Indoor kids activities in London for rainy days: a guide

At the Postal Museum you’re getting two experiences in one, the main museum and the Mail Rail, that means double the fun when the weather is a little wet. The Postal Museum is a family-friendly attraction dedicated to the postal service. Here, kids will discover everything from Victorian valentine cards to interactive games – we love the one where you have to help the mail coach and driver outrun a highwayman to ensure the mail reaches London in time!

Be sure to snap a photo of the kids dressed up in the postal workers' uniforms from over the years. We particularly enjoyed getting creative designing our own stamps – this is just one of the many activities that have the little ones getting hands-on.

Kids will really love the Mail Rail, London’s 100-year-old postal railway. Jumping aboard the miniature train, it's a thrill to travel through the tunnels underneath London’s Mount Pleasant sorting office. As you travel along the track – which stretches all the way from Paddington to Whitechapel – you can enjoy interactive exhibits and an audio-visual show.

Best for: Lovers of unique history and families with young kids who like interactive play.
Good to know: All tickets give unlimited access to the museum for one year from your day of visit – which can be fantastic for school holidays when they host special events and takeovers. Tickets for Sorted! are separate to standard museum entry and should be booked in advance as it gets quite busy.

Swap grey skies for mind-bending illusions at the Paradox Museum where nothing is meant to make sense. With more than 50 thrilling exhibits, which are all fully interactive, there’s plenty for kids of all ages to lose themselves in.

The 25 themed rooms include a Camouflage space where you’ll find yourself vanishing into the walls. In the Reversed Room, gravity-defying illusions flip everything upside down. We challenge you to walk in a straight line in the dizzying Paradox Tunnel – it's harder than it looks!

Each selfie-worthy space has its own captivating element and makes for a fun memento on your London day out with the kids.

Just a short walk from the famous Harrods department store, we’d suggest pairing your visit with a spot of shopping. Check out the toy department which has everything from LEGO to Jellycat, or satisfy that sweet tooth in Harrods’ impressive Chocolate Hall.

Best for: Optical illusions, funny family photos and older kids who love interactive experiences.
Good to know: Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and school holidays. Most exhibits are designed to be photographed, so make sure your phone storage is ready. 

Step out of rainy London and into famous artworks at FRAMELESS, London’s immersive gallery space where paintings are brought to life through wall to ceiling projections.

We’d recommend starting in the Beyond Reality gallery – one of the largest spaces it's a great introduction to the experience with its colourful visuals and whimsical music – with plenty of space to move around the room as they get familiar. We love the Colour in Motion gallery as little ones can run through the paint brush strokes, causing them to scatter across the room.

During school holidays FRAMELESS will often put on special events for little ones and the dedicated Parent and Toddler ticket offers a relaxed way for families to enjoy the space.

Best for: Creative kids, immersive art experiences and slower rainy-day afternoons.
Good to know: Buggy parking and baby changing facilities are available on-site. Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and school holidays.

Shrek and Donkey – on another adventure! And this time you’re invited along for the ride. Shrek’s Adventure! London brings all your favourite characters from the hit film and, through captivating storytelling and dramatic special effects, makes the whole family a part of the world.

We don’t think you have to be a fan of the film to enjoy the ‘Shrekverse’ to have a good time, as this interactive walkthrough attraction brings to life a fairytale that any kid will find hilariously entertaining.

Why not turn it into a full family film-themed day out? Just a short walk away, families can also visit the Paddington Bear Experience making this a handy central London spot when the weather takes a turn. With the London Pass you can tick off both attractions (plus the nearby SEA LIFE London Aquarium – another great rainy-day option) for less.

Best for: Younger children, interactive storytelling and family-friendly immersive experiences.
Good to know: Some areas can be loud or dark for smaller children, so it’s worth checking.

The London Dungeon is an excellent choice for older kids who enjoy getting a little spooked. Combining live actors, special effects and theatrical storytelling, the immersive experience dives into some of the capital’s darkest historical tales.

Families travel through a series of themed walkthrough sets inspired by gruesome moments from London’s past, from Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd to torture chambers and haunted alleyways. You’ll definitely want to keep your wits about you for this one.

