15 Indoor Family Days Out for Rainy Winter Weekends
Rain on the forecast? We’ve got you covered. From immersive adventures to bowling and big-screen favourites, these indoor family days out give everyone something to look forward to, whatever the weather.
Key Takeaways
Discover 15 indoor family activities, from interactive attractions to games and shows.
Find ideas for younger children, older kids and families who enjoy a bit of competition.
Choose from family tickets, experiences for larger groups and outings for a parent and child.
Check age restrictions, ticket numbers and weekend availability before booking.
Indoor Family Days Out at a Glance
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to match the kind of day you have in mind:
For younger children: Step into the stories at The Paddington Bear Experience or Shrek’s Adventure! London.
For older kids: Take on virtual challenges at Meetspace VR or try to beat THE CUBE in Manchester.
For competitive families: See who can claim the most strikes at Namco Funscape.
For a relaxed outing: Settle in for a film and snacks at Cineworld or explore SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
For curious minds: Discover illusions at Twist Museum or get hands-on at Silverstone Museum.
Why These Made Our List
We’ve chosen experiences from the Buyagift range that give families different ways to spend time together indoors.
We’ve considered what each activity involves, the number of people included and the ages it suits, from quick outings to bigger days to look forward to. Details can vary, so check the latest information before booking.
Indoor Attractions for Curious Kids
1. The Paddington Bear Experience for Two Adults and Two Children – Peak
If there’s a Paddington fan in your family, this is their chance to step into his world. You’ll explore familiar places, meet friendly characters and help prepare for a special celebration.
There are games and interactive moments along the way, making it a cheerful choice for younger children and the grown-ups joining them. It’s also a great excuse to swap a rainy afternoon for a trip to the Brown family’s home.
Planning a festive day in the capital? Discover more things to do in London in December, from Christmas lights to family outings
Location: South Bank, London
Great for: Younger children who love Paddington and interactive stories.
Good to know: The voucher covers two adults and two children. Children under two enter free but still need a ticket; check availability before booking.
2. Twist Museum Entry for Two Adults and Two Children
Ready to question what you’re seeing? Twist Museum brings art and science together through interactive illusions designed to play tricks on your senses. Explore the exhibits as a family, compare what you see and have fun working out how your eyes might be fooling you. It’s an entertaining pick for curious kids who enjoy getting involved rather than simply looking around.
Location: London
Great for: Curious families who enjoy illusions and hands-on exhibits.
Good to know: The voucher is for two adults and two children. Allow around 60–90 minutes; check the museum’s accessibility information before booking.
If your family enjoys illusions, Twist Museum combines art and science in London, while Professor Kettlestring offers perception tricks and photo opportunities in York.
3. Entry for Two Adults and Two Children to Cadbury World
A day out dedicated to chocolate? That should get the family moving, even on the gloomiest morning. At Cadbury World in Birmingham, you can discover the story behind the famous chocolate brand and explore its interactive attractions together.
It’s a fun choice for families looking for something different to do indoors, with plenty to chat about on the way home. Just be prepared for the inevitable discussion about everyone’s favourite chocolate bar.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Great for: Chocolate fans and families who enjoy interactive attractions.
Good to know: This voucher covers two adults and two children and is available Monday to Friday. It may be used as part payment towards certain peak dates or special events; check whether your preferred date is available before booking.
4. SEA LIFE London Aquarium Entry for Two Adults and Two Children
Take a trip beneath the surface without getting caught in the rain. At SEA LIFE London Aquarium, you can follow a self-guided route through themed zones, spotting marine creatures as you go.
From colourful reef displays to the shark tunnel, there’s plenty to catch the attention of animal-loving children. It’s a more relaxed option than a fast-paced game, with time to stop and explore together.
Location: South Bank, London
Great for: Young animal lovers and families who prefer a gentler-paced outing.
Good to know: This experience covers two adults and two children; extra people can be added during booking. Pre-book at least 24 hours ahead, and check your chosen date is covered by the voucher.
5. Family Entry to Silverstone Interactive Museum
For a family that can’t resist a race, Silverstone Museum puts motorsport history within reach. Get close to historic cars and bikes, then explore hands-on exhibits that let children discover more about the sport.
