Wet, rainy days can be tough when you have children. There are some fantastic indoor places to take children on our doorstep and a short journey away, below are some suggestions.
If you have any other suggestions for an indoor day out that you have enjoyed, or you want to feature your attraction, please contact me here.
Discover a world of curiosity and imagination at Adventure Play Town, located at the K3 business park on Clough Road, Hull.
Our vibrant and engaging children’s role play centre is designed to spark creativity and bring dreams to life. With a magical town filled with themed play areas, little adventurers can become fearless astronauts, daring firefighters, brilliant chefs, and much more. We also have a large, spacious cafe area serving great value, high quality drinks and snacks.
Recommended age is babies up to age 7. Open 7 days a week during school holidays, open 6 days a week term time (closed Wednesdays). Play sessions are bookable in 90 minute slots – mid week at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, Friday to Sunday at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Large, free car park directly outside the building.
They also hold children’s parties and run special events.
Booking in advance online is preferred, walk-in’s can be accommodated if there is space left in the session. Find out more on their website here, or follow them on facebook here. Or email info@adventureplaytown.co.uk, call 07727947470.
Unit 12, k3 Business Park, 200 Clough Road, Hull, HU5 1SN
Beetle’s Sensory Den at Little Monkeys, Active+ on Harpings Road, Hull, is a small room perfect for developing cognitive, motor, language and problem-solving skills. It’s suitable for babies and toddlers and children with SEN.
NEW Beetle’s Sensory Garden is now open within in.
Please book sessions in advance. You can also hire the space for parties. Please call 01482 447766 or book direct on their website here. Or follow their facebook page here.
Play cafe in Anlaby Common. Play sessions are fabulously fun, interactive play for children under 5 years old, including messy/sensory play, imaginative play, crafty play and open play. Regular play sessions run Mondays to Saturdays at various times, with special events throughout the week and in school holidays.
For older children 5+ they have crafts and activities. For families they have Games Night and Family Nights on Fridays.
NEW for mums – Mums lunch club. Thursdays at 11.30am. A hot buffet and chance to chat to other mums.
Please book all sessions in advance on their website here. Call 07398 149182, email info@crafty-cat-events.com. or follow them on facebook.
272 Hull Road, Anlaby, HU4 7RR.
Jason Wilsher-Mills: Are We There Yet? Exhibition runs 24th February to 2nd June 2024
Join us at the Ferens for a colourful journey into the imagination and experiences of disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills! Created in response to disabled communities in Hull, Wakefield and Manchester, Jason’s theatrical portraits and sculptures reflect aspects of his personality, memory, and disability. This family friendly exhibition is suitable for all ages and includes Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive experiences.
Jason’s fun, empowering and insightful creations will excite and move you. Through this exhibition you’ll gain a greater understanding of our world and how those with disabilities experience it. Alongside the exhibition will be an exciting and accessible programme of events and activities for all ages. This includes a talk by Jason in May, baby sensory sessions, storytelling, relaxed openings, workshops delivered by artists, and craft sessions.
Free event, just drop-in. Feren’s Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Hull.
Visit their website here for more information.
Discover a world of laughter, learning, and unforgettable experiences at Jack in the Box Soft Play in Beverley. From the moment you step into this award winning soft play centre, you’ll be welcomed into an exciting, safe, friendly, clean environment filled with fun and laughter for children of all ages up to 12.
With 3 different awesome zones – large gated baby area, toddler play frame and large junior play frame – we have something for everyone with our exciting slides, interactive ball pools and captivating sensory areas. We even have an interactive game floor – all included in the price.
When you’re ready for refuelling, enjoy some family time in one of our colourful family booths where you can choose from a huge menu with lots of tasty, freshly made food and delicious barista made coffee.
Birthday Parties – check out our party room with its famous party throne, fit for a birthday king or queen to celebrate in style! Parties are available weekends and after school.
Have you seen our amazing Role Play Centre – Jack’s Mini Village – located on the first floor. The size and level of detail will blow you away! (separate booking required – combi tickets available).
Open 7 days a week – see our website for opening times and prices and guarantee your entrance by pre-booking on our website.
