Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids in London 2026

Let's be honest: London weather is unpredictable at best. But with the right game plan, a rainy Saturday with kids can be just as fun as a sunny one. London has an exceptional range of indoor activities for children of all ages — here's our guide to making the most of them.

Best Indoor Activities for Kids in London

Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks have exploded in popularity over the last few years and it's easy to see why. Kids absolutely love them, and they burn off an extraordinary amount of energy in a short time. Most London trampoline parks have dedicated toddler sessions in the mornings, with general sessions throughout the day.

Look for parks that have foam pits, dodgeball courts and ninja warrior courses for older children — these add to the fun significantly. Always book in advance, especially at weekends — they fill up fast.

Indoor Climbing

Climbing centres are brilliant for children from around age 5 upwards. Many London centres offer kids' bouldering walls and family sessions where no prior experience is needed — just trainers and a sense of adventure. Climbing builds confidence, problem-solving and physical strength in a way most children find genuinely thrilling.

For younger children (3+), some centres have dedicated soft-floored climbing areas with lower walls specifically designed for little ones.

Museums (Always Reliable)

We've said it before but it bears repeating: London's free museums are genuinely world-class. On a rainy day, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A Museum of Childhood are all excellent choices. The key is to go with a plan — don't try to do everything. Pick one or two sections and explore them properly rather than rushing through the whole building.

Soft Play

When all else fails and your children are under 8, soft play is almost always the answer. There's something wonderfully simple about an afternoon in a soft play centre — the kids exhaust themselves and you sit down with a coffee. In wet weather, they get busy quickly, so booking ahead is essential.

Find soft play centres near you on Sparkzy.

Arts and Crafts Classes

Many studios and venues across London run drop-in arts and crafts sessions for children throughout the week. Pottery painting, canvas painting, collage workshops — these are particularly popular on rainy weekday mornings during term time and throughout school holidays.

These sessions are great for creative children and for a calmer afternoon than, say, a trampoline park.

Indoor Swimming

A wet day is the perfect excuse for a swim — and London's indoor leisure centres and private swim schools are all warm and welcoming year-round. Many have leisure pools with slides and features that children love, separate from the lane swimming areas.

Theatre and Performances

London has a brilliant tradition of children's theatre and performance. The Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge, the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, and the Lyric Hammersmith all run regular productions aimed specifically at children. Tickets vary in price but are generally reasonable, and the experience is magical for children who haven't seen live performance before.

Bowling and Arcades

For a straightforward, guaranteed-fun option with older children (roughly 5+), bowling is hard to beat. Most major London bowling venues have bumpers available for younger children. Pair it with some arcade games and you've got a solid couple of hours covered.

Rainy Day Activities by Age

Under 2s: Local library story time (free), local soft play toddler session, Natural History Museum (quiet weekday), baby sensory class.

2–4 years: Soft play, arts and crafts drop-in, indoor swimming, V&A Museum of Childhood.

4–7 years: Soft play, trampoline park (toddler session), children's theatre, arts and crafts, Science Museum.

7–10 years: Trampoline park, indoor climbing, bowling, Tate Modern, British Museum.

10–12 years: Indoor climbing, trampoline park, bowling, Science Museum Wonder Lab, street food and market exploration on South Bank.

Planning Tips for Rainy Day Activities

Always book ahead. In wet weather, popular indoor venues fill up very quickly. A Saturday morning trampoline session or soft play slot can sell out a week in advance during term time.

Check age and height requirements. Many trampoline parks and climbing centres have minimum age or height requirements. Check before you go to avoid disappointment.

Get there early. If you do manage a walk-in at a museum or soft play, arriving when they open significantly improves your experience — you beat the crowds and get the best of the space.

Pack layers. Indoor soft play and trampoline parks can be warm. Light, comfortable layers that are easy to strip off are ideal. Non-slip socks are required at most indoor venues.

Lower your expectations for toddlers. If you have a toddler, a two-hour trip is probably the limit before tiredness sets in. Don't plan a full day — a focused shorter trip is usually far more enjoyable for everyone.

Finding Indoor Activities Near You

The best indoor activity in London depends entirely on where you are, how old your children are and what they're into. On Sparkzy, you can search by activity type and location to find everything from trampoline parks to soft play, indoor climbing to arts and crafts, all filtered by your area.

Browse all kids activities in London on Sparkzy — whatever the weather, there's always something brilliant to do.