London with kids - the 20 best rainy day indoor attractions!

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I’ve put together a list of the 20 best indoor attractions for kids in London, so if you’re looking for something to do on a chilly or rainy day then you’ve come to the right place. It can be so hard to entertain the kids with the good old British weather can’t it? I’ve included lots of activities for older kids as well, as it can be even trickier to amuse them once they get too old for play-centres! These activities are perfect for keeping the kids amused over the winter months, on wet weekends and during the school holidays – when summer doesn’t always show up! From tots to teens, I’ve got you and the kids covered – with both paid attractions and some free activities too. Here are my top 20 picks for rainy day London attractions to keep the kids busy indoors whatever the weather:

1. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London is a wonderfully immersive aquarium that brings the underwater world to life. It’s home to over 500 species from across the globe – from graceful rays and curious sea turtles to colourful tropical fish and jaw-dropping sharks. The aquarium boasts a glass platform suspended above a tank of sharks, interactive areas and a VR room. It’s a great option for rainy-day fun with the kids in London – if you want to visit multiple Merlin attractions (they have a few indoor options) check out the discounted multi-attraction tickets! Plus, look out for special offers, as they did a ‘kids go free’ offer for 2025 February half-term and under twos enter for free year round. Check out my SEA LIFE London Aquarium review for more info.

2. The Paddington Bear Experience

Located on the South Bank, The London Paddington Bear Experience is one of those attractions that feels made for a rainy day with the kids – it’s a fabulous option for entertaining the little ones indoors. It’s a fully immersive experience with themed rooms, friendly actors and lots of gentle interaction. Children are encouraged to explore, talk and take part, rather than just stand and watch, which makes it ideal for younger kids. It’s best suited to those aged between 3 and 10 years old -it’s the perfect treat for little Paddington Bear fans!

3. The Natural History Museum

If you’re looking for something free to do in London with the kids on a rainy day, forget the big attractions and check out some of the fabulous museums – you can huddle indoors in the warm for as long as you like! The Natural History Museum is one of our favourites – Lola always wants to go there whenever we head to London as she loves the animals, and Finn enjoys their huge dinosaur exhibit. I think most kids love getting up close and personal with the creatures which used to roam the Earth! Whatever the weather, it’s a brilliant place to spend a few hours without spending a penny.

4. Prison Island or The Crystal Maze

If you’re looking for wet weather entertainment for older kids and teens, what about a challenge-based attraction like Prison Island or The Crystal Maze? My two love these kinds of activities – teams work together to solve puzzles, complete physical challenges and race against the clock. It’s a great way to spend a fun afternoon as a family – Prison Island is the more budget-friendly option of the two (typically around £25-£28 per person) and children can take part from age 7 in a group with adults. The Crystal Maze allows children from age 9 and, if you fancy doing something energetic, both of these indoor attractions offer great rainy day entertainment for older kids in London.

5. Shrek’s Adventure

One of the best rainy day attractions in London for little ones, Shrek’s Adventure is an indoor storytelling attraction that immerses the kids in the magical world of Shrek and his friends. Recommended for kids under 10 years old, the experience is full of fun with live shows and hilarious characters like Donkey and Princess Fiona. The little ones can join in on the adventure, explore various themed rooms and meet the beloved characters along the way. It’s fun, interactive and under 2s can enter for free. Save money with Merlin’s multi-attraction tickets if you fancy visiting a few of their London Attractions.

6. The Magic Circle, Kids Show Live

For something a bit different to do with the kids, a live magic show at The Magic Circle is a lovely rainy-day choice. These shows are designed specifically for primary-school age children with audience participation, comedy and plenty of wow moments. Hosted inside the headquarters of the world’s most famous magic society, these engaging shows are a fabulous option for entertaining the kids in London when the weather isn’t on your side.

7. The Twist Museum

One of the quirkiest indoor attractions that we’ve visited in London, The Twist Museum on Oxford Street is a brilliant place to explore on a rainy day – the whole experience is really engaging for both kids and adults. This one is best for slightly older kids and teens – we were really surprised by how interesting it was. The museum is full of optical illusions, immersive rooms and mind-bending installations that are designed to be interactive and thought provoking. The kids will love taking photos, experimenting with perspective and figuring out how things work. Check out my Twist Museum guide for all the details.

8. Flip Out

Flip Out is one of the best rainy day attractions in London for kids of all ages – the huge indoor adventure parks have something to suit tiny tots through to teens. So if you need a cuppa in peace, and the kids are bursting with energy, there’s plenty to do all under one roof. The sites are packed with trampolines, inflatable zones, slides, soft play and obstacle-style challenges – the children can jump, climb and run freely without worrying about the weather or muddy shoes. Head to either Flip Out Croydon or Flip Out Canary Wharf and let the fun begin!

