Family Outings for Rainy Days in London

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to nearly 400 species of aquatic life, from sharks and piranhas to Nemo-style clownfish. Don't miss the daily feeds and talks, where you see sharks and species usually found in coral reefs and rainforests enjoying their lunch. A much nicer way to surround yourself with water than being soaked outdoors!

Why sit in front of the TV when you can go behind it? The CBBC Experience takes you backstage at the BBC's kids channel. The tour includes a chance to play in the interactive studio, visit the Blue Peter Garden, and become Diddy Dick and Diddy Dom. Plus you never know which CBBC (or BBC) stars you'll bump into along the way!

Do something different at Discover, a children's story-making centre in Stratford. You can dress up, explore a secret cave, and even visit a pirate ship! Aimed at families with children aged 0-11, it makes for a fantastic day indoors. And if the weather does pick up, enjoy your organic sandwich lunch outside in the Story Garden.

London's most famous toyshop, Hamleys, is the perfect place to while away a few hours. Its Regent Street store has seven floors to explore; arts and crafts, action toys and soft toys too. Keep an eye out for demonstrations of cool new products. After shopping, head to Hamleys' Regal Tea Café to create your own pizza or sundae.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter films. You'll be able to see firsthand the actual sets, costumes, animatronics, special effects and props used in all eight of the Harry Potter films. Tickets on sale from 13 October, the attraction opens 31 March 2012

Horniman Museum in South East London is packed full of exhibitions and activities about the cultural and natural world. Hear musical instruments from around the globe, gaze at a Fijian reef in the aquarium or follow a special gallery trail. The Horniman also has events: storytelling, puppet workshops, and arts and crafts.

When it's raining outside, head into the heat in the kitchens of the Kids Cookery School. As well as learning to prepare healthy dishes, kids find out about food from other cultures, basic nutrition, and health and safety. Pop in during the holidays for open cookery lessons, or book for the after-school cookery club. Jamie Oliver would be proud!

The Royal Institute (RI) has been a research centre since 1799. Learn about past scientific breakthroughs and brand-new scientific ideas at the in-house museum. Look around Michael Faraday's laboratory complete with a hologram of the scientist. Family Fun Days include hands-on activities, exciting demonstrations and interesting talks.

Part of the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory is home to Greenwich Mean Time, the Meridian line and London's planetarium. There's plenty to do, after you've jumped between the eastern and the western hemispheres! Take in a planetarium show, see London's only camera obscura, or visit the time galleries.

Snuggle down into your seat and wait for your eyes to boggle at the Science Museum's amazing 3D IMAX screen. Experience a rocket launch in Space Station, float with jellyfish in Deep Sea, or see a Velociraptor in Dinosaurs Alive! Caught in a sudden rain shower on the Southbank? Head to the BFI IMAX instead.

From well-known stories to brand-new productions, the purpose-built Unicorn Theatre for Children has something to suit all ages and tastes. Handily located near to London's Tower Bridge, it makes a great stop-off when the weather turns bad. There are two theatre spaces offering a packed programme for kids between 4 and 12 years old.

Escape the showers at The V&A Museum of Childhood. The collection includes rag dolls, teddy bears, board games, dolls' houses and more; some date from the 16th century. Parents can reminisce, while kids learn about the days before computers and battery-powered toys! There are free activities and tours every day.