The 20 Best Rainy Day Activities in the West Midlands

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the West Midlands has a plethora of indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. From interactive museums to thrilling adventures, here's a curated list of the 20 best indoor things to do in the West Midlands on a rainy day.

The 20 Best Rainy Day Activities in the West Midlands

1. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Embark on a journey of discovery at the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. With interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and live demonstrations, it's an educational adventure for all ages. This Birmingham museum is also home to MiniBrum - an exciting child-sized role-play world, aimed at under 8s, that features landmarks, such as the Birmingham canals, Selfridges, and the Old Joe Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham.

Address: Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, Millennium Point, Birmingham

B4 7XG.

Photo Credit: ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum

2. The Wave

Step into The Wave, an acclaimed indoor waterpark that's creating waves of excitement in the vibrant heart of Coventry! Whether you're seeking high-speed thrills on slides, family-friendly fun in the splash zone, the excitement of the Wave Pool, or the serene relaxation of the Lazy River – there's something for thrill-seekers, those ready for a splash, and those looking to chill, regardless of age.

3. West Midlands Police Museum

Delve into the history of law enforcement at the West Midlands Police Museum in Birmingham City Centre. Learn about the region's policing heritage through fascinating exhibits and collections.

Address: The Lock-up, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6BJ. 

4. Cadbury World

Indulge your sweet tooth at Cadbury World in Bournville. Take a chocolatey journey through the history of this iconic brand, and don't forget to sample some delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk treats along the way!

Address: 69 Linden Road, Birmingham B30 1JR.

5. LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham

Perfect for Lego enthusiasts, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre promises a day filled with creativity and fun. Explore Lego-themed attractions, soft play, 4D cinema experience, enjoy the two small rides, and marvel at intricate Lego displays. Throughout the year, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham hosts special events including Mini Master Model Builder, Brick or Treat: Monster Party, and Christmas Bricktacular.

Address: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA.

6. National Sea Life Centre Birmingham

Dive into an underwater world at the National Sea Life Centre. With a diverse range of marine life and interactive exhibits, it's a fascinating and educational experience for children. It's also home to the UK's only 360° ocean tunnel.

You can also purchase multi-attraction tickets to visit the National Sea Life Centre, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Cadbury World, and Warwick Castle.

Address: The Water's Edge, Eleven Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HL.

7. The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham

For thrill-seekers, The Bear Grylls Adventure offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities, from indoor skydiving to high ropes challenges. Some of the attraction's indoor activities include climbing and artery, axe throwing, shark diving, iFLY wind tunnels, and escape rooms. The Bear Grylls Adventure really does have something for everyone.

Address: National Exhibition Centre (NEC Birmingham), Marston Green, Halls B40 1NT.

8. SnowDome

Experience the thrill of winter sports, even on a rainy day. SnowDome offers indoor skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing for all skill levels. In addition to the snow-related activities, there's also SnowDome Climb and swimming.

Address: Leisure Island, Riverdrive, Tamworth B79 7ND.

9. Treetop Adventure Golf

Immerse yourself in a tropical world of adventure at Treetop Adventure Golf. Here you can navigate through one or two 18-hole crazy golf courses.

Address: Treetop Adventure Golf, Ground Level, The Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham City Centre, B5 4EG.

10. Rock Up Birmingham

For those with a taste for adventure, Rock Up is an indoor climbing centre that offers climbing walls suitable for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Conquer your fear of heights and enjoy a challenging but fun day out!

Address: Broadway Plaza, Birmingham, B16 8LP.

11. Ninja Warrior UK Walsall

Do you or your children think you've got the skills to become a Ninja Warrior? Take on the exciting courses and inflatables at Ninja Warrior UK Walsall, inspired by the popular ITV show, and put your abilities to the test.

At Ninja Warrior UK Walsall, there is an all-new Mount Sasuke climbing tower and slide. There's also a Mini Ninjas soft play for ages 0-3.

Address: Unit 7/8, Crown Wharf Retail Park, Walsall WS2 8LL.

