Looking for the best indoor activities in London for families? Whether you’re visiting London with kids or live in the city and need something to do on a rainy day, there are plenty of fun things to do indoors.
From incredible museums and interactive attractions to indoor play areas, immersive experiences and activities the whole family can enjoy, London has plenty to keep you entertained whatever the weather.
I live in London with my family and have spent plenty of rainy days exploring the city with my two boys. In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best indoor activities in London for families, including options for younger children, older kids and those that adults will enjoy too.
- The Best Indoor Activities in London for Families: Perfect for a Rainy Day
- London’s Best Museums for Families
- Interactive & Immersive Indoor Attractions in London
- Indoor Play Areas and Soft Play
- Indoor Sports & Activities for Families
- Family-Friendly Theatre & Entertainment
- FAQ's on Indoor Activities in London for Families
- Final thoughts on the Best Indoor Activities in London for Kids
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The Best Indoor Activities in London for Families: Perfect for a Rainy Day
Here, I’m sharing some of the best indoor activities in London for families. These are all great options for a rainy day, or for those cold winter days when you’d rather stay warm indoors.
I’ve split the activities by the type of attraction to make it easier to find something that suits your family and plan your day.
London’s Best Museums for Families
London is home to some incredible museums, and best of all, many of them are excellent for children, offering activity sheets or explorer backpacks to keep them entertained throughout the visit. Some even have dedicated play spaces for younger children.
You can read more about all the best museums for kids in London in my guide here. Some of these museums have beautiful gardens, so I would advise visiting them in spring or summer. Below are all the best indoor London museums for families.
1. The Science Museum
The Science Museum is one of our favourites and a great choice for families with children of all ages. It’s very hands-on and entertaining for children, with so much to see and do that you could easily spend a full day here. Most of the museum is free to visit, but you should book an entry time in advance. Some special exhibitions and experiences have an additional charge.
Read more in our detailed guide to the Science Museum.
The Science Museum, London.
2. Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands is one of our favourite hidden gems in London. Located in Canary Wharf, it’s generally less busy than some of the city’s more popular museums, making it a great option for families who want a more relaxed day out.
There are plenty of things for children to discover, and the museum offers free activity sheets to help keep younger visitors engaged as they explore.
This museum is free to visit, and no advance booking is required. Read more in our detailed guide to The Museum of London Docklands.
Inside the Museum of London Docklands.
3. National Army Museum
The National Army Museum is another free London museum that my children have always enjoyed. One of the highlights for kids is the opportunity to climb inside a real army tank, while historic objects are sometimes put on special display for children to handle.
It’s a good option if you’re looking for something a little different from London’s more traditional museums.
The museum is free and there is no need to book tickets in advance. Read more in our detailed guide to the National Army Museum.
A real tank on display inside the National Army Museum.
4. The Young V&A Museum of Childhood
The Young V&A is particularly well suited to toddlers and younger children. The museum has lots of hands-on activities and interactive displays, with spaces designed specifically with children in mind.
We’ve visited this one a few times, including on rainy days, and it has never been too busy. I do feel it would be hard to enjoy this one when it’s very crowded, as many of the activities are limited to one or two children at a time.
This museum is free and you don’t need to book tickets in advance. Read more in our detailed Young V&A Museum guide.
The Young V&A Museum of Childhood.
5. National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is another excellent free museum for families. The huge world map is always a hit with children, giving them plenty of space to explore, while the All Hands Children’s Gallery is packed with interactive activities.
The museum also offers free activity sheets for children, making it easy to turn your visit into a fun learning experience.
This is another free museum where tickets are not required. Read more in our full National Maritime Museum review.
Exploring the sea creatures on the Ocean Map at the National Maritime Museum.
6. The British Museum
The British Museum can be a great family-friendly museum if you know how to make the most of it. We particularly enjoyed borrowing the Explorer Backpacks, which are available at weekends and during school holidays and give children a more interactive way to explore the museum.
It can get very busy, so I’d recommend arriving early in the day if you’re visiting with children. The British Museum is free, but you should book an entry time in advance.
Read more in our detailed British Museum guide.