9. The HMS Belfast

For kids around age 7 and up, The HMS Belfast is a great rainy-day attraction for those who like exploring and climbing. Moored on the River Thames, this historic warship-turned-museum offers an interactive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore life on board a real Royal Navy cruiser. With multiple decks to check out, the experience is mostly indoors and it feels more like an adventure than a traditional museum which helps to keep everyone engaged. The kids can enter for free with their Blue Peter Badges – making a family trip much more affordable.

10. Pool Inflatables

It’s not always about the big attractions – one of my kids’ favourite rainy day activities is a trip to the swimming pool and there are plenty of places to enjoy an indoor water inflatable session in London. In particular, the inflatable pool sessions at the London Aquatics Centre look like fantastic fun – think obstacle courses, climbing and sliding, all on water. It’s a great way for the kids to burn off energy over the colder months and (for parents with older kids) you can grab a cuppa, watch from the poolside and have a rest!

11. The London Theatres

One of our favourite things to do in London is a theatre visit! There are so many fabulous shows to see and it can be surprisingly affordable if you hunt out the best ticket prices. For cheap London theatre tickets, Get Your Guide, Love to Visit and Love Theatre are all great places to start – with tickets to popular family-friendly shows like Matilda, Wicked, The Lion King, Hercules and The Devil Wears Prada (perfect for teens) from around £25. We also often book the ‘restricted view’ seats now the kids are taller – as they’re usually absolutely fine! And, look out for discounted tickets during London Theatre Kids Week as that can be a brilliant way to take the kids to see a show without breaking the bank.

12. Harry Potter Studio Tour

If you’re happy to travel a little outside of central London, and you’ve got the budget for a big treat, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is an incredible rainy-day option. Almost entirely indoors, it lets you walk through real sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see props and costumes and discover how the films were made. It is a big-ticket attraction, but fans of the books and films will find it unforgettable – it’s also somewhere you’ll likely spend at least half a day so it’s a good option for a lengthier activity on a grotty day.

13. The Science Museum

A budget-friendly activity option, London’s Science Museum is a great place for the kids to discover how the world works and you can enter for free. If you have a budding young astronaut, they’ll adore the gallery dedicated to space exploration, featuring a full-sized model of the lander that put the first men on the moon! For Finn and Lola, their favourite trip to the Science Museum was when we booked them into the Wonderlab. If you’re happy to spend a little, it offers a great hands-on experience for the kids with experiment demonstrations, talks, activities and educational play zones – it’s a fabulously engaging place to spend a cold afternoon with the kids in London.

14. Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames Boat Tour

For a fun way to mix history with entertainment, The Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames Boat Tour takes you along the river while actors bring London’s past to life with jokes, songs and silly stories. One of the more educational attractions, it’s a fabulous option for an engaging rainy day activity in London for kids around 6-12 years old – the boat is covered so you’ll be nice and warm indoors. If you’ve got some curious little Horrible History fans, it’s a nice treat whatever the weather.

15. The London Dungeon

Speaking of history, for families with older children or teenagers who love a good scare, The London Dungeon is a thrilling way to explore the darker side of the city’s past. Located on the South Bank, this experience isn’t your average museum – it’s a full-blown theatrical performance with live actors, jump scares, special effects and there’s even a ride thrown in too. You’ll journey through plague-ridden streets, encounter Sweeney Todd and meet the infamous Jack the Ripper. It’s definitely best for braver kids aged 10+ but, while it’s spooky, it’s also great fun and surprisingly educational.

16. Mudlarks Family Gallery

Head to the Museum of London Docklands for a very affordable rainy day indoor activity (it’s just a few quid) – the Mudlarks Family Gallery is perfect for kids under 8 years old. It includes a small soft play area alongside hands-on activities like climbing, role play, building and exploring dockside-themed props. Sessions are timed and need booking to help keep the space calm and manageable, which parents usually appreciate on busy days. It’s a fabulous option for entertaining little ones when the weather isn’t on your side.

17. Indoor Crazy Golf

Indoor crazy golf is the perfect rainy day activity that’s good fun for the whole family – and if you’ve got older kids or teens it can be surprisingly competitive! 😂 Courses are bright, fun and full of silly obstacles, and everyone can join in regardless of skill level. It’s active without being tiring, weather-proof and usually pretty affordable. There are plenty of places across London offering indoor golf (Swingers West End, Puttshack and Junkyard Golf Club to name a few) and it’s a great way to pass the time if the weather is rubbish.

