When the January weather turns chilly and rainy, it’s a great time to explore the many indoor activities East Shropshire and nearby Stafford have to offer. From exciting trampoline parks to immersive museums, there’s no shortage of family-friendly venues to keep kids entertained. Whether your little ones love to learn, bounce, or get creative, this roundup of indoor activities will ensure a fun day out, no matter the weather.
1. Enginuity Museum (Coalbrookdale)
Enginuity is the perfect spot for budding engineers and curious kids. Located within the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, this hands-on science and technology museum invites families to interact with various gadgets, machines, and experiments. Children can create their own designs in the workshop, harness the power of water with turbines, and control robots, all while learning about the principles of engineering and innovation. This engaging museum is designed to inspire young minds while offering a fun, interactive experience. The staff are friendly and helpful, with regular family-focused workshops available.
2. Telford Ice Rink (Telford)
Telford Ice Rink offers an exhilarating day of ice skating for the entire family. Whether your children are complete beginners or budding figure skaters, this venue caters to all skill levels. With daily public skating sessions, ice disco nights, and penguin skate aids for younger kids, everyone can get on the ice and have a go. There’s a comfortable viewing area for those who prefer to stay warm, and the rink is equipped with snack bars for a post-skating treat. It’s a great way to combine exercise with a lot of fun, creating lasting family memories.
3. Jump In Trampoline Park (Shrewsbury)
Jump In is one of the most energetic spots to visit in Shropshire! This trampoline park is filled with interconnected trampolines, foam pits, and a giant airbag, offering endless fun for kids (and parents!) of all ages. There’s also a ninja obstacle course, basketball hoops, and dodgeball courts for kids who want to test their skills. For younger children, there are dedicated toddler sessions to ensure safety while they bounce. The entire venue is designed to get kids active and release their energy, while parents can relax in the café with a coffee, keeping an eye on their little ones.
4. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (Shrewsbury)
This museum is perfect for a fun and educational outing, offering a diverse range of exhibits that appeal to children and adults alike. From ancient Roman artefacts to fossils and natural history exhibits, the museum provides a captivating journey through time. The dinosaur exhibits are a particular hit with children, and there are regular hands-on activities such as art workshops, storytelling, and treasure hunts designed to make learning fun. With ever-changing exhibits and seasonal activities, Shrewsbury Museum is a place where history and creativity meet in an interactive and family-friendly environment.
5. Tenpin Telford (Telford)
Bowling is a timeless family favourite, and Tenpin Telford brings a modern touch to the experience. With glow-in-the-dark lanes, lightweight bowling balls, and bumpers for younger bowlers, everyone can join in the fun. In addition to bowling, the centre boasts an arcade packed with games, pool tables, and a soft play area for toddlers, ensuring there’s something for every member of the family. After working up an appetite, enjoy pizza, burgers, or nachos from the food menu, making this venue a full day of entertainment.
6. Flip Out Adventure Park (Stone)
A short drive away, Flip Out is an adventure playground that caters to families looking for adrenaline-fueled fun. With trampolines stretching from wall to wall, ninja warrior courses, foam pits, and a stunt box zone, it’s a fantastic spot for kids to test their agility and courage. Toddlers have their own safe area filled with smaller trampolines and soft play equipment, while older children and teens can take on the more challenging sections. It’s a lively, energetic place to spend a rainy afternoon, where kids will leave with big smiles and worn-out legs!
7. Wacky Warehouse (Telford)
If you’re looking for a soft play area where little ones can climb, slide, and crawl, Wacky Warehouse is ideal. Located in family-friendly pubs, it’s a fantastic combination of playtime for the kids and relaxation for the adults. Children can enjoy hours of fun in the ball pits, on the climbing frames, and zooming down the slides, while parents can unwind with a meal or drink nearby. The soft play area is bright, clean, and designed to engage toddlers and younger children in safe and supervised play.
8. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre (Stafford)
For families who love live performances, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is the place to be. This venue regularly hosts children’s shows, including pantomimes, puppet shows, and interactive theatre productions that capture young imaginations. The theatre also runs workshops during school holidays, where children can try their hand at acting, singing, and stagecraft. The theatre is modern, comfortable, and family-friendly, with affordable ticket prices and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages little theatre-goers to enjoy the arts.
9. Stafford Leisure Centre (Stafford)
Stafford Leisure Centre is a fantastic option for active families looking for a variety of sports and activities under one roof. The centre features a large indoor swimming pool, perfect for family swim sessions, complete with fun floats and toys. For those learning to swim, there are beginner-friendly shallow areas and classes available. Beyond the pool, the leisure centre offers a gym, badminton courts, and dedicated toddler play areas. It’s the perfect venue for families who want to keep fit and active together, even on the rainiest of days.
10. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (Craven Arms)
For a mix of fun and education, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is an excellent indoor option. Kids will love learning about Shropshire’s natural history through interactive exhibits and displays, including a life-sized woolly mammoth replica! The centre offers a unique learning experience, with workshops and trails that inspire children to get involved with nature and history. There’s also an indoor play area and craft sessions, making it a well-rounded family day out. If the weather improves, the centre’s large grounds are great for outdoor exploration, but the indoor offerings ensure rainy days are just as enjoyable.
11. Waterworld (Stoke-on-Trent)
Waterworld is a massive indoor water park that promises hours of aquatic fun. With over 30 slides and attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger children, there’s something for everyone in the family. Whether your kids want to race down thrilling water slides or paddle in the toddler pools, the entire venue is packed with excitement. The park is kept at a tropical temperature, so even in January, it feels like a summer getaway! With cafes and changing rooms, Waterworld has everything you need for a full day of family fun.
12. Xscape (Milton Keynes)
Xscape is an action-packed indoor adventure park that’s worth the trip for families seeking an adrenaline rush. With activities like indoor skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing walls, and bowling, there’s no shortage of things to do. The Snow Zone is particularly popular, allowing families to sledge and ski year-round. The centre also has an arcade, cinema, and a range of dining options, making it a complete entertainment hub for families looking for a fun-packed day.
13. Jungleland (Telford)
Jungleland is an immersive soft play centre that brings the rainforest indoors! Kids can explore the jungle-themed play zones filled with climbing frames, slides, ball pits, and tunnels. The venue also offers ride-on mini jungle trains, perfect for toddlers. For older children, there are laser tag arenas and arcade games, adding extra layers of fun to this indoor adventure. Jungleland frequently hosts themed events, such as character meet-and-greets and family fun days, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
14. RAF Museum Cosford (Shifnal)
The RAF Museum Cosford is a dream destination for aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike. The museum features an impressive collection of aircraft, from early biplanes to modern fighter jets. Interactive displays teach kids about the history of aviation, while family-friendly activities like flight simulators let them experience the thrill of piloting their own plane. The museum is a great place to combine education with fun, and kids will leave with a newfound appreciation for the skies.
15. Telford Town Park (Telford)
While Telford Town Park is known for its vast outdoor spaces, the indoor soft play centre within the park, known as the Play Barn, is a haven for young children on rainy days. The Play Barn features a range of soft play equipment, from ball pits to climbing frames, ensuring that little ones can stay active indoors. It’s a bright and colourful space designed to keep children engaged, with plenty of seating for parents to relax.
16. Bannatyne Health Club (Shrewsbury)
For families looking for a more relaxed outing, Bannatyne Health Club offers family-friendly swimming sessions in its warm indoor pool. With facilities for both adults and children, including a shallow pool area for little ones, the whole family can enjoy a day of wellness. The health club also offers spa treatments and a gym for parents, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a balance of relaxation and activity.
17. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (Stoke-on-Trent)
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is a treasure trove of exhibits that span art, archaeology, and natural history. Kids will be fascinated by the dinosaur gallery, while adults can explore the impressive collection of Staffordshire ceramics. The museum frequently hosts hands-on workshops and creative sessions for children, allowing them to engage with art and history in a fun, interactive way. It’s a great option for families looking to combine culture with entertainment.
18. Alton Towers Waterpark (Alton)
The Alton Towers Waterpark is a splash-filled adventure perfect for families looking to escape the cold weather. Featuring water slides, lazy rivers, and tropical lagoons, this indoor waterpark has something for all ages. Younger kids will love the interactive splash zones and gentle water features, while older children and parents can enjoy the more thrilling water slides. The tropical setting and warm water make it feel like a getaway in the middle of winter.
19. Monkey Forest (Trentham)
Monkey Forest may be known for its outdoor attractions, but it also offers plenty of indoor activities. The education centre on-site features interactive displays that teach kids about the conservation of Barbary macaques, the park’s main residents. Families can learn about the monkeys’ habitats and behaviours, and kids can participate in fun conservation-themed activities. The indoor centre also offers a comfortable space to relax after exploring the outdoor areas.
20. The Play Pit (Wolverhampton)
The Play Pit is a lively soft play centre where children can explore a range of exciting play zones. With ball pits, giant slides, and climbing frames, the venue is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers to burn off energy in a safe environment. The Play Pit is designed with younger children in mind, with friendly staff ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere for families.
Conclusion
Whether your kids love to explore, create, or burn off energy, East Shropshire and Stafford offer an abundance of indoor activities to keep them entertained this January. From museums to trampoline parks and waterparks, there’s something to suit every family’s interests and needs. For families visiting from out of town, consider staying with Pass the Keys for convenient and comfortable accommodation, making your family adventure as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.