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43 Things To Do On A Rainy Day Near Me

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If you are looking for rainy day activities near you then this is the post for you. We’ve covered everything from dog friendly attractions to free entry days out in Hampshire.

Rainy days don’t have to be boring! You could visit your closet art gallery or even inside an afternoon tea with the whole family.

All these wet weather attractions are great for all year round, regardless of it’s the winter or summer months. These things to do are all in Hampshire.

If you are looking for things to do at home then have a look at:

The Parents Guide to Things to do With Kids at Home – This is a huge guide to things to do at home. Use this if your kids are bored.

37 Outdoor Play Ideas for Kids – Enjoying outside in all weathers is fun! Use our ideas here to get out and about.

50 Things To Do On A Rainy Day At Home – Don’t want to go out today? Then use our huge guide here to staying in.

Things to do in Hampshire Guide

Wondering what to do today? Then our guide for ALL things Hampshire is for you!

If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire with kids then this guide is for you. We have over 200+ ideas that you can use to keep your whole family amused while exploring everything Hampshire has to offer!

Find out more about our Things to do in Hampshire Guide here.

This is an up to date spreadsheet, in activity order, that you can use when you have no clue what to do. We’ve included everything from country parks, to splash pools, lakes, castles, days out, playgrounds and walks. You get lifetime access to this spreadsheet, so any updates we do, you get them, all included in the price!

Indoor attractions

All these indoor attractions are great for the whole family.

If you are looking for more indoor attractions then have a look at our post here.

Soft plays

Soft play centers are great for rainy days with younger kids. If you are looking for more inside ideas then have a look at 101+ Indoor Activities For Kids Near Me

1.Partyman World (Eastleigh)

Partyman World is sat above the Swan Center in central Eastleigh. Parking is in the Swan Center so there is a charge. Walk-in and enjoy the huge equipment that perfect for all younger kids and primary aged children. For adults, there is a cafe with loads of places to sit and enjoy a coffee.

You can find Partyman World at L10 Southampton Road Swan Shopping Centre, Eastleigh SO50 5SF.

2. Play Shack (Southampton)

Sat near Hedge End, Play Shack is great for younger and older kids. There is loads of room for the kids to run and play and for adults to sit and relax. They have a great cafe and a huge football pitch for the kids to try out too. Car parking is free on-site.

You can find Play Shack at Solent Industrial Estate, 28 Shamblehurst Ln S, Southampton SO30 2FX.

3. Jumpin’ Jax Soft Play (Southampton)

Jumpin’ Jax Soft Play is in Sholing and great for primary aged kids. They do great after school meal deals and have loads of seating for adults. Car parking is around the back.

You can find Jumpin’ Jax Soft Play at Ashley Crescent, GT House, Southampton SO19 9NA.

4. Monkey Bizness Southampton (Southampton)

Based in Bevios Valley, Monkey Bizness is a huge soft play for all ages. They have a soft play for younger kids and one for older kids at the back. Parking is at the front which is limited but there is parking on the road for free too.

You can find Monkey Bizness at 234 Empress Rd, Southampton SO14 0JW.

5. Injoy Southampton (Southampton)

Injoy is in Ocean Village and is a soft play and trampoline park. They have everything for the whole family including a huge cafe for the adults. You do need to book each activity separately but it’s great if you ave different aged children who want to all do different things. Car parking is on-site but is chargeable by the hour and takes cash only.

You can find Injoy Southampton at Ocean Village, 4, Ocean Way, Southampton SO14 3TJ.

6. Totcity Roleplay Centre (Andover)

Totcity Roleplay Centre is a great attraction for toddlers. They offer loads of different sections that means the kids can dress up and play pretend. The play area includes a garage, hair and beauty salon, supermarket, cafe, and doctor’s surgery.

You can find Totcity Roleplay Centre at 22-24 Chantry Way, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1LS.

7. The Adventure Barn (Winchester)

Adventure Barn in Winchester has a huge three-level soft play frame that will keep even the most active child amused. They have tube slides, tumble rollers, and a huge ball pit. For babies and toddlers, they have a dedicated area that includes a bouncy castle and ball pit.

You can find The Adventure Barn at Hurst Lane, Owslebury, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1EZ.

8. Flip Out Basingstoke (Basingstoke)

You may know Flip Out as a great trampoline park it is also home to a huge soft play. Set right in the middle of the trampoline park, this soft play has three levels of fun for all ages. Let the kids swing from the ropes and run through the many obstacles that are in their way.