Stunning architecture inside the British Museum.
7. London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is ideal for vehicle-loving toddlers and younger children. There are buses, trains and other vehicles to explore, as well as interactive exhibits throughout the museum.
Children can also complete a fun stamp trail as they make their way around the museum, giving them something to look out for as they explore.
Book tickets for the London Transport Museum here.
The London Transport Museum.
8. The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most famous museums and is definitely worth considering for a family day out. My children particularly love seeing the dinosaurs, although it can get extremely busy, especially during weekends and school holidays and even more so on a rainy day.
If you’re visiting with children, I’d recommend arriving early to beat some of the crowds. Book your free entry tickets here.
Looking at dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
Interactive & Immersive Indoor Attractions in London
There are also many cool interactive indoor activities in London for families to enjoy. Here are my top picks, including what age children they are best suited to.
9. Paddington Bear Experience
The Paddington Bear Experience is a lovely choice for younger children and Paddington fans. It’s an interactive, immersive experience where families can step into Paddington’s world, with different rooms, activities and plenty of opportunities to get involved rather than simply watching.
It’s particularly suited to younger children who enjoy imaginative play and storytelling.
Book Paddington Bear Experience tickets here.
10. Outernet
Outernet is one of my favourite free things to do in London when you want something a little different. While it is more of a half-hour stop than an all-day activity, the huge digital screens create immersive visual displays that are particularly impressive in person. Plus, it’s completely free to visit, and no advance booking is required.
It’s right next to Tottenham Court Road station, so it’s also an easy option to combine with other central London activities.
Read more about the best free things to do in London with kids here.
11. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London is a great rainy-day activity for families, particularly if your children love animals. There are plenty of underwater creatures to see, from sharks and rays to penguins and jellyfish, and the aquarium is completely indoors.
It’s also conveniently located on the South Bank, close to several other family attractions, so you can easily combine it with another activity.
Book on the SEA LIFE London website.
12. The Postal Museum & Mail Rail
The Postal Museum is one of London’s more unusual museums and one that we have visited multiple times as a family. Alongside the museum itself, you can take a ride on Mail Rail, travelling through the underground tunnels that were once used to transport London’s post.
The combination of the museum and the Mail Rail ride makes this feel more like an experience than a traditional museum visit, and it’s a particularly good option for children who enjoy vehicles, trains and discovering how things work.
Book your Postal Museum tickets here.
Exploring the Postal Museum.
13. Shrek’s Adventure! London
Shrek’s Adventure! London is an interactive experience based around the world of Shrek. Families move through different scenes from the story, meeting familiar characters and getting involved along the way.
It’s a fun option for families looking for something more interactive than a traditional museum, although I’d say it’s best suited to children who are old enough to enjoy the storytelling and characters.
Book Shrek’s Adventure! London here.
14. The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is another immersive experience, but this one is definitely better suited to older children. I remember being terrified there as a child (so I have no plans to return), but your family might enjoy it. It takes you through some of London’s darker history using live actors, special effects and storytelling.
It’s not one I’d choose for younger children, but it can be a fun option for families with older kids or teenagers looking for something a little different.
15. Babylon Park
Babylon Park is an indoor amusement park and arcade in Camden, making it a good option when the children simply want to have fun. There are rides, games and attractions all under one roof, so it’s particularly useful on a rainy day when you need somewhere to keep the kids entertained.
It’s more about entertainment than sightseeing, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need!
16. Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a fun, interactive attraction where children can explore optical illusions and unusual visual experiences. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and take photos, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for something a little different from London’s traditional museums.
It’s also relatively compact, making it easier to fit into a day alongside other central London attractions.
Book The Museum of Illusions here.
Indoor Play Areas and Soft Play
If you’re looking for indoor activities in London for toddlers or younger children, there are some great indoor role play spaces and soft play areas. I particularly like the museum-based options, as they allow you to combine soft play with something educational. Read our full guide on museums with kids play spaces here.
