Rain in London does not necessarily cancel the day out. The capital has enough museums, play spaces, galleries and indoor attractions to keep families occupied through several months of questionable weather.
Museums and Discovery
1. Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, mammals, volcanoes and enough galleries to occupy several hours. Natural History Museum family guide
2. Science Museum
Explore the permanent galleries or add the interactive Wonderlab experience. Science Museum
3. British Museum
Turn the galleries into a treasure hunt using free Museum Missions and explorer trails. British Museum family visits
4. London Museum Docklands
Particularly good for younger children thanks to Mudlarks and historic Sailortown. London Museum Docklands
5. National Maritime Museum
Ships, explorers, history and the AHOY! children's gallery for ages 0-7. National Maritime Museum
6. Cutty Sark
Explore one of the world's most famous surviving tea clippers. Visit Cutty Sark
7. Discover Children's Story Centre
Story Worlds and immersive exhibitions in Stratford for children aged 0-11. Discover
Hands-On Fun
8. Wonderlab
More than 50 interactive exhibits inside the Science Museum.
9. ZooTown at London Zoo
Indoor role-play aimed at children up to eight. London Zoo
10. Story Worlds at Discover
Creative Days
11. Local pottery studio
Search for children's pottery painting close to home.
12. Family art workshop
Museums and galleries frequently run weekend and school-holiday creative sessions.
13. Local library
Free, warm and calm.
14. Museum challenge
Give each child five things to find: something gold, something over 500 years old, an animal, a face and something they would take home.
Active Indoor Adventures
15. Go climbing
London has family-friendly climbing centres.
16. Go bowling
An easy multi-age family option.
17. Indoor mini golf
Great for older primary-school children and teenagers.
18. Swimming
Check your local leisure centre for family sessions.
19. Gymnastics or trampoline sessions
Useful for burning energy in any weather.
20. Indoor football pitch
Bring another family and make it a mini match.
Entertainment
21. West End matinee
Check official theatre websites for age guidance and family performances.
22. Cinema
Sometimes the simple answer is correct.
23. Escape room
Great for older children and teenagers. Always check the recommended minimum age.
24. Indoor gaming or immersive attraction
London has family-friendly VR and gaming experiences.
25. Cafe-and-bookshop afternoon
Pick a large bookshop, let everyone choose something to browse and add cake.
Our Rainy-Day Rule
On truly wet weekends the best-known museums can be very busy. Sometimes the cleverer option is the local library, bowling alley or neighbourhood museum ten minutes away. Keep an eye on Daddy.London's family listings for your next backup plan.