Rainy Day Activities for Kids North London: Active Picks
It has rained since breakfast, the kids have done every puzzle in the house, and someone has started bouncing a ball off the ceiling. Every North London parent knows this day. I put this guide together because “what can we do that isn’t screens?” is one of the most common questions I get from the mums and dads in my classes. These rainy day activities for kids North London families can use are all active, all indoors, and all places I have checked for what they offer and whether you need to book.
Prices and timetables change, so always look at the venue’s own website on the day before you head out. I have linked each one so you can.
Rainy day activities for kids North London: my local picks
1. Archway Leisure Centre: family fun swims
Right on our doorstep in Archway, near the tube station. Better’s page for the Archway Leisure Centre pool lists a leisure pool with a sloping beach entry, a flume, slides, rapids and a wave machine. Family Fun Swim sessions run at weekends and during school holidays, which is exactly when you need them. Swimming lessons for children and adults are also offered.
Good for: all ages, especially 3 to 10. Tip: check the session times online before leaving, as the fun features are only on for certain sessions. If your child is in lessons there, you could use the time for yourself, see my workout during kids’ swimming lessons.
2. Sobell Leisure Centre: soft play and active zones
Sobell is on Hornsey Road in Holloway, a short bus ride from Archway. The Sobell play area page describes a four-storey soft play for children 10 and under, with a climbable tree, a rope bridge, a go-kart area and a sensory area. There are reduced-capacity SEND sessions with no music, listed on the same page. Sobell also has an Active Multi-Zone area with inflatable, trampoline, zip and target zones, which Better says children from 18 months can use, with parents able to join in.
Good for: toddlers to about 10. Tip: there is an online booking option, and on a wet Saturday it gets busy, so book ahead if you can.
3. The Castle Climbing Centre: family climbing
The Castle is on Green Lanes, N4, close to Manor House station on the Piccadilly line, in a building that genuinely looks like a castle. According to the Castle’s kids climbing page, there are guided family taster sessions for ages 7 and up, plus kids’ clubs and holiday courses. Under-16s must be supervised by a qualified adult when bouldering, so parents need to complete the centre’s Bouldering Supervisor course before bringing children for regular sessions.
Good for: ages 7+, and adventurous kids. Tip: book the family taster first. It is a brilliant full-body workout for parents too.
4. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
A bus ride north to Ally Pally, and worth it for a special rainy day. Alexandra Palace’s ice rink page says the rink is open seven days a week, advises pre-booking tickets online, and offers “Penguin” skate aids for ages 3 to 7, sold at the rink on a first come, first served basis. Card payments only in person. The page also lists closures for big events, such as the fireworks festival in early November, so check before you travel.
Good for: ages 3+. Tip: gloves and long socks for everyone, and arrive early to grab a penguin.
Free and cheap options at home
Not every wet day needs a ticket. Some of the best rainy afternoons I hear about from parents happen in the living room:
- Hallway bowling with plastic bottles and a soft ball.
- Cushion stepping stones: the floor is lava, cross the room without touching it.
- Exercise dice: roll a dice, do that many star jumps, squats or bear crawls.
- Indoor obstacle course under tables, over cushions, along a tape line.
My full list of indoor games to keep kids active has plenty more, and they all work in a small flat.
How to plan a rainy day so it does not fall apart
- Pick one “big” outing (swim, soft play, climbing or skating), not three.
- Go in the morning. Venues fill up after lunch on wet weekends.
- Book where you can and check the venue website on the day.
- Pack a “wet bag”: spare socks, a towel, snacks, a water bottle and a bag for wet coats.
- Plan an easy afternoon at home, with one or two active games and a film.
During school breaks, these places get busier still. My guide to half-term activities for active kids has more ideas to spread the load across the week.
Getting around in the rain
From Archway, the Northern line and plenty of buses connect you to Holloway, Finsbury Park and Highgate quickly. TfL’s journey planner is the easiest way to check the best route on the day. With little ones, a bus is often easier than the tube: no stairs at most stops, and they love the top deck.
A rainy day for you, too
My bootcamp classes are held indoors in a church hall in Archway, so rain never cancels a session. Lots of parents tell me that, after a wet weekend cooped up with the kids, a class is exactly what they need on Monday. If you are worn out by the grey weather, my SYP Recharge energy and focus class is designed to wake you up, not wipe you out.
FAQs
Do I need to book soft play in North London?
Many venues, including Sobell, have online booking. On wet weekends and school holidays they fill up, so booking ahead is sensible. Some also offer quieter or SEND-friendly sessions.
What age can kids start indoor climbing?
At the Castle Climbing Centre, family tasters and kids’ courses start at age 7. Other centres vary, so check with each one.
Is there anything free to do with kids on a rainy day in North London?
Your local library often runs free sessions for under-fives, and active games at home cost nothing. A wet walk with wellies and waterproofs can also be great fun if the rain is light.
When is Family Fun Swim at Archway Leisure Centre?
Better lists Family Fun Swim at weekends and during school holidays. Exact times change, so check the timetable on the Better website before you go.
Book your first class
Rain or shine, SYP Bootcamp is on. Classes last 45 minutes and take place in a warm, dry church hall in Archway N19, with a maximum of 10 people and easier or harder options for every exercise. It is £15 a class, and the timetable is sent when you book. Book my £15 class, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you want a bigger, structured change with one-to-one support, have a look at my 12-week transformation programme.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
