7 hands-on indoor attractions for toddlers

On the northern outskirts of Leicester, the National Space Centre is an interactive lesson in all things outer space. From the towering Thor rocket to actual moon rock, there are heaps of galactic artifacts to engage young and old minds.

Don’t Miss: Toddler Trails (available throughout the year) and Small Space Days, which are days dedicated to Early Years Development and the littlest astronauts (check the website for dates).

Step back in time at this world-famous museum, packed with 450,000 objects celebrating the rich history of London’s transport. And the best part of all? Your ticket allows you to come back all year for free! Hop on horse-drawn Victorian buses and speak to costumed actors who’ll tell you all about working and travelling in London. Budding engineers can try their hand at driving a tube train, and twice a week you can pop along to special sessions for under 5s with singing and storytelling.

Don’t Miss: The All Aboard play zone (with its own dedicated baby area) that lets little ones transform themselves into mechanics or boat captains.

Do your children love asking you questions that you don’t have all the answers to? Well you’re sure to find them at family-friendly Eureka!. Split across multiple zones, with 400 hands-on exhibits, there are plenty of things to do for toddlers and school-age children. The ‘All About Me’ zone is focuses on the human body – you can scan a pregnant lady’s belly, or even look up a giant nose – while Desert Discovery allows pre-school kids to experience the sounds and smells of the wilderness. 

Don’t Miss: The sensory SoundGarden – dress up, listen to lullabies and design your own butterfly. 

Storybooks are brought to life at this indoor attraction in Stratford, East London. Spread across two floors, children can explore different themed zones and let their imaginations run wild, before getting hands-on and creating their own stories or art pieces.

Don’t Miss: Special storytelling sessions (tailored for children of a specific age) will capture your child’s imagination and get them more interested in reading. Check the events on the website to plan your trip.

From board games to dolls' houses, this museum in Bethnal Green holds the nation’s collection of childhood memorabilia. However, it’s not all about vintage toys – there are lots of fun, free activities for children of all ages. Take part in art and craft sessions, embark on educational trails or settle down to watch a slapstick Punch and Judy show. And pop by to a Play at the Museum event where the children can get their hands on an array olde wordle playthings – all of which are usually on display in the museum.

Don’t Miss: Every Saturday, under 5s can get stuck in with sensory play sessions to help boost their imaginations.

Operating for over 250 years, York Theatre Royal is one of the oldest theatres in the English speaking world – so it definitely knows how to entertain. The theatre hosts child-friendly productions throughout the year, like pantomimes and live-action versions of their favourite storybooks. And once children reach 5 years of age, they can join the Youth Theatre, where they’ll get top-notch drama training from acting experts.

Don’t Miss: Toddler-friendly workshop, Crafty Tales, which encourages creativity through crafts and multi-sensory storytime.

The seven-storey National Centre for Children’s Books is a haven for learning through words and pictures. Each themed floor is full of wonderful books and play zones designed to spark the imagination. Twice a week the centre hosts Sensory Story sessions, where they feed the curiosity of little ones through props, sounds and textures to help them engage with books. There is also traditional storytelling for the whole family three times a day.

Don’t Miss: The chance to draw, paint, write, doodle and build at The Studio – fun for every member of the family.