Our favourite part has to be the Drop Dead ride, which delivers one final thrill before the experience comes to an end. We’d recommend this more for tweens and teenagers rather than younger children, especially those who enjoy horror films, spooky attractions and jump scares.

Best for: Brave tweens, spooky storytelling and theatrical thrills.
Good to know: There are several loud moments and jump scares throughout the experience. Booking online ahead of visiting is usually cheaper than buying tickets on the day. 

Alongside the Science Museum’s impressive collection of artefacts and exhibitions, you’ll also find the interactive Wonderlab – a hands-on gallery designed to spark curiosity through experiments, challenges and playful scientific discovery.

Kids can explore everything from light, sound and electricity to space and engineering through interactive installations designed to encourage learning through play. We love that the live Explainer demonstrations happen throughout the day, giving children the chance to watch electrifying experiments and scientific reactions up close.

The gallery strikes a nice balance between lively activities and slower hands-on tasks, making it ideal for school-aged children who enjoy getting involved rather than simply observing from the sidelines. We’d also recommend allowing extra time to explore the wider Science Museum afterwards.

Best for: Curious kids, budding scientists and hands-on learning.
Good to know: Wonderlab requires a separate paid ticket from the main museum. Booking earlier online can often mean cheaper ticket prices, especially during weekends and school holidays. 

You could easily lose a whole afternoon in these sister museums – one home to world-famous art, fashion and performance history, and the other designed entirely around imagination, play and hands-on creativity.

The V&A in South Kensington is particularly brilliant for older kids and teens, especially those interested in fashion, theatre, design and film. Galleries span everything from sparkling jewellery and ancient artefacts to blockbuster exhibitions celebrating some of the world’s most influential designers and creatives. We think the theatre and performance collection is one of the museum’s real hidden gems, showcasing daring costumes, props, puppets and manuscripts from major productions across opera, comedy and musical theatre.

Meanwhile, the Young V&A in east London is all about exploration, imagination and getting stuck in. Kids are encouraged to touch, build, climb and play throughout the colourful interactive galleries. Continuing the theatre theme, there’s even a stage space where little ones can put on their own performances, alongside sensory play areas filled with sand pits, soft textures and sparkling installations. We’d definitely recommend booking onto one of the creative workshops if available, and the temporary exhibitions are always fantastic too – previous themes have included Japanese manga and Wallace and Gromit.

Best for: Creative kids, budding performers and curious teens.
Good to know: Entry to both museums is free, although some exhibitions and workshops require paid tickets.

Step into the game at Activate, the world’s first active gaming facility where kids can run,  jump, throw and problem-solve their way through a series of fast-paced challenges. Each interactive game room combines physical activity with gaming-style challenges, making this a high-energy indoor activity that older kids and teens will love.

There are multiple game rooms to explore, each with different themes, difficulty levels and challenges. We couldn’t get enough of the numbers game, racing between the flashing buttons on the walls while trying to beat the clock. There’s plenty of cheering when your team makes it to the next level, and the competitive atmosphere makes it hard not to get completely hooked.

We also loved that you can jump between rooms throughout your session depending on what takes your fancy, although you may need to wait your turn if another group is playing. For kids who enjoy quizzes and puzzles, there’s even a basketball-meets-trivia game that mixes physical challenges with problem-solving.

Expect to work up a bit of a sweat, but luckily there are lockers, snacks, water refill stations and seating areas if you need a quick breather before heading back in. We ended up extending our session because we were having so much fun.

Best for: Tweens, teenagers and competitive family outings.
Good to know: Comfortable clothes and trainers are recommended as some challenges are physically demanding. “All You Can Play” tickets offer unlimited access during your session, allowing families to replay games as many times as they like.

Take on a sci-fi adventure at Laser Quest Greenwich – who cares if it’s raining when you’ve got a mission to complete? Kids will love getting lost in the laser tag labyrinth, where catwalks, mazes, swirling fog and special effects transport players into a whole new world.

Dramatic music and flashing lights set the scene as the challenge begins. Score as many points as possible during the 20-minute game while avoiding your opponents’ lasers. Whether you’re teaming up with family members or taking on the challenge solo, there’s no telling who might come out on top.

Alongside laser tag, the venue also features VR experiences, a 5D cinema and arcade-style amusements. We think this is a great shout for birthday parties and competitive siblings who love a challenge.

