The best indoor activities for kids in Whitby and Oshawa cover the full rainy-day spectrum: active play for children who need to move, museums for curious school-age kids, and public recreation options for a lower-key outing.
For a straightforward plan, choose one main stop, check its session schedule before leaving, and keep a library or café visit in reserve. Trying to fit five stops into one wet Saturday is ambitious in the same way that bringing home a new board game at bedtime is ambitious.
These quick picks lean on places currently listed in the Town Directory. For more options, browse Whitby indoor play and Oshawa indoor play.
Quick Picks for a Rainy Day in Whitby and Oshawa
Place | Best for | What makes it a useful rainy-day stop |
|---|---|---|
Younger kids and mixed-age siblings | Large indoor play centre on Laval Drive with trampolines, multi-level soft play, ninja-style obstacles, a toddler zone, and arcade games. | |
Playloola, Oshawa | Soft play and preschool energy | Indoor playground in Prime SmartCentres plaza with colourful soft play, slides, climbing zones, and parent seating close by. |
Jolly Bubble, Whitby | Whitby indoor playground time | Indoor playground on Dundas Street East for ticketed play, passes, and birthday-style visits when you want a Whitby soft-play stop. |
Flying Squirrel / Sky Zone, Whitby | Older kids who need to bounce | Two Whitby trampoline parks for session-based active play. Check jump times, waivers, and age rules before you leave. |
NEB's Fun World, Oshawa | Mixed-age family groups | Go-karts, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, climbing, and other attractions under one roof for a planned half-day. |
Kids who like animals and exhibits | Indoor reptile zoo with live animal presentations. A good change of pace from playgrounds and trampolines. |
Best Indoor Play Spaces for Younger Kids
Jolly Bubble
Jolly Bubble opened its new Whitby location in late June 2026 at 1624 Dundas Street East. The bright indoor playground is designed for children up to age 10, with large ball pits, slides, trampolines and colourful climbing and imaginative-play areas. Drinks, coffee, milkshakes and snacks are also available, making it another useful option for hot, rainy or snowy days in Durham Region.
At the time of writing, admission starts at $19.99 for two hours on weekdays and $32.99 for two hours on weekends and holidays. Each child’s ticket includes one adult, while additional adults are charged separately. Everyone must wear socks, children need non-slip grip socks, and all guests must complete a waiver. Parents or guardians remain responsible for supervising their children. Check current discounts, hours and ticket availability on the official Jolly Bubble Whitby website before visiting.
Funvilla Oshawa
Funvilla Oshawa at 680 Laval Drive is a strong choice when the main goal is to let children climb, bounce and burn off energy. The large indoor centre combines trampolines, a multi-level soft-play structure, ninja-style obstacles, wall climbing and a separate toddler area. There are also arcade games, although these require an additional purchase, plus party rooms and an on-site café.
Grip socks and a signed waiver are required for everyone entering the play areas. Weekday admission allows all-day entry, while visits are limited to 2.5 hours on weekends, P.A. days, statutory holidays and school breaks. One adult is included with each paid child admission, while additional adults currently cost $9.99. Parents remain responsible for supervising their children throughout the visit. Check current pricing, hours and private-event closures on the official Funvilla Oshawa website before heading over.
Playloola in Oshawa
Playloola is located at 560 Laval Drive, Unit 500, in the same SmartCentres Oshawa plaza. The colourful indoor playground features soft-play structures, slides, climbing zones and interactive areas where children can burn off energy. Parents have seating nearby, while snacks and drinks are available for purchase, making it an easy option for a rainy or cold morning.
At the time of writing, weekday admission starts at $16.99 per child, while weekend pricing starts at $21.99. Accompanying adults enter free. Sessions are timed, children need grippy socks, and a signed waiver is required. Booking ahead is recommended because walk-ins depend on availability. Free parking is available outside. Check the latest details on the official Playloola website.
Indoor Activities for Kids Who Need More Than a Playground
NEB's Fun World in Oshawa
NEB's Fun World works well for mixed-age family groups because the entertainment list is broader than a standard play centre. Attractions include go-karts, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, a climbing feature, virtual reality and a dark ride.
The variety is the advantage, but it can also make the outing more expensive than a museum or public swim. Decide in advance which attractions are the priority, particularly if bowling or go-karts are the reason for the visit. It is a better fit for a planned half-day than for a quiet, low-cost escape from the rain.
Flying Squirrel and Sky Zone in Whitby
For older kids and teens who need a serious energy outlet, Whitby has two established trampoline-park options: Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Both belong in the active-play category, where session times, waiver requirements and age-specific programming can shape the visit.
These are strong choices for kids who have outgrown a toddler indoor playground but are not interested in spending an afternoon looking at exhibits. They are less appealing for a group with a crawling baby or a child who dislikes busy, high-noise spaces. Check jump times and supervision requirements directly before leaving home.
Aspire Climbing in Whitby
Aspire Climbing offers a different kind of active outing for children who would rather solve a route than bounce on a trampoline. Climbing can be especially useful for families with kids of different energy levels because it rewards patience and problem-solving as much as speed.
New climbers should confirm the facility's youth participation rules, available instruction and required equipment before building the day around a visit. It is a more focused activity than a large entertainment centre, which suits kids who like a challenge and can follow safety directions.