Annie Reed Road, Beverley, HU17 0LF. 01482 880091
Let your imagination run wild as you immerse yourself in a whole new world of make believe. Step into Jack’s Mini Village and you will immediately be transformed into Village Life where you can become any number of different people – a baker – a stylist – a builder – a doctor, and many more besides.
The size and level of detail will amaze you, from the Mini Village credit card (which each child gets to keep) to the “working” checkout counters, washing machine and ovens, to the awesome ice cream van. Check out the Interactive Village Map on our website to learn more about the 14 different play settings.
Suitable for pre-walkers up to children who love to play pretend in style!
Full seating area available to sit and have tasty snack and maybe a delicious coffee made with a barista coffee machine.
Jack’s Mini Village is located on the first floor above Jack in the Box Soft Play (Separate booking required – combi tickets available)
Open 7 days a week – see our website for opening times and prices. Online booking is essential for guaranteed entry.
Annie Reed Road, Beverley, HU17 0LF. 01482 880091
Temporarily closed
Hull’s only dedicated retro arcade, on the Ground Floor of Princes Quay, Hull. From Space Invaders to Sega Rally, Pinballs to Point Blank. We have something that you will remember.
Just pay entry fee and then play for as long as you want. Email arcadehubhull@gmail.com or call 07713 993435 for more info and bookings.
Grade 1 listed building with stunning Georgian courtroom, plus 2 exhibition rooms with local items. Specifically for children are:
Free admission. Open Wednesdays & Fridays 10am-4pm.
Register Square, Beverley, HU17 9XX. 01482 392783.
Walk around the beautiful Beverley Minster, which has been a place of prayer for over 1300 years. You can walk around yourself admiring the architecture, or alternatively for a fee, floor and roof tours are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April onward (booking essential). The guides are very experienced and great with children, they will guide you around the history of the Minster, and show you amazing things normally hidden from public view.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays 12-4pm.
Minster Yard North, Beverley, HU17 0DP. For more information about the tours call 01482 868540.
Come and discover Barnsley’s hidden treasure – the island paradise that is Calypso Cove Waterpark. Calypso Cove is home to fantastic flumes, sensational slides and wonderful waves – making it a great day out for the whole family! Splash your way through the slides, flumes and pools before retreating to The Hideout on poolside to refuel and relax with some hearty grog ‘n’ grub!
The Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN. 01226 730060.
Visit Dinostar – Hull’s Dinosaur Experience – the exciting, interactive dinosaur museum. A children’s museum with dinosaurs! Highlights include a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, Triceratops bones you can touch and our unique Dinosaur Sound Box. Our dinosaur and fossil shop offers genuine and replica fossils plus a range of dinosaur toys, all at reasonable prices. Ideal for children of all ages!
Open every weekend 11am – 5pm, and daily from 22nd July to 3rd September 2023
28-29 Humber Street, Hull, HU1 1TH. 01482 320424 info@dinostar.co.uk
An interactive children’s museum approximately 1 hour 20 mins drive from Hull. A great family day out, lots of interactive, hands on exhibits for children that are fun and educational. Eureka also has the annual pass option – pay once and visit as many times as you like in the following year. Pre-book tickets online.
Open term time Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm (5pm on weekends), open daily in school holidays 10am-5pm
Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE. 01422 330069
Free art gallery in Hull city centre. Explore a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, plus there is a regular program of temporary exhibitions and events. Includes a very good children’s area to play in and get creative and a good child friendly cafe (Cafe Venue Hull). They hold regular children’s activities and events – Mini Masterpieces are sessions for the under 5s and sessions are available for older children during school holidays.
Queen Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RA. 01482 300300.
Trampoline park located on the top floor of St Stephens (entry outside next to Next or via the car park).
Lots of fun for children and grown ups! A floor of trampolines and bouncy activities. Sessions include Open Jump for all ages, SEN specific sessions, fitness classes. They also hold toddler sessions where only under 5s can bounce (must be over 18 months old), look out for themed toddler sessions!
You can also hold your child’s Birthday Party or special occasion at a Gravity Party.
For more info and bookings call 0330 1595815, email enquiries.hull@gravity-uk.com.
St Stephens Shopping Centre, Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8LN
Set in the old Grammar School where William Wilberforce studied, a history museum including the history of Hull. This gallery is home to a genuine 2,600 year old mummy and unique replicas of King Tutankhamen’s treasures. Free entry.
