Five ideas for rainy day family fun
Soak up the excitement
- Stories & Inspiration
- Five Ideas For Rainy Day Family Fun
Come rain or shine, the fun never ends
If you are holidaying in the North Yorkshire area this summer and there are some rainy days ahead it needn't dampen your trip, we have some great ideas for how to entertain all the family if the weather is a little inclement.
1. Spend the day in a museum
There are some fantastic museums to visit in North Yorkshire. Learn about the history of the area through artefacts, stories, and live re-enactments. Many of the museums have dedicated children’s areas with lots of hands-on activities for little ones.
Learn about the spa history of Harrogate at the Royal Pump Room Museum where you can bravely smell the strong sulphur water and follow the trail to find all the artefacts on display. There are some great events for children over the summer holidays including being a curator for a day and a play session with historic and modern toys.
Visit the Craven Museum at Skipton Town Hall and learn about the history of this part of the Yorkshire Dales through its many interesting artefacts and displays. Family events taking place in the town hall over the summer holidays include ‘The BIG Pirate Party’ and the ‘Amazing Bubble Science Show’. You can also sign children up for one of the Art Clubs and let their creativity flow.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be locked up in a Victorian prison or sent to the workhouse? The three Law and Order Museums in Ripon tell the story of crime and punishment and have some great interactive activities, trails and events for children to join in. Dress up as a policeman or have your fingerprints taken at the Prison & Police Museum, stand in the dock at the Courthouse Museum, and discover what a Victorian schoolroom was like at the Workhouse Museum.
Find out about the geology of the Yorkshire coast at the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough. See Meg, the resident Megalosaurus alongside other sea creatures in the Ancient Seas Gallery and learn about the fossils that have been found over the centuries along the coastline.
2. Go underground
Explore the magical underground world of Ingleborough Cave in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Discover the caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites as you travel 500 metres underground. Walk through the enchanting Nature Trail to the cave entrance. Afterwards grab some tasty food at the Sawmill Cafe.
At Stump Cross Caverns near Grassington, you can book a Crystal Discovery Day which is a great way to explore the caves. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the caves and find the hidden clues on your fossil, fairies or dino themed trail to claim your prize. Next is an interactive crystal workshop, followed by a UV cave experience and the day finishes with gem panning where you can look for your very own crystals.
The Time Cafe has a great menu with lots of options for children and you can buy a souvenir from the shop.
3. Historic houses
Visit the grand stately home of Castle Howard near Malton and step back into the past as you wander through the state rooms, bedrooms and halls. Over the summer holidays (23 July – 1 September), children can go on ‘Rover’s Grand Tour’ and spot animals around the house and learn all about Rover’s adventures.
At Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon, visit the Bear House which is home to lots of teddy bears on permanent display. Bring your own teddy bear for a selfie, too. You can also see one of the best collections of dollhouses and miniatures in the world. See over seventy houses, large and small, historic and new, and be astounded by the amazing attention to detail as each room is exquisitely decorated.
Buy a gardens ticket to see both.
At the National Trust property Beningbrough, you can visit the servant areas of the Hall and learn about the lives of the servants. On a spin of a wheel, you can experience a good day or a difficult day and step into the shoes of a kitchen or scullery maid, a groom or one of the many other servant roles that kept Beningbrough going. This is a great interactive game for all the family. Younger children can hunt for the cat and mouse.
4. Indoor play
Explore the four interconnected worlds of space, air, sea and the jungle at The Playhive at Stockeld Park, one of Europe’s largest indoor playgrounds. Cross the high walkways, zoom down the tunnel slides, or giant slides. Plus, there are lots of interactive games to try. It’s a great day out for all the family, no matter your age.
5. Or get wet and enjoy it!
So, if it’s raining, you might as well get wet and have fun at the same time!
Try wakeboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking at the North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough or go wild at one of the Aqua Parks full of big inflatables, trampolines, high slides, rockers and jumps.
So, whatever the weather, you are guaranteed to find lots of things to see and do even if the weather changes. Children will be entertained, and parents can relax, ensuring a great holiday for all.
Find out more on our family pages and start your summer holiday planning today.
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