10 Rainy Day Activities in East Yorkshire the Whole Family Will Love
We all know that feeling. It is half past eight on a Saturday morning, the rain is hammering against the windows, and the children are already asking what you are doing today. East Yorkshire might not be blessed with Mediterranean weather, but it is absolutely packed with brilliant indoor activities that will keep the whole family entertained — even on the greyest of days. Here are ten of our favourites, tried and tested by local families.
1. The Deep, Hull — There is a reason The Deep remains one of the region's most popular family attractions. This stunning submarium on the banks of the Humber is home to over 3,500 fish, including sharks, rays, and a colony of Gentoo penguins. The interactive exhibits keep younger visitors engaged, and the lift ride through the main tank never loses its magic, no matter how many times you visit. Allow at least two hours, and do not miss the feeding talks. 2. Hull and East Riding Museum — Tucked away on the High Street in Hull's Old Town, this museum is a hidden gem for families. Children adore the life-sized woolly mammoth and the recreated Iron Age village, while the Roman mosaics offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's ancient history. Best of all, entry is completely free. 3. Funky Monkeys Soft Play — When the little ones simply need to burn off energy, Funky Monkeys delivers in spades. With separate areas for toddlers and older children, multi-level climbing frames, ball pits, and slides galore, it is a reliable go-to for parents across the region. The on-site café does a decent coffee too, which helps.
4. Jump Arena, Hull — For older children and teenagers who have outgrown soft play, Jump Arena on Clough Road offers wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and a foam pit. Sessions last an hour and the kids come out thoroughly exhausted — which, let us be honest, is the whole point. Book ahead during school holidays as it fills up fast. 5. Bowling Alleys — Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. MFA Bowl in Hull and Hollywood Bowl at Kingswood offer bumper lanes for younger children, lightweight balls, and ramps to help toddlers get involved. A couple of games, some chips, and everyone is happy. 6. Ferens Art Gallery Kids' Workshops — The Ferens runs a wonderful programme of free children's workshops throughout the year, from painting and printing to sculpture and collage. These sessions are led by professional artists and are suitable for a range of ages. Check their website for the latest schedule, as places can fill up quickly.
7. Swimming at East Riding Leisure Centres — A rainy day is the perfect excuse to get in the water. East Riding Leisure centres in Beverley, Bridlington, and Haltemprice all offer family swim sessions with wave machines, flumes, and shallow areas for the very young. It is affordable, active, and guaranteed to tire everyone out. 8. Cinema — Hull's Cineworld, Vue, and the independent Reel Cinema in Beverley all offer family screenings at reduced prices, particularly on weekend mornings. Grab the popcorn and let someone else do the entertaining for a couple of hours. 9. Streetlife Museum, Hull — Another free Hull museum that children genuinely love. The recreated Victorian street scenes, complete with old-fashioned shops and a working tram, transport families back in time. There is something wonderfully immersive about walking through the cobbled streets, and the vintage vehicles are always a hit with car-mad youngsters.
10. Craft Cafés — For a calmer afternoon, try one of the region's craft cafés where children can paint pottery, make candles, or try their hand at mosaic work. It is creative, it is quiet (relatively), and you get to take something home at the end of it. Several options can be found in and around Hull and Beverley — perfect for a rainy afternoon when you want something a little different. So next time the heavens open, do not despair. East Yorkshire has more than enough to keep the whole family smiling, whatever the weather throws at us.