Indoor fun
Rain? No problem. From soft play for toddlers to laser tag for teens, here’s indoor fun that burns off energy whatever the weather.
Photo: Lawrence Crayton on Unsplash
Scout’s verdict
Indoor places fill up on wet weekends, so book a slot as soon as the forecast turns. Weekday sessions are usually cheaper.
Showing 47 of 47 adventures
Blackpool, Lancashire, England
A big indoor water park on Blackpool’s seafront: slides, wave pool and toddler areas.
Scout: Indoor and warm, so it’s rain-proof. No longer on new Merlin passes.
Forest villages across the UK and Ireland
Forest short breaks built around an indoor tropical pool, bikes and activities.
Scout: A short break, not a day out. Midweek breaks are usually cheaper.
Rust, Germany (next to Europa-Park)
A huge Scandinavian-themed indoor water world beside Europa-Park.
Scout: Give it its own day rather than squeezing it in.
Leisure centres near you
Flumes, wave machines and inflatable sessions at local pools.
Scout: Look for family swim sessions and fun inflatable times.
Wiltshire, England
A drive-through safari park plus a stately home and adventure play.
Scout: Windows up where the signs say: monkeys love car aerials.
Bewdley, Worcestershire, England
A drive-through safari plus walk-through areas and family rides.
Scout: Do the drive-through first, then the walk-round areas.
Centres across the UK
Indoor aquariums with sharks, rays and penguins at some centres.
Scout: Perfect rainy-day rescue, usually 1.5–2 hours.
Monterey, California, USA
Sea otters, kelp forests and a giant open-ocean tank.
Scout: Don’t miss the otter feeds.
Farm parks near you
Feeding lambs, tractor rides, play barns and bouncy pillows.
Scout: Lambing season in spring is extra special.
South Kensington, London
Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Free general admission.
Scout: Arrive at opening for the dinosaur gallery.
South Kensington, London
Space, flight and hands-on science. Free general admission.
Scout: Some interactive galleries charge. Check before you go.
Bethnal Green, London
A free museum designed for children and young people, full of play and design.
Scout: Brilliant for under-10s on a wet day.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Dinosaurs, Dolly the sheep and hands-on galleries. Free general admission.
Scout: Head up to the rooftop terrace for city views.
Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
A hands-on museum made for children, with play-based galleries.
Scout: Best for under-11s. Book ahead in the holidays.
Leicester, England
Rockets, a planetarium and space galleries.
Scout: Catch a planetarium show: check times on arrival.
Greenwich, London
Stand on the Prime Meridian and catch a planetarium show.
Scout: Greenwich Park next door is free and great for a picnic.
Washington, DC, USA
Most Smithsonian museums are free, including Natural History and Air and Space.
Scout: Two museums a day max with younger kids.
San Francisco, California, USA
Hundreds of hands-on science exhibits on San Francisco’s waterfront.
Scout: Teens love the evening events: check the age rules.
Merritt Island, Florida, USA
Real rockets, astronaut stories and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Scout: An easy add-on to an Orlando trip. Check launch schedules.
Paris, France
One of Europe’s biggest science museums, with a dedicated children’s area.
Scout: Book the children’s area (Cité des enfants) in advance.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A hands-on science museum in a striking green building, with a rooftop terrace.
Scout: Great on a rainy Amsterdam day.
Museums near you
Many local museums are free and run holiday trails and crafts.
Scout: Ask at the desk for a kids’ trail sheet.
London
The Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and nearly 1,000 years of history.
Scout: Join a Yeoman Warder tour: they’re great storytellers.
Dover, Kent, England
A huge medieval castle with secret wartime tunnels beneath.
Scout: English Heritage members go free.
Across England, every September
Hundreds of historic places open for free, with tours and family events.
Scout: Some events need booking. Check the website in August.
Cornwall, England
Giant biomes with a rainforest inside, plus play areas and events.
Scout: The rainforest biome is warm. Wear layers.
Richmond, London
World-famous gardens with a treetop walkway and children’s play garden.
Scout: The treetop walkway is a hit with all ages.
Seaside towns near you
Sandcastles, pier arcades, crazy golf and chips on the prom.
Scout: Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Wales and the Lake District
Big zip lines, underground adventures and trampolines in caverns.
Scout: Weight and age limits apply to some rides. Check first.
Centres in the UK and worldwide
Float on a column of air in a vertical wind tunnel. No plane needed.
Scout: Check minimum ages and weight limits for your centre.
Trampoline parks near you
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball courts.
Scout: Look for toddler-only sessions for under-5s. Grip socks needed.
Bowling alleys near you
Bumpers for little ones and fierce family rivalries for teens.
Scout: Weekday daytime games are often cheaper.
Laser tag arenas near you
Team games in a neon arena. Brilliant for birthdays.
Scout: Check minimum ages: some arenas are 7+.
Soft play centres near you
Slides, ball pits and climbing frames built for little ones.
Scout: Term-time weekday mornings are calmest.
Cinemas near you
Many cinema chains run cheaper kids’ screenings in the holidays.
Scout: Check your local cinema’s holiday kids’ club.
Seafronts and leisure parks near you
Retro machines, air hockey and VR games.
Scout: Set a budget on a play card before you start.
Climbing centres near you
Taster sessions teach the basics. Bouldering needs no ropes.
Scout: Book a family taster first: staff set you up safely.
Escape rooms near you
Solve puzzles as a team to “escape” in 60 minutes.
Scout: Ask for a family or beginner room, and the minimum age.
Karting tracks near you
Junior and family sessions at indoor and outdoor tracks.
Scout: Age and height rules vary by track. Check before booking.
Roller rinks near you
Disco lights, music and roller skates. A retro favourite.
Scout: Beginners’ sessions are less hectic.
Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Real indoor snow for ski and snowboard lessons, sledging and ice skating.
Scout: Beginner lessons are the best way in. Gloves are a must.
Manchester, England
An indoor real-snow slope with lessons and snow play.
Scout: Snow play sessions suit younger kids who aren’t ready to ski.
Ice rinks near you (plus winter pop-ups)
Year-round rinks and festive outdoor rinks in winter.
Scout: Skate aids help little ones find their feet.
Farms, gardens and railways near you (December)
Grottos, elves, crafts and a gift from the big man himself.
Scout: Book in October for the best slots.
Leavesden, near Watford, England
Real Harry Potter sets, props and costumes. Under-5s free.
Scout: Allow 3–4 hours and book direct.
King’s Cross station, London
The trolley vanishing into the wall. Your own photo is free.
Scout: Go early to beat the queue.
Tokyo, Japan
The Making of Harry Potter, in Tokyo since 2023.
Scout: Book timed tickets well ahead.
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Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.
See trampoline park tips and rainy day ideas.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
Grip socks, waivers, toddler sessions and safety rules.
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Aquariums, museums, swimming and indoor play for wet-weather days.
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Escape rooms, treasure trails and geocaching for puzzle fans.
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Free museums, hands-on science and space centres.
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