Scarborough, a picturesque coastal town, offers many family-friendly indoor activities that promise fun and excitement for visitors of all ages, regardless of the weather. Scarborough has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to entertain toddlers or teens or simply enjoy a day out with the family.
Before planning your visit, it’s essential to check the opening times, as not all attractions are open year-round. This guide will show you some of the best indoor activities in Scarborough, ensuring your trip is filled with enjoyable experiences for the whole family.
1. Bowling at Olympia Leisure
Located in South Bay on the scenic seafront, Olympia houses a 12-lane, 10-pin bowling alley that caters to all players. With a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for families to come together and enjoy some friendly competition.
The pricing is affordable for families, with 1 game costing £6 off-peak or £7 at peak times. For a family of four (2 adults, 2 children), the rates are even more appealing at £21 off-peak and £25 at peak times.
2. Rotunda Museum
The Rotunda Museum is a treasure trove of coastal heritage and geology. Visitors can explore dinosaur footprints, ancient fossils, and artefacts dating back 11,000 years.
It’s an affordable educational experience, with a £3 Annual Pass giving admission to the Rotunda Museum and the Scarborough Art Gallery in Crescent Gardens. Admission is free for those under 18 and registered carers, making it an accessible option for families looking to learn more about the natural history of Yorkshire.
3. Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms offer an exhilarating live experience where participants are “locked” inside a themed room and challenged to solve puzzles, riddles, and clues within a limited time to complete an adventure and ‘escape.’
Scarborough’s Escape Rooms have earned numerous awards, providing families and friends with a memorable adventure. With themes like “The War Room,” where you crack codes to stop a war and save the nation, and “The Pirate Ship Mistry,” where you search for hidden treasures, there’s an experience suited to everyone.
The pricing starts from £54 for two players up to £120 for eight players, making it an excellent choice, particularly for large families looking for mystery, excitement and teamwork.
4. Sealife Centre
Situated in North Bay, the Sealife Centre is an aquatic wonderland home to penguins, sharks, seals, and coral reef inhabitants.
It features a Seal Hospital, Rainforest Adventure, Otter River, and Penguin Island, providing an immersive marine life experience.
Booking online at least two days in advance offers a discounted entry price starting from £16 per adult, with free entry for children under 2. Additionally, combined tickets are available for the Sea Life Centre and adjacent Pirate Adventure Golf, offering more fun and savings.
5. Scarborough Fair Collection
Located within the Flower of May Holiday Park, the Scarborough Fair Collection showcases a working collection of vintage vehicles, including cars, buses, steam engines, and motorbikes. It also features 15 mechanical organs, vintage fairground rides, and an old-fashioned penny arcade.
The Scarborough Fair Collection is a delightful journey back in time and a day full of nostalgic fun and has a café on-site for refreshments throughout the day.
Admission is £9 for adults, £6 for children (6-16), and £8 for over 65s, with a family ticket option at £27. Rides cost extra.
6. Arcades
The South Bay area is renowned for its arcades, offering a variety of games and entertainment for the whole family.
You’ll find everything from classic penny pushers and crane games to modern attractions like AMC’s The Walking Dead, Luigi’s Mansion, Transformers, and Jurassic Park games here. The arcades also feature coin-operated floating UFO orbs, providing a unique and mesmerising gaming experience. Arcade versions of popular games such as Candy Crush, Crossy Roads, and Jungle Run are also available for those who enjoy mobile gaming.
These seafront arcades are perfect for those days when the beach visit is cut short by rain, offering a chance to win prizes and enjoy classic arcade fun.
7. Spa Events
Close to South Bay, Scarborough Spa hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year, including the Scarborough Spa Orchestra Teddy Bears Picnic, Magic Mike shows during the summer, and special events like the Sci-Fi Festival and Scarborough Comic-Con.
With a café and bar on-site, it’s a great venue for entertainment for the family. Event prices vary, so booking ahead is recommended.
8. Crafty Creations Cafe
Located in Eastborough, Scarborough’s charming Old Town, Crafty Creations Cafe invites families to unleash their creativity. You can personalise a wide selection of pottery items like pots, mugs, plates, and decorative pieces with your own designs, with expert guidance available to help bring your vision to life.
Baby prints are popular, allowing parents to create a lasting keepsake with their baby’s footprint or handprint. Additionally, the cafe offers a 2-hour glass fusing workshop, providing a unique opportunity for hands-on creative fun. Prices vary depending on the chosen activity.
9. Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Stephen Joseph Theatre, located just across the road from Scarborough’s train station, is a cultural gem, offering a range of family-friendly performances, especially during the school holidays. With “Eat Me,” one of the town’s most popular eateries, located within the theatre, families can enjoy a delicious lunch followed by an entertaining afternoon show.
Ticket prices vary depending on the show, and booking in advance is recommended.
10. Terror Tower
On the South Bay seafront, Terror Tower is a haunted house experience that combines special effects, live actors, and high-quality sound, with eleven scenes on three storeys over two buildings.
The experience, which is not recommended for children under five and requires adult accompaniment for those under 10, starts in the eerie Bates Motel.
Priced at £6 for adults and £5 for children, it’s a thrilling adventure for those seeking a scare.