You can find Flip Out Basingstoke at Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QU.

9. Atmosphere Trampoline Park (Basingstoke)

This is a great trampoline park for the whole family. They run toddler sessions and older kids sessions after school and at weekends.

You can find Atmosphere Trampoline Park at Unit B, Daneshill Industrial Estate, Rutherford Rd, Basingstoke RG24 8PD.

10. Rock Up Whitely (Fareham)

Based in Whitley Shopping Centre, Rock Up is a fun attraction for the whole family. You can climb all the different climbing walls or enjoy the soft play that is great for younger kids. They have over 25 climbing walls and loads of different challenges. Make sure you try the Vertical Drop Slide while you are there.

You can find Rock Up Whitley at Whiteley Shopping Centre, Whiteley Way, Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7PD.

11. Monkey Bizness Gosport (Gosport)

Monkey Bizness Gosport is a fun-filled soft play that is perfect for primary-aged kids. Let them crawl through the tunnels and tumble down the slides while you sit back and watch them play.

You can find Monkey Bizness Gosport at Unit 1 Frater Gate Business Park, Aerodrome Road, Gosport, PO13 0GW.

12. Playzone Portsmouth (Portsmouth)

Playzone Portsmouth really is the ultimate soft play for all ages. Make sure you slide down one of their mega slides or enjoy the rough and tumble of getting through the soft ropes. During peak times it’s for kids only but every Friday night they host an adult-only event that let’s you run around too.

You can find Playzone Portsmouth at Unit A4 Oak Park Estate, Northarbour Rd, Portsmouth PO6 3TJ.

13. Wacky Warehouse at The Sovereigns

If you are looking for somewhere to have something to eat and to let the kids play then Wacky Warehouse at The Sovereigns is for you. They have a great little soft play and a menu that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy.

You can find Wacky Warehouse at The Sovereigns at Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8AL.

Dark blue umbrella with rain drops on

 Museums

There are loads of amazing museums throughout Hampshire that are great for all ages. If you are looking for a full list of Hampshire museums then please read this post here.

For our full list of free museums in Hampshire please see this post here.

Our favourite museums in Hampshire are:

14. Winchester Science Museum (Winchester)

Winchester Science Museum has everything that the whole family could want in a day out. This is fully inside and an interactive museum. They put on regular events that really brings science to life. They have a planetarium that put on loads of different shows depending on the children’s age too. They also have a soft play for smaller kids and picnic benches for days when it’s raining outside.

You can find Winchester Science Museum at Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ.

15. Curtis Museum (Alton)

Open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 5pm, the Curtis Museum houses a collection by Dr William Curtis and his associates in the local Mechanics Institute. The museum covers 100 million years of history and displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643 and the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams.

You can find Curtis Museum at High St, Alton GU34 1BA.

15. Milestone Museum (Basingstoke)

This is a great family-friendly museum. You pay once to get in for the whole year. Walkthrough the cobbled streets and have a look at the old vehicles that used to grace our streets. They put on loads of family events and the museum is fully interactive which is perfect for older kids too.

You can find Milestone Museum at Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.

16. Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum (Hamble)

This museum is perfect for the whole family in all weathers. Explore the old working machinery and try out the old arcade games. They have a huge picnic area, steam engines, brick making and a playground. A family day ticket is quite reasonable and you can easily spend the day here.

You can find Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum at Swanwick Ln, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7HB.

17. Solent Sky Museum (Southampton)

Back in the 20th century, Southampton was a huge aviation manufacturer. Solent Sky Museum is a great place to come and explore the very best in aviation. With over 15 complete airframes which include the Spitfire and Supermarine, you can really get a fill for what these planes were like. This is an interactive museum with accounts of what it was like to build these planes and fly them.

You can find Solent Sky Museum at Albert Rd S, Southampton SO14 3FR.

18. Tudor House and Garden (Southampton)

Built-in the 15th century, Tudor House is half-timbered and was renovated to show the world how the Tudors lived and worked. Every room in the house is dedicated to showing what the Tudor times were like for different families. Make sure you visit the gardens too as they show a stunning side to such a dark piece of our history. This museum is based right in the middle of Southampton city and is great when paired with walking along the old walls.

You can find Tudor House at Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD.

19. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Portsmouth)

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is right on the Portsmouth seafront, just along from Gunwharf Quays. It’s a full day of fun and adventure for the whole family. The dockyard features HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose museum, and everything you need to know about Lord Nelson. This is a fully interactive attraction that fully shows the best of the British Navy. They offer loads of ticket options, one which includes a yearly pass which means you can visit as many times as you like! You do need to walk from one part to the other but it’s mostly indoors and close together.