18. Madame Tussauds

Another one of the indoor London Merlin attractions, and the original home of waxwork wonders, Madame Tussauds is a good rainy day option for older kids. Teens can spot their favourite celebs – from posing with Hollywood stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Beyoncé, to standing alongside historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Albert Einstein, the attention to detail is genuinely impressive. One of the highlights is the 4D Marvel cinema experience, as well as the ‘Spirit of London’ ride which takes you through the city’s history in a black cab-themed carriage.

19. Imperial War Museum London

If you have slightly older children, or teens, then I’d really recommend an afternoon at London’s Imperial War Museum. It’s so interesting and educational for adults and kids (I learnt a lot too!) – we would all happily go back. We visited when my children were learning about World War 2, and it’s a big and engaging place to explore. You can get a first-hand look at wartime vehicles and planes, and we found the video screens throughout really helpful. If your kids are aged 8+ then add this museum to your ‘free days out in London’ list.

20. London F1 Drive

An epic treat for older kids, the London F1 Drive experience (indoors and perfect for a rainy day) might just be one of the most fun attractions in London. (Children must be at least 150cm tall and 14 years old+ to take part.) Teens and adults can get behind the wheel and test their racing skills – the experience uses professional-grade simulators to recreate the thrill of Formula 1 driving. It’s definitely more of a splurge but, if you’re looking for an activity to impress teenagers, it’s definitely a winner!

How can I get discounts on the big London attractions?

Never pay full price for your London activities without having a good hunt around for the best offers! Lots of reward schemes and discount providers offer brilliant savings to make your city adventures more budget-friendly, so here are some ways to save money on the pricier activities and attractions:

Save a small fortune on the London Merlin attractions by booking a multi-attraction ticket – the price can be as little as £12 per attraction! This includes SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, Bus Tours, Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon. You get 90 days from the date of your visit to enjoy the other attractions, so it’s worth saving up and buying in bulk if there are other things you’d like to do too – click here to find ticket options and prices for your visit date, plus combo ticket deals.

Tesco Clubcard points: Lots of London attractions are part of the Tesco reward scheme so save your points and you could visit for free!
National Rail 2-for-1 offers: If you’re travelling by train you can get 1/3 off or 2 for 1 tickets on loads of London attractions when booked through the National Rail 2 for 1 scheme.
lovetovisit.co.uk: The ‘Love to Visit’ website offers discounted tickets for family-friendly days out with the kids all over the UK – London included – so it’s worth checking their current prices before you book. The attraction tickets are often so much cheaper than those bought directly from the attractions – the savings can be huge!
Kids Pass: You can sign up to a trial for just £1 to access discounts on days out and eating out in the capital.
Supermarket promotions: Cereal brands like Kelloggs also often run promotions where you can find discounts or even free tickets (things like 2 for 1 tickets) for some of the London attractions by purchasing specially-marked boxes so look out for these in the supermarket.
Blue Peter Badges: Blue Peter Badges are awesome because the kids can get in free at over 200 UK attractions – literally halving the cost of your family days out! In London, you can use them at ZSL London Zoo, The Tower of London, the HMS Belfast, The London Bridge Experience and Tombs, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo and loads of other places – read more about it here: How can my child get a Blue Peter Badge?
For huge savings opt for a Merlin Annual Pass – you can access all of their London attractions as well as places like Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures, Warwick Castle, tons of SEA LIFE Centres and more! Kids under 90cm won’t need a pass as they can enjoy the attractions for free. Check out all of the pass options and what’s included here: Are Merlin Annual Passes worth it and which pass is best?

What is there to do in London with the kids at Christmas?

If you’re visiting over the festive season, London is a fabulous place for a Christmas adventure with the kids. From freebies like dazzling light displays, snow, carols, magical walks and Christmas markets, to paid activities like festive ice-skating, Santa at Hamleys, Elf the Musical and the London Polar Express Train – there’s so much to see and do! For loads of ideas, take a look at my article: London with kids – the 15 best things to do at Christmas!

What can I do in London with the kids for free?

As well as the museums, there are loads of FREE things to do in London if the weather is on your side – take a look at my guide: The 10 best FREE days out in London with kids. It’s also worth noting that children aged 10 and under travel for free (for travel via the tube, DLR, Overground and TfL rail services). And, if you’re travelling into London from the surrounding areas in the South-East, check out my ‘kids for a quid’ article for more info on how to get £1 children’s train tickets.

A final word…

I hope that this article has helped you to think of loads of fun things to do indoors with the kids in London on a rainy day – giving you options for both paid attractions and free places to visit. There’s so much to see and do in the capital whatever the weather! A bonus idea – if you fancy doing some sightseeing without getting wet (or spending a fortune on a bus tour) – is to hop on the Number 11 bus. It’ll take you past places like the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Keep scrolling for more ‘days out in London’ content and let me know in the comments if you discover any more great attractions that are perfect for a rainy day! 😊