Family Outings for Rainy Days in London

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to some 500 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!

Discover

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, you can head outdoors and explore the Story Garden.

Hamleys

London's most famous toyshop, Hamleys, is the perfect place to wile away a few hours. Its Regent Street store has seven floors to explore; full of arts and crafts, action toys and soft toys. Keep an eye out for demonstrations of cool new products and special events. Refuel in-store with a cake, milkshake or treats from the sweet shop.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Have a magical day out on a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter films at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. See first-hand the actual sets, costumes, animatronics, special effects and props used in all eight of the Harry Potter films, and step inside some of the films' famous locations including the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office and Hagrid's hut.

Horniman Museum

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 holds special events, such as storytelling, puppet workshops, and arts and crafts.

Kids' Cookery School

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 explore food from other cultures, basic nutrition, and health and safety. Jamie Oliver would be proud! Pop in during the holidays for open cookery lessons or why not have your birthday party there. 

The Royal Institution

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 magnetic laboratory and get involved in Family Fun Days, with hands-on activities, exciting demonstrations and interesting talks.

Royal Observatory

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 public camera obscura, or visit the time galleries.

Science Museum IMAX

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 meet orphaned orangutans in Born To Be Wild! Caught in a sudden rain shower on the Southbank? Head to the BFI IMAX instead.

Unicorn Theatre

From well-known stories to brand-new productions, the purpose-built Unicorn Theatre has something to suit all ages and tastes. Handily located near to Tower Bridge, it makes a great stop-off when the weather turns bad. There are two theatre spaces offering a packed programme for children and young people.

V&A Museum of Childhood

Escape the showers at the V&A Museum of Childhood. The collection includes rag dolls, teddy bears, board games, dolls' houses and more; some dating back to 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.