February in the UK can be a tricky month for families. While we may start to spot the first signs of spring, the reality is that rainy days still dominate the forecast, bringing puddles, grey skies and a fair amount of cabin fever with them. While outdoor adventures may be off the cards, keeping children entertained, engaged and active indoors can feel like a real challenge.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of creative ways to keep little ones busy at home, as well as plenty of fantastic indoor attractions across North London and surrounding areas like Hertfordshire. Whether you’re looking for calm, creative activities or high-energy play, here are some of our favourite rainy-day ideas to brighten even the gloomiest of afternoons.
1. Build a Fort or Indoor Den
Few things excite young children more than building a cosy hideaway. Using blankets, cushions, chairs and fairy lights, children can construct their own secret den or indoor campsite. Once built, it becomes the perfect base for reading, imaginative play, storytelling, or even a mid-afternoon nap.
Top tip: Add torches, soft toys and storybooks to create a magical retreat where children can relax and unwind.
2. Create a Mini Home Olympics
When rain keeps everyone indoors, burning off excess energy is essential. Turn your living room or hallway into an obstacle course using cushions to jump over, tape lines to balance along, tunnels made from chairs and blankets and soft balls to throw into buckets.
Children can time each other, earn medals made from cardboard and foil, or invent their own sporting events, from sock basketball to pillow relays. Whether inspired by the Winter Olympics this month or other sporting activities, this is a brilliant way to encourage physical activity while having plenty of laughs along the way.
3. Arts, Crafts & Sensory Play Stations
Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to get creative. Setting up different craft and sensory stations keeps children engaged while indoors and allows them to move freely between activities. This can also help to support fine motor development in children, as well as creativity and concentration and offer a calming break from screen time.
Some suggested craft ideas include:
Textural collages using tissue paper, foil, fabric scraps and magazine cut-outs
Slime or cloud dough made from cornflour and conditioner (messy but endless fun)!
Sticker scenes using themed sticker books and large paper
4. Turn Storytime into Story Theatre
Instead of simply reading books, why not bring stories to life? Children can act out scenes using toys, puppets or homemade costumes. Older children could even write their own short plays, design tickets and perform for parents and siblings.
This encourages language development, confidence, creativity and imaginative thinking. This can also easily fill an entire rainy afternoon if need be.
5. Visit an Indoor Play Centre or Museum
North London and Hertfordshire are home to some fantastic indoor venues that are perfect for wet-weather adventures.
RAF Museum, Hendon - perfect for children fascinated by planes and history, this spacious museum offers interactive exhibits, flight simulators and plenty of room to explore, all completely free.
Flip Out, Brent Cross - a trampoline park with dodgeball courts, foam pits and obstacle zones that are great for high-energy children who need to move and burn off some of their energy.
The Lowry Centre, Barnet - Offers sensory play, soft play and activity sessions for babies and toddlers, perfect for little ones needing gentle stimulation.
Willows Activity Farm, St Albans (indoors + outdoors) - Ideal for younger children, with soft play, role-play villages, rides and animal encounters, making it a full-day adventure even when it’s raining.
Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford (easy to reach via car or public transport) - this beautifully designed interactive museum is dedicated entirely to storytelling and imagination. Children can explore immersive story worlds, dress up and engage in hands-on creative play.
6. Puzzle & Board Game Tournaments
Board games and puzzles are fantastic for developing patience, problem-solving, turn-taking and communication skills. Hosting a family tournament with small prizes or certificates adds excitement and motivation, even on a gloomy day.
Games such as Uno, Guess Who, Dobble or Connect 4 are ideal for younger children, while older children may enjoy strategy-based games and larger puzzles.
Rainy days don’t have to mean restless children and endless screen time. With a little creativity and planning, they can become opportunities for imaginative play, skill-building and family connection.
Whether you’re staying cosy at home or venturing out to one of North London or Hertfordshire’s excellent indoor attractions, there are countless ways to keep children engaged, active and smiling this February, whatever the weather.