You can find Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.

20. Fort Nelson (Portsmouth)

This is one of our favorite places to go when it’s raining. They have a large car park on-site which is on grass but after that any outside space in concrete so you won’t need wellies. This museum is open all year round, let your kids run free in this amazing 19 acres of grass ramparts, underground tunnels and views. You can grab a glow-up necklace from the gift shop for the tunnels too.

Home to the over 350 guns that tell our history through the ages. Live firing takes place every day and professional actors recreate history and are happy to answer any questions you may have! Free guided tours are also available.

You can find Fort Nelson at Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, Portsmouth, Fareham PO17 6AN.

21. D-Day Museum and Overload Embroidery (Portsmouth)

Best for older kids, this museum walks you through World War one and two while giving you a real insight into what life was like. This is right on the seafront and has it’s own car park. Younger kids may get a little bored but there is loads to see and touch for primary aged children and older.

You can find D-Day Museum and Overload Embroidery at Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, PO5 3NT.

22. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (Brockenhurst)

Right in the middle of the New Forest, this museum is packed full of racing bikes over the years. This is a really interactive museum where the kids can touch and feel as they go through. Great for younger kids and even older ones who don’t have an interest in bikes, there’s so much to do. They put on events for the whole family which change regularly too.

You can find Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at Bashley Cross Rd, Roads BH25 5SZ.

23. Beaulieu National Motor Museum (Brockenhurst)

Whatever age your kids are, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is a perfect place for a day out. It’s interactive and has a stunning garden to run around too.

You can find Beaulieu National Motor Museum at John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN.

24. St Barbe Museum and Gallery (Brockenhurst)

This local museum is great if the family are into arts. The exhibitions are interactive and change quickly so there’s always something new.

You can find St Barbe Museum and Gallery at Museum and Art Gallery, St Barbe, New St, Lymington SO41 9BH.

25. Cinemas

All these cinemas are great for the whole family. They show the latest films and are a real treat for all the ages.

Cineworld Aldershot (Aldershot)

Odeon Andover (Andover)

Odeon Basingstoke (Basingstoke)

Vue Basingstoke (Basingstoke)

Vue Farnborough (Farnborough)

Vue Eastleigh (Eastleigh)

Showcase Cinema De Lux Southampton (Southampton)

Cineworld Whiteley (Fareham)

Odeon Port Solent (Port Solent)

Vue Portsmouth (Portsmouth)

26. Bowling

These bowling centers are based in the town centres and are great for primary aged kids upwards. Treat the family to a game and some food while you get away from the rain.

Riverside Bowl (Andover)

Hollywood Bowl (Eastleigh)

Tenpin Southampton (Southampton)

Hollywood Bowl Portsmouth (Portsmouth)

Swimming pools

There are loads of swimming pools throughout Hampshire but these three are our favourites.

27. The Rapids (Romsey)

Romsey Rapids is based just outside the town center. It has it’s own car park with a playground on-site too. Go inside and explore the three huge pools which also include a flume and lazy river.

You can find Romsey Rapids at Southampton Rd, Romsey SO51 8AF.

28. The Quays (Southampton)

The Quays is based right in the center of Southampton. It has an Olympic sized swimming pool and a smaller pool for kids. It’s changing rooms are huge and great for the whole family.

You can find The Quays at 27 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA.

29. Basingstoke Aquadrome (Basingstoke)

Basingstoke Aquadrome is just outside of Basingstoke about 5 minutes from Festival Place. They have a huge pool with flumes and a smaller pool for just swimming. The changing rooms aren’t as big as the other pools but it’s great fun.

You can find Basingstoke Aquadrome at Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.

30. Andover Leisure Centre (Andover)

With a full time table of swimming, tennis and gym activities, Andover Leisure Centre has loads to offer the whole family throughout the week.

You can find Andover Leisure Centre at West St, Andover SP10 1QP.

31. Northcroft Leisure Centre (Newbury)

Northcroft Leisure Centre is great for the whole family. It has a teaching pool and a main 25-metre main pool plus an outside area in the summer months with flumes.

You can find Northcroft Leisure Centre at Northcroft Ln, Newbury RG14 1RS.

32. Places Leisure Eastleigh (Eastleigh)

Places Leisure Eastleigh has a range of activities for the whole family which include a huge main pool, a learning pool, tennis courts and other planned activities around the weekends and during half terms.

