Rain rain go away,
We want to go outside and play,
We will have to find places for indoor fun,
Here’s a list for you to help you find one!
Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester
Visit this super cute museum and meet Edward Bear and his family of human-sized teddy bears. Some really old teddies live here and you can learn about how they’ve changed to look like the modern television stars of today. See one-of-a-kind bears, antique bears, modern collectables and even famous bears! Plus, there is also a teddy bear shop so you can take a new addition home with you! Find out more.
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Wareham
For a fascinating family day out for the family, The Tank Museum houses the world’s best collection of tanks dated from 1915 to the present day! Learn all about the history of tanks, how they changed warfare and how they were used in battle and advances in tank engineering. Find out more.
Oceanarium, Bournemouth
Take a trip to the seafront in Bournemouth, which is home to the fantastic Oceanarium. Enter the dark abyss section and the very cool underwater tunnel, where magnificent fish swim around you. There are over 150 different species, from sharks to stingrays and a couple of new additions, The Penguin Beach Encounter, which is home a delightful colony of penguins! You can also enjoy the most adorable cutest furry otters in their very own oasis. Find out more.
Rock Reef, Bournemouth
This indoor activity centre is a perfect place to take the kids for a rainy day visit! They can wear themselves out on challenging climbing walls that cater for all ages and abilities. Other activities include an indoor cave experience and a high ropes obstacle course. Outdoors if you do fancy braving the wet weather is a fantastic zip wire ride from the end of the pier, over the waves to the shore! Find out more.
The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester
Discover real fossils, dinosaur bones and life-size models at this hands-on museum that is devoted to only dinosaurs. Are your little ones brave enough to touch the T-Rex?! Find out more.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
Photo credit: Russell- Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Facebook
This museum was once a Birthday present from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife. A seaside villa full of history filled with beautiful objects from their travels around the world. It is as if the house has been locked away in time and never changed. Now you can take the family and enjoy what they would have many years ago as well as a number of temporary art exhibitions. Find out more.
Blooming Kids at The Palm House Cafe Bistro and Activity Centre, Weymouth
Situated within The Palm House cafe bistro, Blooming Kids is a wonderful play area for kids under 5 with a lovely outdoor garden area and a walk-in craft studio! Kids can play while parents can relax on comfy sofas with a cuppa! Find out more.
Hollywood Bowl (formerly Bowlplex) – Tower Park and Branksome
Guaranteed to wash those rainy day whinges away is a fun afternoon of family bowling! There are often great family deals for bowling at Tower Park and Branksome bowling alleys and afterwards enjoy the American-style eatery for burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and more. Find out more.
Mr Mulligans, Bournemouth
Always a good firm favourite indoor attraction on a rainy day, this brand new indoor golf venture offers 3 brilliant courses on two levels and everyone of any age can join in and have fun! Find out more.
The Ark at Poole Park, Poole
Two great places to entertain the kids in one here! Not only is there a brilliant soft play area with plenty of fun slides, tunnels and interactive zones but next door is an indoor ice rink, where all the family can get their skates on and enjoy some fun! Find out more.
Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis
This small fascinating museum is a great place to learn all about the geology of the area, the fossils, its artists and writers, from J M Whistler to Jane Austen. For the children, there are a selection of quizzes for them to complete as they make their way around and the museum to keep them interested. Find out more.
Can you recommend any great rainy day attractions in the Dorset area? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to have a go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose! Let’s go on a Picniq! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or tag us on Instagram using #PicniqUK!