Best for: Competitive kids, birthday parties and rainy-day family fun.
Good to know: Laser Quest sessions are suitable for children aged six and above. Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and school holidays. 

Let’s just say classic mini golf has met its match with Puttshack, a high-tech interactive golfing experience that hooks players from the very first putt.

Thanks to special tracking technology, every successful shot and hilarious mishap is automatically added to your score, making it perfect for families who get extra competitive. It also means you can focus less on keeping score and more on having fun.

We love that the best golfers do not always come out on top here, thanks to interactive challenges scattered across the course. From hazard traps to bonus point zones and the supertube, a few lucky shots can quickly change the leaderboard and keep everyone entertained.

Best for: Competitive families, group outings and rainy-day activities.
Good to know: Recommended for children aged seven and above. All children must be supervised by an adult. Walk-in spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but booking ahead is recommended. 

If board games are a big hit in your home, then Draughts will no doubt be a crowd-pleaser when you’re looking to escape the outdoors for a few hours.

With more than 1,000 board games to choose from, this lively gaming café covers everything from family classics such as Monopoly and Guess Who to more strategic favourites like Dungeons & Dragons. There are also packs of cards, chess sets and quick-play games if you fancy something more familiar. You can browse the full games library online ahead of visiting, but we think exploring the shelves once you arrive is part of the fun.

One of our favourite parts is that you can play as many games as you like during your allotted session, and if there’s space available, you may be able to extend your stay if you’re not quite ready to leave. The staff are also on hand to help explain rules or recommend games depending on your group size and ages.

The food menu is pretty solid too, with Korean fried chicken, juicy burgers, share plates and desserts available while you play. There’s also a dedicated children’s menu for £11 per child (12 and under), including a drink, main, side and dessert.

Best for: Competitive families, rainy-day group activities and screen-free fun.
Good to know: Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and school holidays. Staff can help recommend games depending on ages and group size.

Do your kids dream of becoming rockstars? Well, in this hidden studio in the heart of buzzing Camden, for one day they can be.

At WeJam, groups of up to eight players come together to perform as a band during the immersive 90-minute session. You don’t need any musical experience either, as colour-coded screens guide players through each song and show which notes are coming up next. That means everyone can feel like a pro from the very first track.

The playlist includes more than 75 classic pop and rock songs, from The Killers’ Mr Brightside and Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. Don’t skip this brilliant choice for older kids and tweens who love music, gaming and high-energy activities.

Even better, groups receive recordings of their performance afterwards, so you can relive the experience through your very own music video souvenir.

Best for: Music-loving families, tweens and group activities.
Good to know: The recommended age for this experience is eight and above, although younger children can still take part with some help from adults.

Ever looked to the skies and wished you could fly like your favourite superhero? At iFLY Indoor Skydiving at The O2, you can do exactly that inside a giant wind tunnel that sends you soaring through the air.

After a quick briefing and gearing up, instructors guide you through the experience before helping you float through the tunnel. If, like us, it’s your first time, the team are brilliant at making you feel comfortable while still keeping the adrenaline levels high. We also loved watching the more experienced flyers pulling off tricks while waiting for our turn.

For an extra thrill, the High Flight add-on sends you soaring even higher up the tunnel. The hilarious mid-air photos and videos afterwards are all part of the fun too.

Best for: Thrill seekers and adventurous families.
Good to know: Suitable for ages three and above, with no upper age limit. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult to complete waiver forms. Comfortable clothes and lace-up trainers are recommended.

Hollywood Bowl is a fantastic rainy day option for families who love a little friendly competition. With more than 12 bowling lanes at many locations, it’s the perfect place to battle it out over who can knock down the most pins. Younger kids are well catered for too, thanks to bowling ramps and lane bumpers that help keep the game fun for everyone.

Beyond the bowling lanes, there’s also a lively amusement arcade filled with classic games and modern interactive experiences. Expect everything from nostalgic 10p pushers you somehow can’t walk away from (yes, we also become emotionally attached to the keyrings) to racing games, basketball challenges and alien-shooting adventures. You can collect tickets as you play and trade them in for prizes afterwards – and if you don’t quite earn enough, you can save your receipt and continue your ticket total on your next visit.