Open on selected days, check before visiting.
South Church Side, Hull, HU1 1RR. General Enquiries – 01482 300 300
Hull’s Hollywood Bowl has 26 lanes to choose from, and there is also a bar and diner on site, as well as an amusement arcade. Family packages are available and they sometimes run themed competitions or family fun weekends. Open daily from 10am. Online booking is recommended but not essential, and a max of 8 players per lane.
Kingswood Leisure Park, Gibraltar Road, Hull, HU7 3DB 0844 826 1461
If you’re looking for a fun family day out why not head to Hornsea Freeport. There are 2 great children’s attractions there, along with the usual range of shops and discount outlets.
Discover Beach Cove, the fantastic play experience at Hornsea Freeport. Swing, slide, zip, bounce, climb, dig and twirl in the AWESOME outdoor activity park… and explore the AMAZING soft play zone indoors. Time for a break? Relax in the Rockpool Café and terrace overlooking the play areas. Open every day from 10am. No need to advance book.
Head into Bugtopia, the hands-on tropical nature attraction featuring Huge Bugs, butterflies, birds, spiders, and MORE! INCREDIBLE leafcutter ants have arrived at Bugtopia too! Open every day from 10am (11am Sundays) and no need to advance book.
Hornsea Freeport, Rolston Road, Hornsea, HU18 1UT. 01964 534211.
There are several cinemas in Hull, some of which do special children’s discount sessions –
Cineworld – Offers include Family Tickets, Junior Prices and Cinebabies (under 18months are free). Gibraltar Road, Kingswood Retail Park, Hull, HU7 3DB. 0871 2002000.
Vue Cinema – ‘Mini Mornings’ – Children’s discounted films on Sat & Sun mornings and week days in the school holidays. Princes Quay, Hull, HU1 2PQ. 08712 240 240.
Odeon Luxe – Have various offers on for families and children including family discounts, cheap tickets on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and quieter screenings for new parents. Kingston Park, Hull, HU1 2TX.
Reel Cinema – ‘Movie Madness’ Discounted tickets before 1pm on weekends. St Stephens Centre, Hull, HU2 8LD. 0870 801 0870
Walk through various ages of history. 235 million years of history is brought to life, with mammoths, Saxon invaders, an Iron Age village, a Roman bath house and stunning mosaics. Located in the Museums quarter next door to the Streetlife Museum. Free entry.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm, plus bank holidays (except Good Friday)
36 High Street, Hull, HU1 1NQ. 01482 300300
Hull History Centre holds all of the cities archives. Also runs children’s activities (usually the 1st Saturday of the month) and family events – see Events Calendar for details
Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-4.30pm
Worship Street, Hull, HU2 8BG. 01482 317500
Hull’s Ice Arena has lots of different skating sessions including:
Kingston Park, Kingston Street, Hull, HU1 2DZ. Call them for latest times and prices on 01482 325252.
Hull’s most historic church, very friendly and welcoming and open most days to have a look around inside. Hull Minster is located in the heart of the Old Town Hull. They regularly run the following for families:
A cafe is available onsite and entry is free for all to enter. General opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
Parish Centre, 10a-11 King Street, Kingston upon Hull HU1 2JJ
A real factory tour of this local, famous rock producer. Touch, hear, smell, see and taste the secrets of rock and chocolate production. They are a seasonal tourist location and the hours do vary depending on whether it’s the school holidays or term times. (No tours on a weekend).
It is recommended that factory tours are booked in advance to guarantee a place, with a maximum of 6 people per booking.
Also at the site – John Bull’s Candy Kingdom, soft play centre for ages 0-12.
Lancaster Road, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO15 3QY. 01262 678525.
Jump Inc Beverley is a huge inflatable playground, of quite literally wall-to-wall inflatable, bouncy goodness. Get lost in our urban wonderland, packed with activities to suit all ages including our double-decker section, ginormous wavy slides & massive ball pool!
Brand new exciting activities are now open at Jump Inc Beverley! Not only can you experience trampolines, zip lines and reaction walls but now, wipeout zones, warped wall, neon obstacle course, huge slides and much, much more!
Bookings are available for individual one-hour sessions and Jump Inc also offers a special toddler session designed for children aged five and under.