You can find Places Leisure Eastleigh at Passfield Ave, Eastleigh SO50 9NL.

33. Fareham Leisure Centre (Fareham)

With a huge 25-metre pool and a splash pad, Fareham Leisure Centre offers fun lessons and activities for everyone in your household.

You can find Fareham Leisure Centre at Park Ln, Fareham PO16 7JU.

Outside attractions

Black wellies in brown mud

If you are looking for more outdoor day out ideas then have a look at:

The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire

52 Things to do in Hampshire this Weekend

31 Family Days Out in Hampshire For All Ages

Sometimes you just want to go out and get wet! If you love putting your wellies on and going for an adventure then why not try one of these day out ideas below. Our favorite places to visit when it’s raining are:

34. New Forest Activities (Beaulieu)

From paddling down the Beaulieu river to hiking up trees, New Forest Activities has everything you need for a fun packed day out in all weathers. They have trained guides to help you through all your adventures.

You can find New Forest Activities at Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu SO42 7WA.

35. Alpine Snowsports Centre (Southampton)

The sports center is based in Southampton. It has a huge free car park but it is based at the top of a huge hill. Keep going, follow the path and enjoy a day of dry snowboarding, skiing and donutting.

You can find Alpine Snowsports Centre at Thornhill Rd, Bassett, Southampton SO16 7AY.

36. Woodmill Activity Outdoor Centre (Southampton)

This is a great place to enjoy a canoe trip, archery or kayaking. You can rent a boat with life jackets and have a day out on the river. It’s great fun for the whole family even if it’s in the rain.

You can find Woodmill Activity Outdoor Centre at Woodmill Ln, Southampton SO18 2JR.

37. Alice Holt Forest Country Park (Farnham)

Alice Holt Country Park playground

Based near Farnham, there are loads of walking and cycling trails that take you around the park. They have a great playground with loads of green areas to play.

You can find Alice Holt at Farnham GU10 4LS.

Related Posts: 

38. Lakeside Country Park (Eastleigh)

Lakeside is off of Wide Lane in Eastleigh. There is plenty of free parking and it was a cafe and toilets. They also have a small train that runs around the country park (charges do apply.)

There’s two or three ways you could walk but we normally go to the left through the second gate. This takes you through a small forest of trees that are on the outer ring of the country park.

This path also takes you to the small play park at the back of the country park to your right or to the huge lake which would be on your left.

There are loads of places to have a picnic and it’s great if your kids love to spot wildlife. The paths are stony but are ok for pushchairs and bikes.

You can find Lakeside Country Park at Wide Lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PD.

39. Staunton Country Park (Emsworth)

Staunton Country Park has loads to offer the family of different ages. They have a working farm, beautiful gardens and glasshouses that are a real sight to see. Parking is close but there is a short walk to the entrance.

You can find Staunton Country Park at Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB.

40. Holly Hill Woodland Park (Fareham)

Bench in a clearing

Holly Hill is a woodland park in Fareham near Portsmouth. There are toilets at the top of the main car park, which is on Barnes Close.

You can take a picnic as there are loads of benches or places to lay a rug.

Depending on how long you would like to walk, you can pick a trail that takes you through the enchanted forest, over bridges and stepping stones.

You can find Holly Hill at 123 Barnes Ln, Sarisbury Green, Southampton SO31 7BH.

41. Sir Harold Hillier Garden (Romsey)

These gardens are like never you’ve ever seen before. All the paths are concrete but you can work off the beaten track down the long fields and into the many trees. On a rainy day it’s great for wellies walking and jumping into puddles. Great an annual pass if you plan on going more than once!

You can find Sir Harold Hillier Garden at Jermyns Ln, Romsey SO51 0QA.

42. Finkley Down Farm Park (Andover)

Put on your wellies and head down to the farm! They have a huge indoor soft play but everything is open outside even when’s it’s raining. Let the kids enjoy the huge playground or feed all the animals as you look around.

You can find Finkley Down Farm at North Way, Andover SP11 6NF.

43. Blue Reef Aquarium (Portsmouth)

Right on the seafront, Blue Reef is a great half day activity for the whole family. Your ticket gets you in for the whole day so you can leave and return. You’ll see everything that our stunning oceans have to offer from rays to sharks.

You can find Blue Reef at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PB.

Laura x

If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.

Here are 43 things to do on a rainy day near you. We've included everything for outdoor activities to indoor ideas for the whole family by Laura at Savings 4 Savvy Mums

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