12. Trampoline Parks

Bounce, slide, and jump your way through one of many inflatable theme parks in the West Midlands such as:

• Inflata Nation

• Rush Trampoline Park

• Gravity

• Flip Out

• Boing Zone

• Jump Xtreme

• Bounce Mania

• RedKangaroo Trampoline Park

• Boost Trampoline Park

13. Role Play Centres

Encourage imagination and creativity at role-play centres where kids can explore various professions and scenarios. There are so many to choose from in the West Midlands including:

• Play-tropolis (Wombourne)

• Adventure Street (Dudley)

• The Children's Play Village (Warwick)

• Solihull Play Town

• Tiny Town (Nuneaton)

• The Little Big Town (Stourport-on-Severn)

• Rainbow Street (Halesowen)

• Mini Me Children's Role Play Centre and Cafe (Sutton Coldfield)

• Crumb & Play (Lichfield)

For more information, check out my comprehensive blog post on "Children’s Play Villages in the Midlands".

14. Soft Play Centres

Soft Play Centres provide a haven of indoor entertainment, featuring padded play areas, slides, and obstacle courses that offer a safe and enjoyable environment for children to burn off energy on rainy days. These vibrant spaces not only encourage physical activity and social interaction but also provide parents with a stress-free option for keeping their little ones happily occupied when outdoor play is not an option.

There are so many soft play centres in the West Midlands, here are just a few:

• Little Lobsters

• Frankie & Lola's

• Claudie's Club Soft Play

• Imagination Street

• 360 Play Redditch

• Just Play Soft Play

• Treasure Island Play Ltd

• Scally Wags

• Neverland Fun House

• The Big Play Barn

15. Bowling

Classic and timeless, bowling remains a favorite indoor activity. Gather friends and family for a few rounds of friendly competition at one of the region's bowling alleys.

• Hollywood Bowl

• Tenpin

• Roxy Lanes Birmingham

• Lane7

16. Ice Skating Rinks

Glide gracefully on the ice at one of the West Midland's indoor ice skating rinks. Whether you're a novice or a pro, it's a fun and active way to spend a rainy day. Local ice rinks include:

• Planet Ice

• SnowDome

• Ice Skate Birmingham

• Telford Ice Rink

• Ice Quest Malvern

17. Cinema

Escape into the world of cinema at one of West Midland's cinemas. Catch the latest blockbusters or explore independent films in a cozy indoor setting.

18. Star City

Star City in Birmingham shines as an ideal destination on rainy days, offering a diverse array of indoor entertainment options. From cinemas and arcades to indoor mini-golf and restaurants, Star City provides a vibrant and weather-proof environment for individuals and families to enjoy a fun-filled day.

Address: 32 Watson Road, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5SA.

19. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are the perfect rainy day activity, offering an immersive and thrilling experience that engages both mind and spirit. Gather friends or family, step into a carefully crafted scenario, and work together to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries, turning a dreary day into an adventure-filled challenge. Local escape rooms include:

• Escape Hunt Birmingham Central

• Courtyard Escapes

• The Great Brummie Escape

• Grand Escape

• Escape Reality

• 007 Escape Rooms

• Escape Live Birmingham

• Clue HQ Birmingham

• Houdini's Escape Room Experience

20. Virtual Reality Experience

 Virtual reality gaming arcades are a fantastic refuge on rainy days, providing an immersive escape into alternate worlds through cutting-edge technology. Dive into thrilling virtual adventures, compete with friends, and forget about the gloomy weather as you explore the limitless possibilities of virtual reality gaming.

• Otherworld

• The Park VR

• Sandbox VR

• Matrix VR Gaming Arcade

• meetspaceVR

Other Indoor Things to Do on a Rainy Day Include:

• Royal Air Force Museum

• Resorts World Birmingham

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

• Library of Birmingham

• NQ64

Rainy days in the West Midlands are no match for the abundance of indoor fun-packed activities available. Whether your children are into science, adventure, or simply seeking a cosy escape from the rain, these 20 indoor attractions ensure that your day out is packed with fun and excitement, regardless of the rainy weather outside.

Top Tip: Some of these attractions offer reasonably priced parent and toddler deals if you'd like to visit in the week during term time. You can find out all about these offers here.

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