There is nothing better than spending time outdoors with the kids in the fresh air. Popping on the wellington boots, wrapping up warm and heading outdoors for a couple of hours away from the screens is great, but what do you do when it is the weekend … you wake up, look out of the window and it is raining? Here are a few ideas for things to do with the kids in North Staffordshire on a rainy day.
You may also find my post on free or cheap things to do in Staffordshire helpful!
Things to do in North Staffordshire with kids when it’s raining
Indoor play
We are lucky to have a number of great indoor soft play centres in North Staffordshire.
Come Into Play is located in Stone and aims to bring the outdoors indoors. It is a safe place for kids of all ages with separate areas for different age groups. There is also a cafe for a bite to eat or a coffee or two for the adults.
Come into Play, Unit A, Whitebridge Ln, Stone ST15 8LQ
Climbing walls
Awesome Walls in Stoke is one of England’s largest dedicated bouldering centres. It comprises over 900 square metres of bouldering surface made up of walls and features of all angles to keep you happy every visit! Most of the bouldering walls are 4.5 metres tall, but there are smaller walls specially designed for younger climbers.
Awesome Walls, Sefton Road, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, ST3 5LW
Pottery painting
We are so lucky to have some wonderful places to paint pottery in Staffordshire. Pottery painting can be pricey particularly as a family, but here are a few places with variable prices. Also look out for the individual events that run over the school holidays.
World of Wedgwood – Families can get creative with pottery painting and ceramic design in the Decorating Studio. You can also learn how to throw a pot on the potter’s wheel in the Master Craft Studio. In the school holidays World of Wedgwood has themed Create and Explore activities as well as special events throughout the year.
Emma Bridgwater – Get creative in the Emma Bridgwater decorating studio and create an Emma Bridgwater masterpiece (Advance booking is required). Choose the pottery you would like to paint (prices start at £7 and a £2.95 decorating fee).
Royal Stafford – We discovered Royal Stafford just before Christmas and it is a lovely place to get creative. Visit the ceramics café and you can choose a piece of pottery to paint at a great price. Use the variety of colours, stencils and sponges to make your creation.
Visit a Museum
Visit the Museum at the World of Wedgwood, Brampton Museum or the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery has been shortlisted for the prestigious Family Friendly Museum Award 2019 and they have really made an effort to ensure young visitors and families enjoy their visit.
Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW
Explore 260 years of ground-breaking design and production and learn all about Josiah Wedgwood’s lasting influence on industry and society at the World of Wedgwood Museum. Kids welcome.
World of Wedgwood Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER
Trampoline fun
Head to Flip Out in Stoke (Stone) for a couple of hours of trampoline fun! The trampoline park is suitable from 6 months +
Flip out, Opal Way Stone Business, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SS
Go to the Theatre
We are lucky to have some great theatres in and around North Staffordshire. These include the Regent Theatre, Victoria Hall, and the New Vic Theatre
The Regent Theatre was constructed in 1929 as a cinema and is a number one touring venue. Since re-opening, following a £23 million development of the city centre, it has played host to War Horse, Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys.
Regent Theatre Tom Gates Live – image credit Regent theatre
Waterpark/swimming pool
If its rains – head to the swimming pool … and there are a few swimming pools to visit if it is raining in North Staffordshire! Jubilee 2 in Newcastle-u-Lyme, Dimensions Leisure Centre, Stoke on Trent, and Fenton Manor all have family swims and party hire. You will find a dragon slide, rapids and water fountains at Dimensions!
You will also find some great water parks;
The Alton Towers Waterpark boasts loads of fantastic interactive water features with lazy rivers, crazy cannons, and the Master Blaster water coaster. The Alton Towers waterpark is open all year round and offers fun for all ages.
Waterworld is considered a great day out in Staffordshire. The waterpark provides a range of thrill seeking rides from the Space Bowl to the Black Hole. Waterworld has more than 30 different rides and experiences so we really do have something for everyone no matter what age or swimming ability – there is something for everyone.
Visit the Cinema
Visit the cinema – Vue Cinema in Newcastle under Lyme, Cineworld, Stoke on Trent, or the Odeon in Stoke on Trent.
Don’t forget to look out for the special events including the Mini Morning sessions at Vue cinema (every Sat/Sun morning from 10am plus every day in the school holidays) where adults and children pay from £2.49/€2.99 per ticket.
So there you have a few ideas for things to do in North Staffordshire with kids on a rainy day! Do you have any to add to the list?
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Tips for visiting the Monkey Forest with kids
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