Once the competition heats up, refuel at the American-style diner serving all the family favourites. Think loaded nachos, burgers, hot dogs and sharer plates, alongside kids’ meal deals and plenty of sugary treats to celebrate those bowling victories.

Best for: Competitive families and energetic kids.
Good to know: Many locations offer family bowling deals and off-peak discounts during school holidays. 

Unleash your inner artist at Art Play London, where family-friendly workshops bring creative ideas to life through pottery painting, crafts and hands-on art experiences. From UV painting in the dark and graffiti workshops to tie-dye sessions, there’s plenty to choose from depending on your child’s interests.

The relaxed drop-in pottery painting sessions are a great option for families who simply want to get stuck in and create something together. Suitable for all ages, the unguided sessions let visitors paint everything from cute pottery pieces to full canvases at their own pace.

Whether you’re a Londoner looking to create a new piece of homeware or visiting the city and wanting a handmade souvenir to take home, this makes for a memorable afternoon indoors.

Best for: Creative kids, artistic families and unique handmade souvenirs.
Good to know: Family workshops are available for children aged four to 16 alongside parents or guardians. Drinks, pizzas and snacks are available to purchase, and all materials are included in the ticket price. 

Everyone’s favourite bear has landed in London’s West End and is ready to take audiences on another wholesome adventure. Paddington The Musical is a marvellous way to escape the rainy weather for a few hours with the family.

When the lost bear from Peru arrives in London, the Brown family takes him under their wing in the charming world of Windsor Gardens. But as Paddington tries to settle into his new home, a vengeful villain sets their sights on him. Before long, the Browns embark on a rescue mission to bring him safely back.

Featuring dazzling tunes, showstopping dance numbers and plenty of marmalade sandwiches; the musical captures all the mishaps, mayhem and heartwarming moments that have made Paddington such a beloved character for generations. We think this makes for a lovely first West End show for families.

Best for: Younger children, rainy-day theatre trips and wholesome family outings.
Good to know: Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays. Booster seats are available for younger children.

Escape grey London weather and enter the magical world of Matilda The Musical. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, this award-winning production has been delighting West End audiences for more than 15 years.

We’ve no doubt kids will love the enchanting tale of this brilliant little girl with an extraordinary imagination – and a few surprising powers too. With terrible parents at home and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull ruling the school, Matilda decides it’s finally time to teach the grown-ups a few lessons of their own.

Ingenious sets, wonderfully chaotic songs and a hugely talented cast bring this heartwarming story to life on stage. We think the mix of humour, catchy music and larger-than-life characters makes this a great choice for both younger children and nostalgic adults alike.

Best for: Family theatre trips, Roald Dahl fans and magical rainy-day activities.
Good to know: Recommended for children aged six and above. Booking ahead is highly recommended during weekends and school holidays.

One of London’s longest-running theatre shows – and for good reason – The Lion King is a breathtaking reimagining of the beloved Disney film. From the moment the animals sweep through the aisles during the opening number, the production transports audiences far beyond the West End and into the heart of the African savannah.

For us, it’s the extraordinary puppetry and larger-than-life costumes that really captivate audiences. Giraffes tower above the stage, birds glide overhead and elephants stomp through the theatre, creating moments that genuinely feel magical. Alongside the stunning visuals, families can also sing along to iconic songs including Hakuna Matata and I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.

We think this makes for a brilliant first West End musical for children thanks to its familiar story, colourful staging and impressive visual effects. Even adults who already know the film inside out will still find themselves completely swept up in the performance.

Best for: Disney fans, first-time theatre trips and unforgettable family evenings.
Good to know: Recommended for children aged six and above. Booster seats are available for younger children and booking ahead is highly recommended during weekends and school holidays. 

Never mind the rain pounding the pavements when you’re curled up on a plush seat with a huge bucket of popcorn at Picturehouse Cinemas. With venues across the city, from Greenwich to Ealing, you’re never too far from your next family film day.

If you time it right, Picturehouse Cinemas host regular Kids’ Club screenings featuring popular family films, both old and new. Expect everything from nostalgic classics to modern favourites, with previous screenings including The BFG, Hook and Looney Tunes.

Better yet, children’s tickets cost just £3 whether you book online or in person, making this an affordable indoor activity when the whole family. We also love that the cinemas feel a little more relaxed and cosy than your standard multiplex.

