Rainy-day activities for 2024. When the rain keeps falling and the children are restless at home, the Ruhr region offers plenty of indoor adventures. Here are some family outing ideas for 2024.

1. Alma Park: Europe's largest indoor leisure park

Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen offers plenty to do when the weather turns. Across more than 15,000 m², you will find laser tag, paintball, escape rooms, trampolines and more. Whether your group prefers puzzles or energetic games, there is a wide choice. The Action Pass is one way to try several attractions during a single visit.

2. Centre for International Light Art, Unna

An old brewery cellar in Unna houses an unusual exhibition. Light installations create an atmospheric world that can fascinate younger visitors as well as adults. Special family tours are also often available.

3. DASA Working World Exhibition, Dortmund

DASA offers interactive exhibitions about the world of work. Children can touch, try and take part, with simulations that explore experiences such as working in a large factory.

4. SEA LIFE, Oberhausen

SEA LIFE Oberhausen is a familiar choice for a family outing in the rain. See sharks, rays and other marine creatures. The touch pool, where children can encounter starfish and crabs up close, is a particular favourite.

5. Gasometer, Oberhausen

The Gasometer in Oberhausen hosts large-scale exhibitions exploring themes such as nature, art and science. Its changing programme gives families something new to discover on return visits, often with interactive elements for children.

6. Phänomania Erfahrungsfeld, Essen

Phänomania is all about experimenting and discovering. Around 80 stations invite the family to explore physical phenomena through hands-on activities rather than lengthy explanations.

7. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Oberhausen

LEGO fans can explore more than building bricks at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Oberhausen. There are rides, a 4D cinema and a LEGO model of North Rhine-Westphalia, alongside opportunities for children to build their own creations.

8. Movie Park Germany, Bottrop: indoor attractions

Movie Park is known for its film-themed areas, with attractions to explore even when the weather is poor. Its Nickland area features rides with children's favourites such as SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

9. Explorado Children's Museum, Duisburg

This hands-on museum is designed for children to investigate, discover and make things themselves. Changing exhibitions provide interactive experiences, with more than 100 stations for playing, crafting and experimenting.

10. Ruhr Museum, Essen

The Ruhr Museum explores the region's history through its culture, natural environment and industrial development. Large machines and models give children plenty to look at, and special family tours are available.

Ideas for a day out, whatever the weather

The Ruhr region has plenty of ways to keep a family busy when it rains, from active games at Alma Park to hands-on museum visits. Alma Park's Action Pass lets you try activities such as laser tag, trampolining and escape rooms during one visit: an option for families keen to get moving on a wet day.