43 Things To Do With Kids On A Rainy Day in London
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Rain, rain go away - but it won't disrupt my day! There is so much you can do when the clouds come out so have no fear, get out your rain coats and take a trip out in London with the endless options of indoor activities you can do with your kids today!
As well as your standard trips to the bowling alley or cinema, check out our list of unconventional activities and events that London has to offer.
Indoor Activities For Kids In North London
1) You don't have to be wet just because of the rain - stick on the armbands and get your family down to Finchley Lido Leisure Centre for a splash around in the pool.
2) Speaking of armbands, Cloud 9 Leisure has loads of inflatable fun! Jump around with the whole family today in this bouncy wonderland.
3) Put away the wellies and get out your wizard cloaks for a magical Harry Potter Tour, starting at King's Cross Station and taking you on a luxury coach trip to the mesmerising Warner Bros. Studio to see Harry Potter in all it's back-stage and production glory.
4) Are you the parents of tiny chefs? Well if not, then you could be with an amazing Cooking for Tiny Londoners Workshop with Pasta 'n' Play where your little ones can cook up a storm (and not in your kitchen)!
5) Slap on some elbow grease and get yourselves down to a Pottery And Ceramics Workshop in Hampstead where you can create a brand new crockery set with all the family!
6) If running around outside may give you a chill, why not find an energetic release at the Flip Out Trampoline Park in Brent Cross. The whole family can jump, flip and somersault altogether in this safe and fun-filled trampolining experience.
7) Why not merge a food and an activity? London offers many Interactive Eating Experiences - The Rainforest Cafe is an immersive jungle adventure where you can have your supper while listening to the noises of exotic wildlife and amazonian storms.
Alternatively, The Cereal Killer Cafe in Camden offers a buffet of Cereals - who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?
8) Just a hop, skip and jump away from The Cereal Killer Cafe, round your day off with a family game of crazy golf at the child-friendly Plonk Golf in Camden Market. A new and fun experience for all the family whether you're looking for some competitive playing or just want to have a laugh.
9) Race over to the Ace Cafe to see the wondrous world of 20th century transport. This establishment, just off the North Circular Road, houses classic cars and motorbikes plus an extensive menu from breakfasts to dessert - this place has it all!
South Of The River
10) Looking for something a bit more artsy? Attend Family Saturdays at Battersea Arts Centre once a month with an ever-changing and always fun workshop schedule!
11) Sweet tooth and a hankering for site seeing? Hop on board the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for tea and cakes on a classic london bus!
12) Plug yourself into an audio guide while you soak up the beauty and culture of Westminster Abbey.
13) Experience the Wonderlab in the Science Museum, host to over fifty spectacular and educational exhibitions, shows and demonstrations.
14) How do you fancy sipping tea surrounded by beautiful art at the Painted Hall? Family-friendly and delicious!
15) Creating art out of raindrops - what better activity could there be for rainy days? Bring yourselves down to the Unicorn Theatre: Water Drops Workshop where you can get creative with rain, in more than one way!
16) Everyone's in dyer need of a Rainbow Bagel, so why not learn to make them at home at a Rainbow Bagel Making Workshop in Putney.
17) Whether it's just before bed or the middle of the day everyone loves a story and a sing-song. For kids aged 0-5, enjoy an interactive Rug Rhymes session at the Southbank Centre.
18) Change those wellies for your dancing shoes to join a day-time family party with Ankle Groovers, because who doesn't want to get out the glow sticks and listen to some funky music?
19) Bringing your children's favourite programme to life with Peppa Pig: My First Concert 2020. Get the whole family to follow this musical journey for children aged 2-8.
20) When the sky is grey, bring some colour back into your life with this Slices of Time art exhibition at the NOW! Gallery.
21) We all love a good museum, but we love it even more when it's free!Follow us into the prehistoric Natural History Museum, fly over to The RAF Museum or explore the wondrous V&A Museum.
22) Visit The Golden Hinde to follow the journeys of Sir Francis Drake. You'll be all hands on deck with this immersive docked experience.
23) Join the creative community of The Workshop event space with it's frequently changing schedule and array of activity options. See what's on today!
24) How about getting crafty without having to worry about the mess? If that sounds good get yourself over the Craft Club at Deptford Lounge, perfect for your creative little ones.
25) Looking for a good slime? Then slide across to world's first Slime Planet - an all-slime venue for all your slimy needs.
26) Shop till you drop at the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre with over sixty shops and a vast choice for food options too.
Escape The Rain In East London
27) Off with your heads and into the Tower of London for a big dose of British history. Learn about the kings and queen and all things gruesome.
28) Step into the shoes of Harry Houdini and try The Escapist Escape Room. Do you reckon your family can make it out in time?
29) The Barbican has so much to offer for indoor activities with kids such as the Barbican Children’s Library and the Squish Space to keep the really little ones occupied.
30) Nothing says rainy day like a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. Explore the beauty of London's most famous cathedral.
31) Get up and run! Learn your bingo lingo at this Family Brunch Bingo near Aldgate Station.
32) Ahoy Adventurers! Looking for a hearty day out and mission to explore? Head over to the Museum of London Docklands for a Family Quest - Adventure of the Docks!
33) Come with me and you'll see an Institute of Imagination. This pimped out fire-station is a venue for endless opportunities of family-fun.
Waddle Down To West London
34) Visit any of the shows on at the West End theatres: Sing along with The Lion King or have your bellies aching after The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.
35) Why not be a tourist for a day and see the sights of London city with the retro feels of a Classic Bus Tour.
36) Wand-er over to the Le Méridien Hotel to see a close up magician perform for an intimate audience at this Sleight of Hand event.
37) Go back in time with a live action remake of everyone's favourite historical kids show. Learn about Barmy Britain (part 5) with Horrible Histories at the Apollo Theatre.
38) Get out your popcorn and seat yourselves comfortably for an exclusive screening of Frozen II (and many other films) at Kids’ Kino Club.
39) A collision of Afro-cuban, ballet, street and contemporary dance, see this spectacular show at the Peacock Theatre: Ballet Revolucion.
40) Brighten up your rainy Sunday with the Kids’ Club at The Aeronaut. Get crafty or play a board game in this big top tent for all the family!
41) Gallivant around this hub of variety market stall in the completely covered Covent Garden Market. Seek out special deals and cheeky bargains before finishing off at Venchi for some refreshing gelato.
42) Peek inside the human body with this all-revealing extravaganza of anatomy. Body Worlds is home to real life human bodies who display the secrets beneath the skin.
43) Fancy a bit of Freaky Friday and trading places with your children in the workplace? At KidZaniayour child can take on the role of a real profession while you put your feet up on your day off.
Covent Garden Square Mile Brixton Camden Town North London Greater London Docklands Putney Hampstead Barbican Westminster Greenwich East London Aldwych South Bank London Finchley Central London Deptford Aldgate South London United Kingdom England St Paul's Kings Cross London Bridge West London South Kensington Battersea Tower Hill Shepherd's Bush Piccadilly Elephant and Castle
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A London native with a passion for theater and music, Josie loves nothing more than getting lost in the vibrant world of the West End. With her family by her side, she can be found dancing to her favorite musicals and discovering new hidden gems across the city. Her older sister is a great resource for vegan dining recommendations, and Josie is always excited to explore new culinary adventures. When not in a theater seat or sampling new cuisine, she loves to visit the Victoria Palace Theatre and take in the sights and sounds of Borough Market.
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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.