23 Rainy day indoor activities in Somerset
Weather looking iffy and stuck for what to do on rainy days with kids? Or, just looking for indoor activities in Somerset? Then read on…
Somerset is a dreamy for outdoor-loving families. From scenic buggy-friendly walks and cycling along old railway lines to exploring grand stately homes, the area offers endless opportunities for amazing family adventures.
And, while I’m a hearty believer in getting kids out in the fresh air whatever the weather, it can be hard to muster the motivation when there is some serious torrential downpour action outside. The prospect of cleaning up sopping wet children doused in mud isn’t always appealing – I get it! The amount of mud I have washed out of their clothes this last year is staggering. Why do they insist on actually ROLLING in it? So when I want to get the kids out of the house, but shelter from the rain, I find myself looking for fun things to do in the rain with kids in Somerset.
Frightful weather doesn’t have to put a dampener on a family day out in the Somerset. If you’re looking for what to do in Somerset when it’s raining, there are numerous fun, indoor activities in Somerset that tackle the perennial problem of entertaining restless kids during inclement weather. So, whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, or just refuge from the rain, I’ve put together a list of my favourite indoor rainy day things to do in Somerset.
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Indoor attractions Somerset
1. Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford
For indoor things to do with kids who love vehicles, Haynes Motor Museum’s awe-inspiring collection of cars will impress miniature motoring fanatics. Under 5s can borrow a Little Tikes toy car (first come, first served) and shuffle themselves around the museum – a definite highlight of our recent trip! Older ones can take on the Explorer Trail, do brass rubbings and discover the inner workings of an engine.
Among the gleaming bodywork, you’ll find vintage cars from the dawn of driving, an eclectic selection of glamorous wheels from around the world, illustrious British marques, an entire room dedicated to red motors, impossibly hefty American wagons, Formula 1 racing cars and a motorbike display.
If there’s a break in the weather, outside is equally exciting, with its mini road system, petrol pumps, vehicles and coin-operated go-karts.
Tickets are valid for 12 months, so you can go back as many times as you like, whenever you’re stuck for things to do with kids on a rainy day (which, let’s face it, might be a lot in this country!). Book online and save 10%.
2. The Museum of Somerset, Taunton
Housed in the 12th century Taunton Castle, The Museum of Somerset showcases 400 million years of the county’s fascinating story, making it an educational AND fun indoor activity for kids. Seek out a Plesiosaur, be wowed by the giant collection of 17th century cauldrons and if visiting in the school holidays, be sure to check out their family art activities and trails.
There’s also monthly, one-hour ‘Toddler Explorer’ sessions, which include themed arts and crafts, museum objects and story time.
3. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
For rainy day family activities, head to Glastonbury. Located just below Glastonbury Tor, Somerset Rural Life Museum examines the rich social and agricultural history of Somerset from the 1800s onwards. Delve into the county’s heritage to learn more about the landscape, food, farming, working life and rural crafts, then explore the cider orchard and magnificent 14th century Abbey Barn.
During school holidays there are often family arts and crafts activities, plus trails around the museum.
4. Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum tells the story of one of the many labour-intensive industries once found in Somerset. Inside the Museum is one of the only traditional brick kilns to survive in southern England. It was one of six at the former Barham Brothers’ Yard in East Quay, Bridgwater, and was last fired in 1965.
Bridgwater produced an impressive variety of bricks, tiles, terracotta plaques and other wares that created the look of many Somerset towns. The kiln is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was saved from destruction in the 1990s.
5. Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton
On the hunt for things to do with kids on rainy day? Fleet Air Arm Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world and home to a whopping 90 flying machines. Inside its vast exhibition halls you’ll find buttons to press, dials to turn and Europe’s biggest collection of naval aircraft – many of which you can climb aboard, including that of Concorde 002.
One hall features an Aircraft Carrier Experience where visitors are ‘transported’ onto the flight deck of a working Aircraft Carrier to witness aircraft taking off and landing on a moving runway at sea, how crews overcome these challenges, and operate a ‘city’ at sea (which is skippable if too noisy/dimly-lit for little’uns).
An indoor viewing area looks out onto the Royal Navy’s busy Yeovilton airbase, and if you’re lucky, you can spot aircraft going through their training procedures. Should the rain ease off, a themed outdoor playground will top off a great family day out.
6. Weston Museum
Weston Museum examines the story of the town, from prehistoric times, through the Victorian era tourism boom, all the way up to the present day. Don’t miss Clara’s Cottage – a well-preserved 1940s home that gives a fascinating insight into life in Weston during the Second World War.