Flemingate Shopping Centre, Beverley, HU17 0NQ. 0330 088 2267.
A trip to the library to choose and take out children’s books is a great activity to do for free. Below is a list of all the libraries in our area. Many libraries run Toddler Times, see Weekly Classes for listings.
Hull:
East Riding:
Perfect for budding explorers and adventurers of all ages, The Lost City houses two incredible 18-hole indoor adventure golf courses in the centre of Hull. Putt your skills to the test against towering rockfaces and incredible obstacles – perfect fun for all ages and occasions.
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm and located on the first floor (Leisure Terrace) in St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Ferensway, Hull. Suitable for players aged 3yrs+ with both courses being wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Museum of Hulls maritime past. Free entry.
Queen Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3DX. 01482 300300
Great day out for children. Large display of trains and old steam engines some of which children can get on, historic station, activities, outdoor play area and miniature train, good cafe. Steam Rides are available for a small fee, running most Saturdays (can book online). Free entry but donations are welcome, book tickets in advance.
Open daily 10am-5pm in Winter, 10am-6pm in Summer. Located next to York Railway station so a good place to get the train from Hull to or there is a car park across the road from the museum (£10 for parking but you can park all day and get the land train from here into York city centre).
Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ. 0844 815 3139.
The Oasis Hub opens their doors, welcoming everyone. An open, inclusive, local church on Newland Avenue with lots of family activties and groups. Home to the amazing World of Wonder – magical rooms with various imagination play equipment including a play kitchen, a faraway tree, a hobbit hole, sensory room and narnia props.
Please note that only families can use the world of wonder room but anyone can come in and use the rest of the facilities. Please check times and sessions with them prior to going, different sessions on in school holidays. For more information email hello@oasishull.org
Hull Community Church, 310 Newland Avenue, Hull, HU5 2NB
Play Avenue is a safe and spacious indoor role play setting in Messingham, Scunthorpe designed to fuel imaginations. At our bespoke play centre, your little one can explore life as a builder, an actor, doctor or shop assistant. Our wonderful themed role-play areas are filled with props and furnishings to create a stimulating, fun and educational environment. All that play can be tiring, so there’s a café with drinks and snacks to help recharge little batteries.
Also do Kids Parties! Contact us for details.
For more information and booking email hello@playavenue.co.uk.
Trampoline Park in Hull with open jump sessions, toddler sessions, fitness, dodgeball, SEN sessions. Advance booking is highly recommended. Open 7 days a week Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Weekends 9am-7pm.
Unit 2 Malmo Park, Stockholm Road, Hull, HU7 0XW. 01482 826228. Owned by and adjacent to Monkey Bizness
Thrilling climbing for all ages with walls towering over 8m in height and over 70 challenges to get stuck into, there are new ways to climb every time you visit!
We run climbing for all ages and abilities. From ages 4 and over the whole family can enjoy mountains of fun! Under 4’s can enjoy our Toddler Climb sessions where we offer smaller harnesses and more hands-on help to get them Reaching New Heights.
Open Monday to Friday 10.30am–6:30pm (Tues opens at 2.30pm). Weekends 9.30am – 5.30pm.
Rock Up, St Stephens Centre, Ferensway, Hull.
Climbing: Rockcity has a range of adult and children’s climbing walls. There are 3 bouldering rooms ideal for children from 2 years +. Bouldering allows children (and grown ups) to climb without ropes in a safe area with different rooms to explore. There is a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children (aged 2-13). Over 14s can use the facilities unsupervised. Pre-booking is essential.
They also offer a range of weekly clubs which follow the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS). Ages start at 7, and we have something for all levels if skill and experience for young climbers!
Skatepark: The Skatepark is temporarily closed.
For more info or to book a session call 01482 223030 or email info@rockcity.co.uk.
Rockcity, Hawthorn Avenue, Hull, HU3 5GL.
History brought to life with live combat demonstrations, dramatic performances, talks and tours throughout the exhibition. Explore arms and armour from across the world and through time over five floors of stunning displays. Pre-booking tickets is recommended.
Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission is free.
Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
Large sea life centre with various enclosures, including turtles, penguins, seals, sharks, and otters. Also an outdoor play area and mini golf. Open daily from 10am-4pm, and 9.30am – 5pm during Summer holidays. Tickets must be pre-booked before visiting.