17. The Discovery Story Centre
The Discovery Children’s Story Centre in Stratford is a brilliant option for younger children, particularly those who love stories and imaginative play. Designed for children aged 0–11, it has immersive Story Worlds where children can explore, play and create, along with interactive exhibitions and an outdoor Story Garden.
There are also storytelling sessions and a sensory space for babies and toddlers, making it a particularly good rainy-day option for families with younger children.
Book the Discover Story Centre Stratford.
The Children’s Discovery Story Centre in Stratford.
18. Ahoy! at the National Maritime Museum
Ahoy! Play Area at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a brilliant role-play space for younger children. The maritime theme makes it much more interesting than a traditional soft play, with children able to climb, explore and take part in imaginative activities inspired by life at sea. It’s suitable for children under seven and works particularly well as part of a wider visit to the National Maritime Museum.
Ahoy! is free during the week and there is a small charge during weekends and school holidays. Book tickets to Ahoy! here.
Read more in our National Maritime Museum review.
Playing in Ahoy! at the National Maritime Museum.
19. Play Base at the National Army Museum
Play Base at the National Army Museum is a soft-play experience ideal for children aged eight and under. This is one of my son’s favourite play spaces as it combines a more traditional soft play with a role-play area.
It’s a great option if you want to combine a museum visit with somewhere for children to let off some steam, and the army theme gives the play area something a little different from a standard soft play.
Book Play Base here. Or read more in our full National Army Museum review.
PlayBase at the National Army Museum.
20. Mudlarks at the Museum of London Docklands
This is another of our favourites. Mudlarks at the Museum of London Docklands is a hands-on play space for children aged eight and under. There’s a soft-play area, water play and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.
It’s a particularly good choice for younger children and can easily be combined with exploring the rest of the museum.
Book your Mudlarks session here. Or read more in our full review.
The soft play at Mudlarks, inside the Museum of London Docklands.
21. Macaroni Penguin
Macaroni Penguin is a dedicated soft-play centre designed with younger children and their parents in mind. The play areas are designed for children up to around six, with climbing, slides and places to explore, while the open design means parents can keep an eye on their children easily. There are currently several London locations, including Royal Wharf, Battersea Power Station and Kidbrooke.
Find out more details about Macaroni Penguin here.
22. Mome
Mome London in Angel is a little different from traditional soft play, with a creative play space designed specifically for children aged 0–4. Children can explore areas such as the Kitchen Corner and Art Garage Workshop, with imaginative play at the heart of the experience. There’s also a café for parents, making it a lovely option for younger children on a rainy day.
23. Better Soft Play Centres
If you’re looking for a straightforward soft play rather than a full day out, Better leisure centres often have soft play areas at their locations across London. There are centres in areas including Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Waltham Forest, with different facilities and age ranges depending on the venue. It’s worth checking your nearest centre to see what’s available.
See Better locations and more details here.
24. AeroPlay! at the RAF Museum
AeroPlay! at the RAF Museum is a great option for children who love planes and want somewhere to burn off some energy. This aviation-themed indoor play area has climbing, slides and different areas to explore, making it a fun addition to a visit to the museum.
It’s suitable for children from six months up to around 10 years, although younger children have their own dedicated areas.
Indoor Sports & Activities for Families
If your children need to burn off some energy, there are plenty of indoor sports and activities in London that are perfect for a rainy day. From bowling and trampolining to climbing, cricket and interactive football, these are great options when you want something more active than a museum or attraction.
25. Vintners Lanes, Greenwich
Vintners Lanes in Greenwich is bowling with a much more relaxed vibe than regular bowling. Visiting here was a much nicer experience than any other bowling alley we’ve been to. The stylish lanes and relaxed atmosphere make it a good option for a family activity that adults will enjoy too. Plus, the food and craft cocktails are really good!
26. Oxygen at The O2
Oxygen at The O2 is a great indoor activity for children to burn off some energy on a rainy day. It’s a huge trampoline park with dedicated sessions for toddlers as well as sessions for older children, so you can choose an experience that’s suitable for your family. My boys love it here, and we’ve even had a birthday party there.
Oxygen at the o2 is a perfect indoor activity for kids in London.
