified over the centuries, there are shows galore protecting the whole lot from altering know-how and video games to intelligent innovations, completely different interiors fashions and many interactive enjoyable as effectively.

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

Take a look at my assessment of visiting the Museum of the Dwelling with youngsters

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum won’t be the town’s best-known museum, however there are a few explanation why it’s a terrific one to go to in London on a wet day with youngsters.

Initially, you possibly can 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 the town. 

It’s additionally dwelling to Sorted! The Postal Play Area – a play space that designed as a mini city, with streets and buildings, plus tons 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 numerous interactive enjoyable.

Imperial Battle Museum London

Based in the course of the First World Battle, the galleries on the Imperial Battle Museum concentrate on the experiences of individuals affected by battle, so when you’ll additionally get to see some very giant weapons, planes hanging from the ceiling and collections of medals, there’s extra emphasis on particular person tales.

A brand new gallery protecting the Second World Battle was added in 2021, good for teenagers finding out it in school, and the museum runs common household occasions throughout college holidays – current ones have coated the whole lot from spies and espionage to battle in video and laptop video games.

There’s a separate exhibition on the Holocaust as effectively, though that is solely beneficial for kids aged 14+.

Tickets for IWM London can be found on the door – you could have to attend at busy instances so prebooking timed entry slots is beneficial.

Older youngsters can even get pleasure from visiting the Churchill Battle Rooms, the place you will get a glimpse what life would have been like in these secret corridors in the course of the tense days and nights of the Second World Battle

Nationwide Gallery

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

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

Tate Trendy

This modern artwork museum could be very welcoming to youngsters, in addition to having the massive turbine corridor to run round in.

In addition to the particular exhibitions on the Tate Trendy, there’s lots to see at no cost, and you’ll comply with a map taking you to among the areas finest for households, to begin getting youthful guests desirous about artwork.

Uncommon issues to do in London within the rain

See a present

The West Finish is rightfully well-known for its theatre so for those who’re visiting London with older youngsters, try the offers on the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for those who haven’t booked upfront in addition to Todaytix.

For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with youngsters, try my prime picks

There’s lots for youthful guests to get pleasure from as effectively, with nice child-friendly reveals and a few wonderful youngsters’s theatres. Attempt puppet and marionette reveals 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: Matilda is all the time a winner with youngsters, otherwise you’ll discover loads of Julia Donaldson diversifications, equivalent to The Smartest Large in City.

Work collectively at an Escape Room

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

Cluequest in Kings Cross provides among 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 youngsters) and Enigma Quests Faculty of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Play a recreation of indoor loopy golf

One other of one of the best issues to do on a wet day in London with youngsters is a little bit of aggressive enjoyable with a recreation 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.

Nevertheless, it’s necessary to know that many of those loopy golf venues are focused in the 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).

Get pleasure from 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 unit Afternoon Tea, and the Wizard Afternoon Tea the place you possibly can combine your personal magical potions (cocktails/mocktails) on the Wizard Exploratorium.

Get aggressive at Crystal Maze Reside

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 youngsters, the Crystal Maze Reside is a enjoyable and family-friendly immersive expertise on Shaftesbury Avenue within the coronary heart of London’s West Finish.

Dad and mom will get pleasure from travelling again in time into the long-lasting 90s TV present, whereas youngsters will love working across the maze with the highly-enthusiastic Maze Masters, finishing a sequence of foolish themed challenges, from driving a large buckaroo-ing spaceship to decoding riddles – it’s appropriate for teenagers 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 soar round and accumulate gold tokens that add factors to your last rating.

For extra uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters (in any climate), try this publish

Skate, Bowl and Play at Queens

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

The massive indoor venue is dwelling 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 must go outdoors within the rain all day – or till you have to head dwelling and Queensway tube station is correct subsequent door.

Get lively at Clip’n’Climb

One other enjoyable factor to do in London within the rain with youngsters who don’t like to take a seat 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 every day climbing classes for anybody aged 4+, with totally educated supervisors guiding the way in which, in addition to morning toddler classes for lively tots aged two to 4. You may also e-book out all the venue for a novel youngsters’s occasion.

Bounce round at FlipOut London

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

Unfold over two flooring, the massive park is an lively 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 below 5 can benefit from the devoted toddler space, whereas everybody else (together with adults) can benefit from the remainder of the adrenaline-fuelled actions, so it’s good for those who’re on the lookout for a enjoyable London exercise for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

Head to London’s Board Sport Cafe

Drag the youngsters away from their iPads or PS5s and luxuriate in quaint household recreation 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 seek out one thing the entire household will get pleasure from.

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

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

Hit London’s world-class toy retailers

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

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 places in London, try my choose of one of the best

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 in all 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 reveals loads of new releases that are acceptable for older youngsters and teenagers, whereas Children Membership every Saturday is extra appropriate for youthful youngsters.

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

*first revealed 2021, final up to date 2024*

PIN FOR LATER: RAINY DAYS IN LONDON WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

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

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