Scalby Mills, Scarborough, YO12 6RP. 0871 4232110
Museum inside the working windmill with children’s activities.
Open Saturdays and Sundays only, 10.00am-12.30pm and 1.00pm-5.00pm, last admissions 4.15pm. Modest admission charges apply.
Good cafe in the courtyard and play area behind the windmill too.
Skidby, HU16 5TF (follow the brown signs from the A164). 01482 848405
Soft Play Centres are a great place to take the children on a rainy day. You can find full details of all the Soft Play Centres in the Hull and East Riding Area on Mumbler here.
If you decide to stay at home on a rainy day check out our guide with our Top 10 ideas to do at home to keep the kids entertained at home!
From treasure hunts to making slime, read the full article here.
Old buses and trams that children can climb on and scenes from olden day Hull to explore. Experience 200 years of transport history as you walk down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of our carriage ride. Usually hold children’s events during the school holidays, see Events calendar for details. Located in the Museums quarter next door to the Hull & East Riding Museum. Entry is free.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm, plus bank holidays (except Good Friday)
High Street, Hull, HU1 1NQ. 01482 300300
Superbowl UK offers a concourse for players of all ability levels. 12 state of the art lanes including a unique VIP Bowling Experience. The latest scoring system along with bumpers and ramps are provided to make ten-pin bowling more enjoyable and engaging than ever. There is also Laser Quest and soft play, as well as an arcade prize zone. It is recommended to book tickets in advance.
Special offers are available throughout the week, they also do parties and group bookings. Open daily, 9am til late.
Lower Deck, Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull, HU1 2PQ. 01482 231053
Swimming is a great rainy day activity. Mumbler has full details of all the Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres in the Hull and East Riding area. Find them here.
Pottery painting studio and cafe. Excellent with children, have a variety of pottery for children to paint or to put hand/footprints on. Cafe has a good range of children’s drinks and snacks.
Studio open Wednesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm. Pre-booking recommended. Paint at home parcels available.
155 Kingston Road, Willerby, Hull HU10 6AL. 01482 653611
The Deep is home to spectacular animals including sharks and stingrays, the UK’s only pair of Green sawfish, hundreds of tropical reef fish, Loggerhead sea turtles a colony of Gentoo penguins, and much more to keep all ages entertained.
FREE return visits for 12 months with their Annual Pass.
Tower Street, Hull, HU9 1TU. 01482 381000.
Huge swimming pool with multi-pool wonderland and lagoons, slides and rapids. Also a big ice rink, soft play centre and cafe. Great wet day activity, approx 40 mins drive from Hull. Advance booking is essential.
The Dome, Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster, DN4 7PD. 01302 370777
Historic building and home of art and sculpture exhibitions including the Hull Tapestry. Entry is free.
Guildhall, Hull, HU1 2AA. 01482 300300
Step into a village of imagination, where your little ones can be a Vet, Firefighter, an Actor in the latest theatre production, shop in the village supermarket, make yourself at home in the cosy cottage and much more. Through the magic of role-play The Secret Village will provide endless opportunities to play and create. There is a maximum capacity for each 90 minute session, this means each child will have the ability to play freely in a safe environment. Open every day apart from Monday & Wednesday.
There is also a lovely cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks that you can enjoy while you watch your little ones play.
For more info email info@thesecretvillage.co.uk
Ringrose Centre, Pryme Street, Anlaby, HU10 6SH. 07709 469090.
Temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Heritage centre and museum with plenty of activities for children, including hands on interactive exhibits, historical costumes to try on, and colouring sheets. Also a great view of Beverley from the tower. Beverley Library is also in the same building. Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am, admission is free.
Champney Road, Beverley, HU17 8HE. 01482 392780
Lots to do for all the family at Xscape – Golf, Cinema, Funstation, Gravity Aerial Adventures, Gravity Max karting and immersive gamebox, Laserzone, Bowling, Snozone (artificial snow slope for skiing and sledging, they run children’s ski lessons for 3 years and above), and Volcano falls crazy golf which is also good for young children.
Open daily 6.00am-midnight.
Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford, WF10 4TA 01977 664 794
