Rainy days don’t have to put a damper on family fun in the Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara regions. Whether you’re seeking indoor adventures or cozy activities, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. From interactive museums and indoor indoor activities to creative workshops and educational exhibits, these regions offer a wealth of options when the weather keeps you indoors. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and bond with your little ones, rain or shine!

40+ indoor activities For a Rainy Day

Play at an Indoor Playground

Indoor playgrounds are the popular group when it rains (or freezes) out. They offer a plethora of high-energy ways to help kids be active from giant tube slides to ball pits to climbing obstacles.

If you’re looking for a great curated list of area indoor play centres and trampoline parks in Halton or indoor play centers and trampoline parks in Hamilton and Niagara, you know we can help!

Indoor play centres for toddlers are ideal for little ones because they’re smaller and less busy through the week.

Read our Feature articles:

• Lil Monkeys Indoor Playground in Burlington
• Aerosports Trampoline Park in Oakville
• Playcious in Oakville
• We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville
• Imaginasium in Hamilton
• Funzilla in Hamilton
• Playtown Niagara in St. Catharines

Visit The Library

I could write a novel about all of the ways I love our local libraries! No where else offers you so much FREE fun and family entertainment. From checking out a big pile of books to learning a new skill at a workshop, you will never be bored as long as you have your library card. Here are some of the highlights for your city’s library system:

Burlington Public Library – With 7 branches open daily, you are always welcome at BPL. Be sure to visit the newly renovated New Appleby branch for a modern and bright children’s area with hands on STEAM-based toys and an interactive display screen that turns your art into action! Central’s branch has DIscovery Centre where kids can get hands on with LEGO, robots, animation and construction materials!

Hamilton Public Library – HPL has 24 branches that you can bounce between to keep things fresh. No matter the day or time, you can always find something to do on their programming calendar. Or drop in and spend time playing in the children’s area, borrowing games and technology and studying in the teen section.

Oakville Public Library – OPL goes far beyond books when it comes to borrowing. You can take home technology like STEAM-based learning toys, laptops and tablets. Borrow sports equipment and learn to play lacrosse, pickleball and how to snowshoe! Plus their calendar is filled with creative and multicultural events and programs. 7 branches to visit, plus satellite locations and story walks around the town.

Milton Public Library – Visit the children’s area and the Teen’s area while you check out books, video games, or a laptop. Their events calendar is home to multicultural events for every age and interest. 3 branches to visit.

Niagara Falls Public Library – Borrow board games and puzzles, learn about Culture Boxes, and use their Cricut machine. Plus attend cool programs like LEGO robotics, crafternoons, EarlyON play dates, and a ton of ways to encourage your reluctant readers to pick up a new book. Watch for their Bookmobile to pop into your neighbourhood! 4 branches to visit.

Catch a Family Flick

Is there a better rainy day indoor activity than watching movies? I think not. Cineplex SilverCity Theatres have “Stars and Strollers” showtimes weekly. Guests and their kiddos watch a new release film with your little ones. With a little more light, lower sound, and $2 off the regular admission, it’s a great deal!

Visit CineStarz on Brant Street or Film.ca in Oakville for second run shows at a deeply discounted price. Don’t worry, the popcorn is just as delicious as the larger theaters! And don’t miss out on Oakville’s Movies for Mommies where the sound is lower, the lights are a little brighter, to make your movie-with-baby date all the more enjoyable.

Visit a Children’s Museum or Art Gallery

We’ve collected some of the best family-friendly children’s museums and galleries in our region. Whether you want to know more about life in pioneer and early industrial times, famous sports personalities, appreciate works of art, dabble in hands-on experiments and science, planes, trains, automobiles and even secret passages, these family destinations will help you do just that. 

Read our Feature articles:

• Halton County Radial Railway in Milton
• Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton
• Art Gallery of Hamilton
• Guelph Civic Museum

Indoor Fun For Sports Fans

Looking for some high-energy competitive fun for the whole family? Maybe something quieter and suited to all ages? We got you! Our curated guides to rainy day activities Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and Oakville will connect you with the best hands-on entertainment around!

• Glow in the dark mini putt
• Activate in Burlington
• The best bowling alleys around
• Laser tag centres families love
• The Hub Indoor Rock Climbing in Mississauga
• Arcades everyone will love

Stores Worth Visiting: Toys Stores, Pet Stores and More!

Take a wander through some retailers who cater to kids and families. Shop at a local toy store from our list here.

Toy Stores – Every toy ever made seems to be at the toy store. Enjoy some time in every aisle checking out new toys and games, and adding to your child’s wish list. Just remember, you may not get out without making a purchase.

Pet Stores – Little animal lovers will enjoy walking through the aquarium section to check out the aquatic and bug life, and through the cat adoption centre, too. They may even get to pet or feed an animal friend!

Have a Sweet Treat – Whether you want ice cream, doughnuts or french fries, our lists of the best places to get each will help!

Malls – The stay at home parents’ quintessential rainy day activity, and for a good reason. Temperature controlled, ample coffee shops, and you can always find a sale and a friend to stroll with. Bring some loonies to Burlington Mall and the kids can ride the coin-operated rides. And both Oakville Place and the Milton Mall has been known to host kids events as well.

Visit IKEA – It’s Swedish For Fun!

I cannot tell you how excited my youngest was when she was finally tall enough for the Burlington IKEA’s Smōlland (that’s the name of their supervised kids area). Their kid’s centre is fabulous and free, but so is their kid’s department with all of the toys out on display. A great time to get some gift ideas! Plus, IKEA has great deals on kids meals, too!

Ontario EarlyON Centres

The Ontario EarlyON Centres (formerly known as Early Years Centres) saved my sanity in those early days/months/years of parenthood. I played with my new baby, met new parents who I still connect with today, and kept going until my kids were in school full time.

Whether it’s for a drop in play time or one of their organized pre-registered programs like Mother Goose, we are so fortunate to have the ROCK Ontario Early Years Centres. Click the link to find the centre closest to you.

Get Thrifty

Fancy yourself a DIYer? Love up-cycling? Or maybe you just like checking out trash-turned-treasures? Pop in and see if you can score an original Rubik’s Cube, Malibu Barbie, or some Muppet Show VHS tapes. Plus board games and books are a steal. Visit a local thrift store or charity shop and score a great deal. Your donations and purchases help our community.

Hop A Ride On Public Transit

Hop on the city bus and tour around Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown, or Milton. Transit is fast, reliable, and clean, and makes a great sightseeing bus. Plan your tour through Burlington , Milton, Oakville, or Hamilton. This was always one of our favourite rainy day activities in Burlington!

Stay Home: More Indoor Activities To Pass The Time

Easy Crafts and Experiments For Kids

3 Indoor Treasure Hunts For Every Age

Upcoming Indoor Events From Our Calendar

Beyond these fantastic indoor destinations, there are always exciting events happening throughout Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara that make rainy days even more fun. From hands-on workshops and live performances to seasonal exhibits and special family-friendly activities, there’s something new to discover each week. Check out these upcoming indoor events to keep your little ones entertained while staying warm and dry!