There’s enough to keep racing fans talking long after you’ve left, whether they’re already glued to Grand Prix weekends or just getting interested. Most of the fun is indoors, so the weather doesn’t need to put the brakes on your plans.
Location: Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Great for: Motorsport fans and children who enjoy hands-on activities.
Good to know: The voucher is for two adults and two children, with a listed minimum age of eight. Opening days vary by season, and the optional heritage track trail is outdoors.
Games and Challenges for the Whole Family
6. One Hour of Bowling for Six People with Namco Funscape
A bowling trip has all the ingredients for a good family afternoon: friendly competition, a shared lane and someone celebrating a strike a little too enthusiastically. You’ll have an hour to see who can knock down the most pins, with room for up to six players.
Bumpers and ramps are available to help younger children and beginners join in. It’s a straightforward choice when you want everyone involved without planning a full day around one activity.
For more ideas to enjoy together, whatever the forecast, explore our favourite things to do this autumn.
Location: Selected locations, including Gateshead, Manchester and Norwich.
Great for: Larger families and groups with a competitive streak.
Good to know: The voucher covers one lane for up to six people. The lane switches off after one hour, so completing a full game isn’t guaranteed.
7. Family Entry to VR Quest Arena with Meetspace VR
If your kids love gaming, take family time into another world at Meetspace VR. Pop on a headset and get ready for a virtual reality quest that brings everyone into the action.
It’s an exciting way for older children to try something beyond their usual screen time, with parents joining the adventure too. Compared with a cinema trip, this one puts you right in the middle of the experience.
Location: Selected locations, including Birmingham, Guildford and Nottingham.
Great for: Gaming fans and families with children aged eight and over.
Good to know: The experience is for four people, with a minimum age of eight. Weekend sessions are available, subject to booking availability.
8. Family Entry to Laser Quest Leeds
Need a plan for kids with energy to burn? Laser Quest Leeds gives the family two games to dodge, aim and rack up points in an indoor arena.
Work together or enjoy some friendly rivalry as you try to outsmart the opposing team. It’s the sort of outing that gets everyone moving, even when the weather outside is doing its best to keep you indoors.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Great for: Active families who enjoy games and a bit of competition.
Good to know: The voucher is for two adults and two children and includes two 20-minute games. Check the venue’s age and participation requirements before booking.
9. Escape Room Entry for Four with Breakout
Gather the family’s best detectives and put your heads together at Breakout. You’ll search for clues, tackle puzzles and try to solve your way out before the clock runs down.
Everyone can bring something different to the challenge, whether they’re quick to spot a detail or full of creative theories. Pick a theme that suits your group and make a rainy afternoon feel like an adventure.
Location: Chester, Liverpool or Manchester
Great for: Families who like puzzles, mysteries and working as a team.
Good to know: The voucher is for four people, and the minimum age is eight. Check the chosen room’s theme and any additional restrictions before booking.
10. Family Ticket to THE CUBE in Manchester
Think your family could handle the pressure of THE CUBE? Step inside the famous glass arena and take on seven games that test skills such as balance, memory and speed.
There’s plenty of opportunity to cheer each other on as you try to master challenges inspired by the television show. For families with older children, it’s a memorable way to turn a Sunday indoors into an occasion.
Location: Manchester
Great for: Game-show fans and families with older children.
Good to know: The voucher covers two adults and two children aged nine to 17. It’s available Sunday to Friday, subject to availability; the minimum height is 134cm.
For a more relaxed family competition, try bowling; for older kids who enjoy skill-based games, THE CUBE makes the challenge feel like a television show.
Big-Screen Moments and Memorable Shows
11. Cineworld Cinema Visit for Two Adults and Two Children with Snacks
Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is also the simplest: find a film everyone wants to see and settle in together. This Cineworld trip includes tickets for two adults and two children, plus two large combos to share.
Choose between popcorn, nachos or a hot dog with each combo, then let the big screen do the entertaining. It’s a relaxed option when you want to get out of the house without rushing around.