Best Museums in Oshawa for a Rainy Afternoon
Canadian Automotive Museum
The Canadian Automotive Museum is one of Oshawa's most reliable indoor choices for a school-age child who likes cars, design or local industry. The museum, at 99 Simcoe Street South in downtown Oshawa, collects and displays the history of the automobile in Canada. Its posted public hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with public-holiday closures.
Give yourselves enough time to move through the displays without rushing. A museum visit is usually a better rainy-day plan for children who can read labels, ask questions and enjoy noticing details than for toddlers who need to run. Confirm admission details and any special programming with the museum before your visit.
Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum
The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, also known for its Canadian Tank Museum collection, gives vehicle-focused families a second Oshawa museum option. Near Oshawa Executive Airport on Stevenson Road North, its historic collection includes more than 120 operational military vehicles, including tanks, carriers, trucks and jeeps.
This is a particularly good match for children fascinated by machines and military history. It can be a lot for very young visitors who are not interested in vehicles, so pair it with a more active stop if your group spans a wide age range. Check public visiting hours before making the drive.
Robert McLaughlin Gallery
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, commonly called the RMG, is a calmer alternative near Oshawa City Hall and the McLaughlin Public Library. As Durham Region's largest public art gallery, it is a worthwhile choice for families looking for an indoor outing without arcade noise or a fixed play session. Admission is free, which makes it especially handy when you want to get out without committing to a costly afternoon.
It is best for children who enjoy drawing, looking closely and talking about what they see. Gallery visits tend to work better when adults keep expectations modest. A shorter, relaxed visit is usually more successful than trying to study every room.
Low-Key Indoor Plans in Whitby and Oshawa
Whitby Public Library and Oshawa Public Library
Both Whitby Public Library and Oshawa Public Library are useful rainy-day fallbacks, especially for preschoolers, readers and families avoiding the cost of a large entertainment venue. Library programming, craft sessions and branch schedules change, so check the calendar for the specific location before you leave.
A library visit is also an easy add-on after a morning activity. Let each child choose books for home, then call it a successful outing before everyone reaches the point where snacks become a constitutional issue.
Public Swimming and Skating
Whitby's Anne Ottenbrite Pool and Whitby Civic Recreation Complex publish seasonal swimming schedules. Oshawa also operates recreation facilities including the Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre and South Oshawa Community Centre. Public swims can be a good rainy-day choice, but schedules, admission rules and capacity can change by season.
For skating, Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby has seasonal public-skate programming, and Oshawa publishes skating and shinny schedules through activeOshawa. Treat both swimming and skating as schedule-first activities. Confirm the session time, required equipment and registration rules before getting everyone dressed to go.
How To Choose the Right Rainy-Day Activity
For toddlers: Start with Funvilla, Playloola, Jolly Bubble, or a library program. Soft-play centres with toddler zones are usually a better fit than a trampoline park or large arcade complex.
For kids who need to move: Flying Squirrel, Sky Zone, Funvilla, and NEB's Fun World are stronger options than a museum.
For school-age kids who like vehicles: Choose the Canadian Automotive Museum or Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum in Oshawa.
For a quieter outing: The RMG or a Whitby Public Library or Oshawa Public Library branch offers a gentler pace.
For siblings with very different interests: NEB's Fun World has the widest spread of activities, while public swimming can be a simpler shared option when the schedule lines up.
Rainy-Day Planning Tips for Whitby and Oshawa Families
Check hours on the same day you plan to go. Public recreation schedules are seasonal, and indoor play venues may have private bookings, capacity limits or waiver requirements. Museums can also close on public holidays.
Bring water, a small snack for the car and a change of clothes for swimming or high-energy play. For skating, confirm helmet guidance and equipment requirements before arriving. For trampoline parks and climbing facilities, review participant rules in advance so nobody gets sidelined at the door.
Keep the second stop simple. Funvilla and Playloola are close together in Oshawa South if you want an easy backup nearby. The Canadian Automotive Museum, Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum and RMG are also all in Oshawa, while Whitby's trampoline parks are often better handled as stand-alone outings. A good rainy-day plan leaves enough margin for lunch, traffic and the inevitable request for one more game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for toddlers in Whitby?
Jolly Bubble is a Whitby indoor playground option for ticketed play. Whitby Public Library programming is another lower-key choice, subject to each branch's calendar. Soft-play listings also turn up on the Whitby indoor play directory page.
What can kids do indoors in Oshawa on a rainy day?
Oshawa families can choose Funvilla or Playloola for indoor playground time, NEB's Fun World for a multi-attraction outing, or the Canadian Automotive Museum and Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum for vehicle-focused visits. The RMG is a quieter option near the civic centre. See more on Oshawa indoor play.
Are there indoor activities for older kids and teens in Whitby?
Flying Squirrel, Sky Zone and Aspire Climbing are better suited to older children who want a physical challenge. Check each venue's current waiver, age and session rules before visiting.
What is a good low-cost rainy-day option?
Whitby Public Library and Oshawa Public Library are sensible starting points for a low-key outing. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery also has free admission. Municipal swimming and skating can work well when a public session fits your schedule, though admission and registration details should be checked in advance.