Empire Cinemas Bowral: A family favourite for wet weather fun
For a rainy day in Bowral, Empire Cinemas is the perfect spot. This family-friendly cinema offers a variety of movies suitable for all ages. Kids under 12 can join the Empire Kids Club to earn rewards on each visit, and they often have discounted rates on G and PG movies. Plus, who can resist popcorn and a choc-top?
Open 7 Days
Prices start from $10
Location: Bowral
Highlands Entertainment Centre: Bowling and arcade fun
If you’re looking for fun for all ages, the Highlands Entertainment Centre in the Southern Highlands is the place to be. With bowling lanes equipped with lightweight balls and bumpers for younger kids, and arcade games for older ones, it’s a hit for family bonding. They also have a fantastic putt-putt course, making this a great spot for a family day out.
Open Every Day in School Holidays, Tuesday-Sunday in Term Time
Prices start from $16 for Kids, $21 for Adults
Location: Mittagong
Moss Vale Aquatic Centre: Swim year-round
Swimming is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. The Moss Vale Aquatic Centre offers year-round swimming, including a toddler splash pool for the littlest ones and a 25m pool for older kids. It’s the perfect way to keep active when it’s raining.
Open 7 Days
Family entry price: (2 Adults + 2 Children) $22
Location: Moss Vale
Tabatinga Mittagong – Indoor fun for little tornadoes
This one’s a lifesaver for rainy days. Tabatinga, located inside Mittagong RSL, is a bright, colourful indoor play centre designed for kids up to 12. There’s a multi-level climbing frame, a junior ninja course, a toddler zone, and even a disco room for party vibes.
Parents, you’re sorted too (phew). There’s a café on site and comfy seating so you can sip something warm while the kids go wild (safely). Grip socks are a must, so don’t forget to pack a pair!
They’re open every day, with late-night sessions on Fridays and even a weekend Drop & Dine option (you eat in peace while they play. Genius.)
Open 7 Days
Prices start from $15
Location: Mittagong
Bradman Museum – International Cricket Hall of Fame
For young sports fans, the Bradman Museum is a great option. A visit to this cricket hall of fame offers a fun, educational experience. It’s an ideal outing for kids and even grandparents, making it a perfect rainy day activity.
Open 7 Days
Prices start from $16.50 for Kids and $30 for adults
Location: Bowral
Flip Out Mittagong – Bounce off that energy
Rainy days + kids = cabin fever. Enter Flip Out Mittagong! A giant indoor trampoline park where your crew can jump, flip, tumble and bounce their hearts out.
There’s a main arena, foam pit, ninja course and dedicated toddler zone, so everyone from pre-schoolers to big kids (and grown-ups, if you’re feeling brave) can get involved. It’s a fun way to burn energy without destroying your lounge room.
Parents can watch from the side-lines with a coffee in hand, or get in on the action. Either way, socks with grip are essential.
Open 7 Days
Prices start from $20
Location: Mittagong
If you would rather not leave the comfort of home, or you have kiddies with the sniffles, try making soft-as-a-cloud dough with cornflour, food colouring and cheap, hair conditioner (seriously – that’s it!).
And if you’re looking for more things to do with the kids locally, head to our Highlands Families & Kids Hub!