A day out with the kids when it’s raining cats and dogs is never easy - so we have found you six great alternatives in Suffolk and Essex that will entertain everyone.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Clip 'n' Climb is a perfect day out for the kids Picture: PAUL NIXON PHOTOGRAPHYIpswich Clip 'n' Climb is a perfect day out for the kids Picture: PAUL NIXON PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Paul Nixon Photography 07904296577)

Ipswich Clip 'n' Climb - For the kids who need to let off some steam

The biggest Clip 'n' Climb centre in the world - and there's 215 of them to choose from - has climbing walls, colourful obstacles, arcade and cafe if you need a break from clambering.

Parents can watch kids for free and there's activities for children as young as four years old.

You get a half-hour safety briefing and an hour playing on the climbing walls, which is more than enough to wear out even the most energetic kids.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester is set to be keenly-fought in the 2019 General Election. Picture: COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCILColchester is set to be keenly-fought in the 2019 General Election. Picture: COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL

You must book a slot in advance and each session costs £12.50.

Colchester Castle - For a journey back in time

In the heart of Colchester is the oldest Norman castle in Europe and a fascinating fortress for young and older children.

Built on the remains of a Roman temple, the castle is now a museum, showing off the history of the town's Celtic kings, the story of Boudicea and the Norman conquest in the 11th century.

East Anglian Daily Times: Curve Motion in Bury St Edmunds is a great day out for the kids Picture: ARCHANTCurve Motion in Bury St Edmunds is a great day out for the kids Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Just metres away is the Hollytrees Museum, a beautiful Georgian house containing even more of the town's history and gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the rich and the poor from the era - all for free.

Entry to the castle costs £10 per adult and £6.75 per child, with discounts available for groups and families.

CurveMotion Bury St Edmunds - For the day you need something for everyone

An indoor play area for the smallest toddlers up to teenagers, the indoor play area in Bury St Edmunds has something for every child.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cineworld Ipswich will be showing all this winter's biggest blockbusters Picture: ARCHANTCineworld Ipswich will be showing all this winter's biggest blockbusters Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The top offering at the centre is the roller rink, which hosts discos as well as skate lessons for those hoping to learn some fancy skating skills.

The play frame claims to be the biggest in East Anglia, along with a soft play area for the little ones.

Entry for children under two years old is £2.50. Prices for older children and skate hire vary.

A trip to the cinema - For a big-screen adventure

East Anglian Daily Times: Soak up a little more Ed Sheeran with the family on a rainy day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSoak up a little more Ed Sheeran with the family on a rainy day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

With Shaun the Sheep, The Addams Family, Frozen 2 and Jumanji 2 all out between now and Christmas you can find a film that everyone wants to see.

Multiple cinemas across the county and multiple showing times means there is an excellent chance to scoop some cheaper tickets at quieter opening hours.

Ed Sheeran: Made In Suffolk - For big groups who need something free

In case you missed it, Ed Sheeran played four homecoming gigs in Chantry Park this summer - and to coincide with the show, Christchurch Manison opened an exhibit all about his life.

The mansion and exhibit are free to enter and contain relics from the superstar's childhood, all the way through to memorabilia relating to his most recent tour.

It also includes some never-before-seen photos from his very early gigs and backstage at shows.

And best of all, it's completely free - though you will have to book a time slot in advance here.