Ten rainy day ideas around Croydon

When it rains, it's often a challenge figuring out how to keep the kids happy and cabin fever at bay.  Here are some ideas of places to take your kids around Croydon this summer when it's wet out but you just have to get out of the house.

1.  Most kids seem to absolutely love soft play.  They can climb and jump and crawl to their heart's content.  The only trouble when it's raining is that everyone seems to have the same idea, so it can be a good plan to get their early to avoid the crowds.  There are quite a few options around Croydon, including Kidspace on the Purley Way (good for older kids too), the Phoenix Centre in Wallington, Antics in Warlingham which has a bouncy castle, toys and outdoor play areas for if the rain stops, the Kidplay Cafe in Addiscombe, Little Lambs in Sutton, Henry's in Caterham, Layhams Farm Shop in Keston and Mother Kitty's in a park in Coulsdon.

2.  The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is great for kids and has plenty to see indoors including an aquarium, a natural history museum, a "hands on" base and a music gallery.  It also has a lovely outside area with an animal walk, gardens and nature base.

3.  Croydon has libraries all over the borough and they are always a good option when it's wet.  As well as being able to read and borrow books, there are lots of events on over the summer and kids can sign up for the Big Friendly Read summer reading challenge.  They even get a badge just for signing up!

4.  Swimming is a great option when it's wet outside as it still involves plenty of exercise.  Plus, swimming at any of Croydon's pools is free for kids over the summer holidays.

5.  Garden centres are often a good option for when it feels a bit too wet or drizzly for a park but some fresh air would be good.  Woodcote Green in Wallington is a great option as it has a lovely farm shop, a fish section which my kids love to see, two cafes and, if it's dry enough, an outside play area.

6.  Going to a cafe is another fun way to get out of the house.  There are quite a few nice independent cafes around Croydon now (although, in my opinion, there's still plenty of room for more!) including eBear's Attic in Hamsey Green, which is also a charity shop with a lovely selection of kids toys and books, Priscilla's Tea Room in Sanderstead, the Tram Stop Cafe in Addiscombe and Amano in Warlingham.

7. Little ones love to use public transport and there are lots of options around Croydon.  Why not take them on a bus, tram or train trip?  Or combine a couple of these for a fun round trip, possibly involving a cafe stop at the Tram Stop Cafe or London Victoria?  Under 11s can travel free on London buses and trams.  Children with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard can travel free on most National Rail services where pay as you go is accepted.  However, they are charged child-rate pay as you go fares on Southern and Thameslink services between Coulsden South and Gatwick Airport.

8.  There's nothing quite like live entertainment and the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is a brilliant option for kids shows, even for the very young.  This summer it has on James and the Giant Peach for children aged 5-11 and Chester Tuffnut for children aged 2-5.

9.  The Remembering 1916 exhibition at Whitgift School in South Croydon has received great reviews and could be an interesting place to take school-aged children.  For younger visitors and their families, Reynard, a ‘flying’ fox, can guide them around with a series of trails, hands-on displays and special activities.

10.  Put on your wellies and waterproofs and get outside anyway!  There are heaps of parks and woods to choose from around Croydon and, if it's raining, you'll most likely have the place to yourself.  There will also be no need to worry about sun cream.  Why not go and feed some ducks at one of Croydon's ponds?