Best for: Affordable cinema trips and younger film fans.
Good to know: Kids’ Club screenings usually take place during weekends and school holidays, so it’s worth checking individual venue schedules before visiting. 

Perfect for younger children, the Little Angel Theatre is a wholesome space in Highbury and Islington that introduces little ones to storytelling through puppetry. The intimate 100-seat auditorium creates a relaxed setting that feels well suited to toddlers and younger audiences.

Known as the “Home of British Puppetry”, the theatre puts on a variety of tailored shows and workshops throughout the year, alongside seasonal productions and themed performances. From Wild West adventures to gentle stories with important life lessons, there’s plenty to keep smaller children entertained.

Discover more things to do with toddlers in London, whatever the weather.

Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers and calm indoor entertainment.
Good to know: Many performances are designed specifically for younger age groups, so it’s worth checking age guidance before booking. Booster cushions are available for little ones.

This place had us at “indoor rollercoaster”. Babylon Park in Camden is your go-to indoor space adventure when London weather refuses to cooperate.

We all know amusement parks are not quite as fun when it’s pouring outside, but luckily this one keeps everything under cover. There are seven indoor rides to enjoy, including - yes, really - a rollercoaster winding its way around the amusement park itself. You’ve also got tons of arcade games, carnival-style attractions, and mind-boggling VR experiences to choose from.

Entering the park is free, but we’d recommend booking tickets online if you want unlimited access to the rides. Alternatively, visitors can purchase Babylon coins and pay as they play depending on how much time they want to spend there.

Best for: Vibrant fun, rainy-day adventures and indoor thrill rides.
Good to know: There is no minimum age, although height restrictions apply to some rides. Unlimited ride passes can work out better value for families planning to spend a few hours here. 

Stop the kids from bouncing off the walls at home and take them to Flip Out London instead. This epic indoor amusement park is dedicated to making sure kids have a fliptastic time – pun fully intended.

Kids will love launching themselves into the air across giant trampolines, while older children can test their skills on the ninja obstacle course and tackle the stunt zone if they’re confident jumpers. There are also inflatables, soft play areas and interactive attractions to keep little ones entertained whatever the weather outside.

Alongside all the bouncing fun, there’s plenty of food and drink available at the on-site diner, making it easy to refuel between jumps. We'd suggest this for kids who need to burn off some steam on rainy London days.

Best for: Energetic kids, rainy-day activities and active family fun.
Good to know: Dedicated soft play areas are available for younger children. Grip socks are usually required and can be purchased on-site if needed. 

A dreamlike place where kids can truly get lost in their imagination, Discover Children’s Story Centre is designed to bring stories to life through immersive play spaces and interactive experiences.

Spread across two floors, families can explore magical Story Worlds alongside the outdoor Story Garden, where little ones can creep through caves, discover hidden ships and put on performances in the puppet castle. Kids can become space captains, embark on adventures and uncover mysterious sculptures hidden throughout the experience.

That’s not all – special events and workshops take place throughout the year, from storytelling sessions and crafting activities to interactive performances designed especially for younger audiences. Curious kids who enjoy imaginative play and hands-on experiences will love this spot.

Best for: Imaginative kids, toddlers and creative rainy-day adventures.
Good to know: The centre is best suited to younger children, particularly those under 11. Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and school holidays. 

Jungle Monkeyz Adventure Soft Play in Shepherd’s Bush is, you guessed it, a jungle-themed adventure for children aged 0-10 years old. Packed with climbing frames, tunnels, slides and obstacles, this indoor play space is a great option for rainy London days.

The play areas are thoughtfully split by age group, making it easier for younger children to explore safely. There’s a gentle baby zone for little ones under one, a toddler area designed for curious children aged one to three, and a larger adventure zone for older kids who want to climb, crawl and burn off some energy.

While the kids dive into the jungle fun, parents can relax in the café area with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and baby changing facilities available on-site. We think this is a handy rainy-day option for families with children of different ages thanks to the separate play spaces.

Best for: Toddlers, younger children and exciting indoor play.
Good to know: Sessions are timed, with slightly shorter play slots during weekends and school holidays. Socks are required for both children and supervising adults.