27. Sixes Cricket
Sixes Cricket is an indoor cricket experience using interactive technology. We visited the Fitzrovia branch (which has now closed) for Father’s Day. Our 5-year-old was a little bit young for it, but this would be a fun option for older children and teenagers. This is a good option, particularly if your children are interested in sport. From our experience, it’s one that dads are likely to enjoy just as much as the kids!
They have multiple locations, including London Bridge, Wembley and Stratford. Find out more and book Sixes here.
Batting at Sixes Cricket.
28. Clip ‘n Climb
Clip ‘n Climb is a colourful indoor climbing experience where children can tackle a series of different climbing challenges. There’s a location at The O2, as well as Clip ‘n Climb centres at some Better leisure facilities, making it another good option when you’re looking for something active to do indoors.
See locations and book Clip ‘n Climb here.
29. Puttshack
Puttshack is an indoor mini-golf experience with a high-tech twist, combining traditional putting with interactive games and scoring. The White City location at Westfield is particularly convenient if you want to combine it with shopping or another indoor activity.
See other locations and book Puttshack.
30. TOCA Social
TOCA Social is an interactive football experience where you play a series of technology-powered football games inside private game boxes. This is another good option for older children, teenagers, and dads, especially those who enjoy football. There are locations at both The O2 and Westfield White City.
Family-Friendly Theatre & Entertainment
London is known for its West End theatre, but there are some options that are especially good for families.
31. The Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge Station is a fantastic option for families, particularly if you have younger children or toddlers. It specialises in theatre for young audiences, with productions aimed at different age groups from babies and toddlers through to older children.
The shows are designed specifically with children in mind, so it’s a lovely introduction to theatre if your children aren’t quite ready for a traditional West End show. Check the current programme before visiting, as the age recommendations vary between productions.
See the Unicorn Theatre’s current schedule here.
32. Family-Friendly West End Shows
Seeing a West End show is a brilliant way to spend a rainy day in London, and there are plenty of family-friendly productions to choose from. From big musicals and much-loved children’s stories to spectacular shows that adults will enjoy just as much, there’s something for a wide range of ages.
Options that are family favourites include: The Lion King, Aladdin, Matilda, Paddington the Musical and Wicked. We also recently enjoyed The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which was perfectly done for young children.
I’d recommend checking the age guidance, running time and performance times before booking, particularly if you’re visiting with younger children. Many shows recommend kids being age 5 or above. Matinee performances can work particularly well for families, and there are often family-friendly shows running outside the West End too.
See all current theatre shows here.
FAQ’s on Indoor Activities in London for Families
There are plenty of things to do with kids in London when it’s raining. London’s museums are an amazing choice, with favourites including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, London Transport Museum and National Maritime Museum. There are also indoor play areas, interactive attractions, aquariums, immersive experiences, theatre and indoor sports and activities.
The best indoor play area will depend on your child’s age and what they’re interested in. Many of London’s museums have designated play spaces for younger children. Read all about those in my guide, linked here.
Older children are more likely to enjoy an immersive or sporting experience, such as bowling, clip and climb, or trampolining.
Yes! London has lots of free indoor activities for children, making it possible to have a great rainy-day outing without spending a fortune. Many of the city’s major museums are free to enter, including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, British Museum, National Maritime Museum and National Army Museum.
You can also visit free attractions such as Outernet, which has huge immersive digital displays near Tottenham Court Road.
Final thoughts on the Best Indoor Activities in London for Kids
As much as we might hope for sunshine, the British weather isn’t always on our side! Luckily, there are so many great indoor activities in London that a cold or rainy day doesn’t have to mean staying at home.
Whether your children love dinosaurs and space, want to burn off some energy at soft play or trampolines, or would rather explore an immersive attraction or watch a West End show, there really is something for every age and interest.
Many of London’s museums and attractions are also free, so you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to have a great family day out. My advice is to choose something that suits your children’s ages and interests, check the opening times and booking requirements before you go, and embrace the fact that sometimes a rainy day can lead to discovering somewhere you might otherwise have missed.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best indoor activities in London for kids and families. We hope you have a wonderful trip to London.
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Happy Exploring,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.