Location: Selected Cineworld cinemas
Great for: Families looking for an easygoing film outing.
Good to know: The experience includes two adult tickets, two child tickets and two large combos. Check participating cinemas, film classifications and available screenings before booking.
12. Bronze Theatre Tickets to Disney’s The Lion King for Two
Bring a favourite story to the stage with a trip to see The Lion King in London’s West End. Follow Simba’s journey through the Pride Lands, accompanied by familiar songs, striking costumes and spectacular puppetry.
It’s a special outing for a parent and child who love the film, with plenty to talk about on the journey home. If you’re looking for a family gift, theatre tickets also offer an exciting day to look forward to after Christmas.
Looking for more presents they can experience? Our guide to Christmas gifts for kids is full of days out for different interests.
Location: Lyceum Theatre, London
Great for: A parent and child who love music, theatre and Disney stories.
Good to know: The voucher covers two people; children under three are not admitted. Bronze tickets generally have better weekday availability, some seats may have restricted views, and an upgrade may cost extra.
13. DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure! London for Two Adults and Two Children
Swap a wet weekend for a trip to Far Far Away at Shrek’s Adventure! London. Your family will board a 4D flying bus with Donkey before heading through an interactive adventure in search of Shrek.
Along the way, you’ll meet familiar characters and explore scenes inspired by the films. It’s a playful pick for children who love stories with plenty of laughs.
Location: South Bank, London
Great for: Shrek fans and families who enjoy interactive stories.
Good to know: The voucher covers two adults and two children for selected off-peak dates.
14. One Hour Immersive Game Room Experience for Four at Activate UK
Bring your team together for an hour of interactive challenges at Activate UK. This game room experience is designed to get everyone involved as you take on activities together.
It’s a good choice for families who fancy something active and enjoy the thrill of working towards a shared goal. With locations to choose from, it could be just the thing for a weekend when the forecast calls for an indoor plan.
Location: Selected venues, including four in London.
Great for: Active families who enjoy games and team challenges.
Good to know: The listed experience is for four people. Check the chosen venue’s minimum ages, participation requirements and weekend availability before booking.
15. Entry to The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring for Two Adults and Two Children
Things aren’t always quite what they seem at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring. Explore nine immersive realms filled with illusions and photo opportunities that invite you to look twice.
Take your time wandering through together and see which tricks have the whole family puzzled. It’s an entertaining stop for curious children and an easy way to add some indoor fun to a day in York.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Great for: Curious kids who enjoy illusions and unusual photos.
Good to know: This voucher covers two adults and two children, and the experience is available throughout the week, subject to availability. Allow up to one hour and 15 minutes; some areas may not be accessible to all wheelchair users.
Our Verdict: Make Rainy Days Something to Look Forward To
The forecast doesn’t have to decide how much fun you have. Whether your family would love an afternoon of bowling, a favourite story brought to life or a challenge to solve together, there’s plenty waiting indoors. Explore more family days out with Buyagift and find your next adventure.
FAQs
Your questions, answered
There are plenty of ways to enjoy a rainy day together, from bowling and cinema trips to aquariums, museums and immersive attractions. If your family likes a challenge, try an escape room or an indoor game experience. Check the details before booking, as some attractions may also include optional outdoor areas.
The Paddington Bear Experience and Shrek’s Adventure! London are fun options for children who enjoy familiar characters and interactive stories. SEA LIFE London Aquarium offers a more relaxed outing for young animal lovers. Check each experience’s ticket and age requirements to make sure it’s right for your family.
Older children might enjoy working against the clock in an escape room, trying a virtual reality quest or taking on the games at THE CUBE. Age and height restrictions vary, so check the individual experience before booking.
Yes. An experience can give the whole family an outing to look forward to after Christmas, whether they’d enjoy a show, an attraction or a game together. Check how many people the voucher includes, its validity and any restrictions on booking dates.
Many of the experiences offer weekend dates, subject to availability. Some packages have restrictions or may cost more at peak times; for example, the featured THE CUBE Manchester family ticket is available on Sundays but not Saturdays. Check the product details and your preferred date before booking.
Richard Marsh
Content Writer
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