10 Rainy Day Activities in London That Won’t Break the Bank

Living in the UK means becoming quite the expert at rainy day entertainment, especially with a toddler in tow! After countless drizzly London adventures with our two-year-old daughter (and Steve’s uncanny ability to forget an umbrella), I’ve compiled my tried-and-tested list of budget-friendly indoor activities that will keep the whole family entertained, regardless of the weather.

Natural History Museum (Free Entry)

Our daughter’s absolute favourite rainy day destination! Since discovering her fascination with the dinosaur gallery (she now roars at random intervals throughout the day), this has become our go-to spot. The museum’s spacious galleries provide plenty of room for toddler exploration, and the interactive displays keep little hands busy.

Top tips:

• Visit early on weekday mornings to avoid crowds
• Pack lunch to save money (the café can be pricey)
• Don’t miss the earthquake simulator
• Look out for the free explorer backpacks for kids

Barbican Conservatory (Free Entry)

This hidden tropical oasis is one of London’s best-kept secrets. I particularly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while our little one is fascinated by the resident fish. Open on selected Sundays and bank holidays, it’s perfect for pretending you’re somewhere far warmer than rainy London!

Best features:

• Exotic plants and fish
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Warm and dry environment
• Regular free family events

Tate Modern (Free Entry)

While modern art might not seem toddler-friendly, the vast turbine hall provides an excellent space for little ones to stretch their legs. Our daughter loves the interactive displays and watching the boats through the riverside windows.

Money-saving tips:

• Take advantage of free family workshops
• Use the free art materials in the family zone
• Pack snacks and drinks
• Visit the viewing level for free city views

Greenwich Market (Free Entry)

On rainy days, this covered market becomes our urban adventure playground. The variety of food stalls means everyone can find something within budget (Steve’s partial to the vegan dumplings), and our daughter loves watching the street performers.

Budget-friendly approach:

• Set a spending limit
• Share food portions
• Enjoy free samples
• Browse the artisan stalls

British Library (Free Entry)

The children’s section has become our sanctuary during particularly wet afternoons. With regular storytelling sessions and interactive displays, it’s both educational and entertaining.

Highlights:

• Free children’s events
• Comfortable reading areas
• Interactive exhibitions
• Quiet spaces for nap times

Museum of London (Free Entry)

Perfect for introducing little ones to the city’s history. Our daughter is particularly fascinated by the Victorian street recreation, though she’s still unsure about the stuffed animals in the prehistoric London section (me too!)

Must-see areas:

• The Great Fire experience
• Roman gallery
• Modern London exhibition
• Children’s activity zones

Southbank Centre (Free Entry to Public Spaces)

The covered walkways and regular free events make this a perfect rainy day destination. Steve has mastered the art of timing our visits to coincide with the free lunchtime concerts.

Activities include:

• Poetry library
• Free exhibitions
• Children’s workshops
• Covered food market

Sky Garden (Free Entry but Book Ahead)

While technically indoor, you’ll feel like you’re outdoors without getting wet! Our daughter loves watching planes through the giant windows, and we love that it’s completely free.

Remember to:

• Book at least three weeks in advance
• Bring ID
• Time visits for sunset
• Pack snacks (café prices are steep)

National Maritime Museum (Free Entry)

Greenwich’s gem offers plenty of interactive exhibits perfect for toddlers. The “Ahoy!” gallery has become our wet-weather salvation, with its child-sized boats and play areas.

Family favourites:

• Children’s gallery
• Ship simulator
• Polar exploration exhibits
• Activity trails

Wellcome Collection (Free Entry)

While some exhibits might be a bit advanced for our toddler, the medicine and science-themed activities in the family space are perfectly pitched for little ones.

Highlights:

• Interactive displays
• Quiet reading rooms
• Regular family events
• Excellent café (reasonably priced)

Money-Saving Tips for Rainy London Days

Transportation:

• Use family travel cards
• Plan journeys outside peak times
• Consider walking between nearby attractions
• Look for kids-travel-free promotions

Food and Drinks:

• Pack lunches and snacks
• Carry water bottles
• Look for kids-eat-free deals
• Use museum cafés for warming up, not dining

Entertainment Extras:

• Download free museum trails
• Join free walking tours
• Look for family workshop days
• Sign up for attraction newsletters

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything:

• Check websites for quiet periods
• Book free tickets in advance where needed
• Plan around nap times
• Consider early morning visits

Essential Packing:

• Change of clothes (learned this the hard way!)
• Snacks and drinks
• Activities for queuing
• Portable charger for photos

Final Thoughts

Rainy days in London don’t have to mean staying home or spending a fortune. Some of our favourite family memories have been made during wet-weather adventures – like the time our daughter decided to conduct an impromptu dance performance in the Tate Modern’s turbine hall, or when Steve accidentally led us through every single gallery in the Natural History Museum trying to find the exit!

Remember, many of these venues offer free cloakrooms for wet coats and umbrellas, and most have baby-changing facilities and areas to warm up bottles or food.

Have you tried any of these rainy day activities? Or do you have your own favourite spots to share? I’d love to hear about your London adventures in the comments below!

[Note: All information about free entry and opening times is correct as of Spring 2025. Please check individual websites before visiting.]