Family days out for lessLocal, national and around the worldPart of the Shmor.ai network
🧭 Adventure finder⚡ Teen days out🔐 Escape rooms🌊 Water parks🎢 Theme parks💸 Free days out🌲 Zip lines⛸️ Snow & ice⚡ Harry Potter🎟️ Real offers🏖️ Beaches🧸 Toddler days out
A little girl holding an umbrella in the rain

Ideas · Rainy days

Rainy day days out: indoor ideas the kids will love

When the heavens open, you don’t have to cancel the fun. Here are the best indoor days out for wet weather, from free museums to aquariums.

Photo: EmmaLi Millard on Unsplash

Scout the Fox

Scout’s tip

Scout’s rainy-day rescue

Indoor attractions get busiest on wet weekends. Book a timed slot if you can, or go early, before everyone else checks the forecast.

  • Free museums are the best-value indoor option
  • Aquariums are short visits: pair with lunch out
  • Puddle-jumping in wellies is free fun too!

Free indoor ideas

  • National museums: see our free London museums and free days out guides.
  • Libraries: free story times and holiday crafts.
  • Indoor markets and shopping centres with play areas.
  • Aquariums like SEA LIFE: see zoos and aquariums.
  • Studio tours like the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
  • Swimming pools with flumes and wave machines.
  • Soft play, trampoline parks, bowling and climbing walls.
  • Cinema: many chains run cheaper kids’ morning screenings in the holidays.

Embrace the rain

Waterproofs plus wellies equals puddle-jumping, a bug hunt and an empty playground. A short rainy walk followed by hot chocolate is a classic for a reason.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with kids on a rainy day for free?
Visit a free national museum, go to library story time, explore an indoor market or put on waterproofs for a puddle walk.

Where shall we go next?