There’s been some brilliant recent exhibits, including Horrible Histories and Dr Who exhibition, which featured the largest collection of original and digital Doctor Who art ever shown in one location.
7. Wookey Hole
Located in the Mendip Hills near Wells, Wookey Hole is the UK’s largest cave system and a thrilling destination for indoor family days out. According to legend, the Witch of Wookey lived in the caves during the Dark Ages, but was turned to stone by the Abbot of Glastonbury after being blamed for various misfortunes.
Today, visitors can explore beautifully-lit caverns while learning about Somerset’s history and seek out the statue of the witch, carved into the cave’s rock face. While the caves are the main attraction, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained for a full day out, including animatronic dinosaurs, a giant King Kong, 4D cinema screenings, a large soft play area , live circus shows, and a Victorian-style arcade.
8. The Brewhouse, Taunton
Matinees are the way forward with young kids, and rainy days are a great time to introduce little ones to the theatre. The Brewhouse is Taunton’s largest theatre and arts centre, presenting an excellent programme of performance year-round.
You can see all sorts – from live music to dance, comedy, family shows and exhibitions all year round.
9. The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
One of Weston’s most famous landmarks, The Grand Pier, has been around since 1904. Under its covered roof you’ll find fairground rides, slot machines, rats to splat, a laser maze, hall of mirrors, a soft play area and even a Go Kart track. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s very much an assault on the senses – which means kids especially love it, adults might need a lie down afterwards.
Active things to do in Somerset in the rain
10. Clip ‘n Climb, Weston-super-Mare
If you’ve got a climbing ninja in your brood and they’re over four years old, Clip ‘n Climb is fantastic for fulfilling their monkey-like ways. Located a stone’s throw from the seafront in Weston-super-Mare (beside more things to do on a wet day – bowling and a cinema) the climbing centre offers kids oodles of fun inside activities, such as scaling thrilling, vibrant walls of all shapes and surfaces.
The instructors will take climbers through the safety briefing, then it’s just a case of clipping into a harness and off you go! Weston’s Clip ‘n Climb is also home to a ‘Leap of Faith’ and the tallest vertical drop slide in the UK – tokens can be purchased as extra, should you or your mini adrenaline junkies want to brave either!
11. Chalkup Climbing Wall
Chalkup Climbing Wall in Bridgwater is an exciting indoor bouldering facility featuring a low-level boulder wall and slide (!) designed for younger climbers. This no-ropes climbing discipline is great for improving strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills, and a great way to burn off some energy in bad weather.
There’s no minimum age requirement for the kids’ boulder room, allowing even the littlest ones to participate (with supervision). Once children have mastered the lower wall – typically around 8-10 years of age, depending on their confidence and reach – they can try their hand…arms and legs… at the lower-grade climbs on the adult wall.
12. Flip Out Somerset, Wellington
For an action-packed couple of hours, head to Flip Out Somerset in Wellington, an indoor trampoline park perfect for kids of all ages. Packed with exciting features like trampoline zones, ninja obstacle courses, and foam pits, it offers endless things to do inside for bouncy children.
Under sixes can enjoy the dedicated soft play area with an adult, while older children can challenge themselves on the interactive climbing walls, basketball lanes, battle beams, stunt zone, Tumble-Track and more. Grown-ups can relax in the café with a coffee while youngsters ping about to their hearts’ content.
There’s also a Laser Quest (trainers must be closed toe). Great for those looking for indoor activities near Taunton.
13. Crewkerne swimming pool
Swimming is one of the best things to do inside with kids. There are two indoor swimming pools at Crewkerne Aqua Centre, a 25m-long main pool for leisurely swims, and a warm learner pool, which make ideal wet weather days out.
With a disabled access ramp, both pools are easily accessible to all visitors. Children aged eight years and above who are confident swimmers can swim unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
14. Revo Glo Golf
Located slap bang on Weston seafront, with some of the best panoramic views in town, Weston’s ‘third pier’, Revo is perched above the sandy beach, where its restaurant laps up uninterrupted, sweeping views of Bristol Channel and the Brean Down promontory.
If you’re on the coast and it’s peeing it down, you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of things to do on rainy days with kids in Weston-super-Mare. Located inside, on the left hand side, is Revo Glo Golf – a neon, glow-in-the-dark, nine-hole crazy golf course featuring scrapyard and terminator themes.
Try to putt a hole-in-one under the UV lights and graffiti artist ‘Ghost’-spray-painted walls at the final hole and you’ll win another round! After your game, enjoy the stunning views of the Bristol Channel from Revo’s restaurant.
