A rainy day itinerary in Central London with kids
Since living in London for just over 2 months now, we have quickly learned the weather can change pretty quickly. This means we will have plans to do something like go to a market or to a park and it start raining. BUT Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans in London — in fact, some of London’s best family adventures happen indoors! He is how we would spend a rainy day full of hands-on experiences, treats, and space to let off steam — all walkable or a quick Tube ride from each other.
Detailed map of the first half of your day
🕘 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Dishoom (Kensington)
Start your day with warm chai, pancakes, and bacon naan rolls at Dishoom. You could go to any location that is closest to you the convent garden one is great also!
**To get to the museums from Dishoom:
-From Kensington location: Only a 20 min or 1 mile walk - Take the 70 South Kensington bus, get on at Kensington Palace and ride 5 stops and get off at Natural History Museum
-From Convent Garden location: Get on the Piccadilly Line at Leicester Square - ride 5 stops and get off at South Kensington
🦕 10:30 AM – Discover the Natural History Museum or Science Museum (South Kensington)
Both museums are indoor wonderlands and just a 5-minute walk apart:
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, giant skeletons, and an earthquake simulator!
Science Museum: Incredibly hands-on with an entire floor for under-8s (The Garden) and Wonderlab, which is perfect for slightly older kids.
Pick one, or split your time if energy allows. Free entry (with optional donation), no rain gear needed.
**To get to Lunch:
Using the underground - go to the South Kensington station and get on the Piccadilly line EASTBOUND - ride 4 stops and get off at Piccadilly Circus (the main thing that gets tricky when taking public transportation is the direction of the train so watch for that).
🥪 1:00 PM – Lunch at Happy
Happy Restaurant in London to be really kid-friendly. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming for families, and the staff is fun. They had a big menu with lots of options—even for picky eaters—and it felt like they really catered to families. They even sometimes have performances or dancers for kids.
Second half of day map. It’s a short walk from Hamleys to Cocomelt (even if it’s raining). You will need to take a train or cab to the theatre area.
🧸 2:30 PM – Toy Heaven at Hamleys (Regent Street)
London’s most famous toy store spans seven floors of demos, games, LEGO models, and crafts. It’s chaotic in the best way – and fully indoors. Set expectations in advance (e.g., a small budget or “just looking” adventure) to avoid toy store meltdowns. Also there are lots of other stores around here for the adults to be able to shop a little like Zara, Primark, Lululemon, Burberry and SO many more!
🍫 4:00 PM – Hot Chocolate at Cocomelt London
Reward yourselves with a cozy stop at Cocomelt London. Located right in Soho, near Hamleys. This is the perfect stop for a little treat for the kids and a coffee or snack for the adults.
🎭 5:00 PM – Optional: West End Theatre Matinee or Kids’ Cinema
If your crew still has energy:
Catch a kid-friendly West End show like The Lion King, Matilda, or Frozen. Matinees start between 2:30 and 5:00 PM.
Or opt for a family movie at Curzon Soho or Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, which offer comfy, upscale cinema experiences.
🧩 Rainy Day Add-On Ideas (Pick and choose depending on your kids ages and what area you are in)
Transport Museum (Covent Garden) – A hands-on museum where kids can climb buses, drive trains, and stamp their own tickets.
Underbelly Boulevard (Soho) – Family cabaret shows or comedy (check ahead for age-appropriate listings).
The Postal Museum – Ride the underground Mail Rail! Fun and different.
Camden market arcade - indoor underground amusement park
🌂 Essentials to Pack for a Rainy Day with Kids:
Waterproof jackets, not umbrellas (hands-free!)
Layers – museums and shops can get warm
Snacks and a few dry socks for puddle mishaps
A foldable rain cover if you’re using a buggy(what they call a stroller in England)
Rainy days in London aren’t a washout — they’re just a different kind of adventure. And with this central itinerary, your little ones will stay dry, curious, and completely entertained. 💦