Fun indoor places for kids on a rainy day in Somerset
The Board House, Crewkerne
Gather family and friends for a bit of fun, healthy competition at Crewkerne’s board game café, The Board House. With over 400 games to choose from, including timeless classics and modern favourites, you can explore new games or rediscover old ones.
If you’re unsure where to start, the team is always ready with recommendations and even can guide you through the rules. Keep your brain fuelled with their delicious offerings while you compete against your nearest and dearest – from mezze boards, small plates, rustic pizzas, hearty soups and toasted sandwiches, to tempting cakes from local bakers, ice cream milkshakes, coffees and more.
Indoor soft play Somerset
15. Chard Leisure Centre
If you’re ever stuck for what to do on a rainy day with kids in Somerset, have Chard Leisure Centre up your sleeve. Start your kids off in the soft play to race around like tiny maniacs while you neck coffee, then once that’s over, book into a swimming session (there is a baby pool and learner pool) to burn even more energy. It’s brilliant fun and then you’ll have the afternoon free to chill out with a movie at home.
16. Cubs Soft Play Ilminster
Based on a trading estate in Ilminster, this pint-sized soft play is perfect for younger kids (the age cut off is 8 years old). The baby area is small, but nice to look at, and the soft play sits right next to the cafe, so you can sup coffee and keep a beady eye while your offspring tear around.
17. Brean Splash and soft play
Brean Leisure Park is a seaside amusement park near Burnham-on-Sea. While the outdoor attractions and splash park are geared up for hot weather and only open from April to November, the indoor splash pool, swimming pool, baby pool and Brean soft play (the region’s largest soft play) are open all year-round.
18. Space Adventurers and Ocean Adventurers soft play
Some people shudder at the thought; others thank their lucky stars for them (do they know something I don’t – perhaps they’re privy to ones that serve G&T?) Either way, soft play is an unavoidable rite of passage for most caregivers of young children and a great way to tire out little ones on a wet weather day.
Sister soft plays Space Adventurers (based in Taunton), and Ocean Adventurers in Cheddar, welcome children up to the age of 12 and have three dedicated areas of kids indoor fun based on age.
In addition to climbing, crawling and careering around the play space, kids can fire their imaginations at the Role Play Village which features everything from a doctor’s surgery to a supermarket and building site, plus dress-up stations where your child can get into character.
19. Little Town Adventures, Weston-super-Mare
Little Town Adventures is a great option if you’re on the hunt for rainy day things to do with toddlers or young kids. Little Town offers a two-hour interactive experience for children aged 1-10, which combines adventure role play, live theatre, music and songs. Designed to spark kids’ imaginations, the concept recreates a mini town, with multi-level buildings.
Children can explore themed zones, including a police station, vets, fire station, supermarket, cafe, ice cream van, beach, beauty salon and more.
In each area, little ones can dive into different scenarios, playing out real-world jobs in a fun environment. Beautiful wooden toys add to the attention to detail, creating the perfect space for children to unleash their creativity.
Creative fun things to do on a rainy day with kids in Somerset
20. The Kiln Pottery Painting Café
Based in the Old Bank building in Langport, The Kiln Pottery Painting Café has quickly become a favourite for children’s parties and families looking for a creative things to do on a rainy day for kids.
Join in the pottery painting with the kids, or sit back and watch while tucking into coffee and a slab of cake. Sessions last for 90 minutes and prices range between £10-£45 depending on your choice of ceramics – choose from mugs, plates, ornaments, trinkets, lamps, vases and seasonal pieces; the stock changes regularly.
To secure your spot, book ahead online, especially on weekends and holidays, when they tend to get busy.
21. Flourish, Saltford
Flourish, located on Glenavon Farm, between Bath and Bristol, is a charming destination that includes a farm shop, food hall, café, and crafting workshop – so loads of activities to do when it’s raining! Since opening in 2021, Flourish has positioned itself as a positive-impact venue dedicated to offering high-quality, locally-sourced products that benefit the community and promote sustainability.
Enjoy some family bonding time painting ceramics in their pottery barn. Tucked away at the back of the homewares shop, you’ll find an array of items, including mugs, plates, and animal shapes, priced between £9 and £28, waiting to be brought to life with vibrant colours. Once painted, pieces are glazed and fired, ready for collection in two weeks.
22. Inspired Taunton
For indoor things to do in Somerset, family-run, Inspired Taunton encourages all ages to experiment with different crafts and materials and get imaginative through a wide range of activities and workshops. Have a go at everything from pin art, to lino printing, knitting, cushion making, felting, fabric painting, junk modelling and loads more.
Join weekday mornings (except Wednesdays) for ‘morning crafters‘ sessions, 10am- 11am for pre school or homeschooled children.
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