25+ Fun Indoor Places to Visit When it’s Raining

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Rainy Day Adventures: Fun Activities and Places to Explore, Rain or Shine

From exciting indoor games to creative DIY crafts, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained when it’s pouring outside. Whether visiting an indoor trampoline park, building forts at home, or splashing in puddles with rain boots, these adventures will make rainy days something to look forward to. With over 25 fun-filled activities, kids can explore, create, and play, no matter the weather!

We visited our local library to read some books, and they also offered free arts and crafts activities for children. We went to the movies (some theaters offer free movie days; check with your local theater) and visited our local supermarket for a free cooking class.

• Morristown Game Vault http://www.morristowngamevault.com/
• Marcade Family Fun Center https://marcade.us/
• YESTERCades of Westfield http://yestercades.com/
• Rack N Roll Family Fun Center http://www.racknroll.biz/
• Gamers Paradise https://www.gpvideogames.com/
• South Beach Arcade https://www.gpvideogames.com/
• Silverball Arcade Museum https://silverballmuseum.com/

 

Thomas Edison National Historical Park, located at 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052, offers a journey back in time as you enter Thomas Edison’s iconic laboratory, where many of his groundbreaking inventions came to life. Park rangers provide educational tours, guiding visitors through Edison’s life and legacy.

The site includes several buildings to explore, and you’ll likely spend one to two hours touring the grounds. Free parking is available, and tickets are $15 per person; an annual pass is available at a discounted rate. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

https://www.nps.gov/edis/index.htm

Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305. The Science Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with ample free parking. Liberty Science Center is a science museum featuring interactive exhibitions, a planetarium, and a movie theater, and it hosts camps throughout the year.

https://lsc.org

 

 

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located in many towns, so you can use Google to find the closest park near you. Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park where you can let loose and have fun! It holds private birthday events and is open daily. Check Groupon for local deals on prices.

https://wwwskyzone.com

 

 

Circle Bowl & Entertainment

https://circlebowlnj.com/

List of Indoor Mini Golf

https://mommypoppins.com/njkids/indoor-miniature-golf-in-new-jersey

• New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, NJ  https://www.state.nj.us/state/museum/
• Princeton University Art Museum Princeton, NJ https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/
• Newark Museum Newark, NJ  https://www.newarkmuseum.org/
• Montclair Art Museum Montclair, NJ https://www.montclairartmuseum.org/
• Old Barracks Museum, Trenton, NJ http://www.barracks.org/
• Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill, NJ http://www.discoverymuseum.com/
• Zimmerli Art Museum,m New Brunswick, NJ http://www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu/
• Dreyfus Planetarium, Newark, NJ
• https://www.newarkmuseumart.org/planetarium

 

Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ https://www.adventureaquarium.com/

Places to Visit in NY

Even though rainy weather can dampen your outdoor plans, there are still plenty of fun things to do and see in New York City. Here are some indoor places to visit in the rain:

• Summit One Vanderbilt

• Hudson Yards
• American Museum of Natural History: This museum features fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, human culture, and more. It’s a perfect place to spend a rainy day.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: One of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums, the Met houses a vast collection spanning thousands of years and cultures.
• The New York Public Library: This historic institution is home to millions of books, manuscripts, and artifacts, as well as a range of exhibits and events.
• The Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the Meatpacking District, showcases contemporary American art and hosts special exhibitions and events.
• Chelsea Market: This indoor market features gourmet food vendors, unique shops, and local artisans. It’s a great place to sample food and shop for souvenirs.
• Broadway shows: There are plenty of Broadway shows in New York City, from musicals to plays. Check out what’s playing and book your tickets in advance.
• The Empire State Building: Even on a rainy day, its observation deck offers excellent views of the city. Just be sure to bring an umbrella!
• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: This museum, located on a retired aircraft carrier, features exhibits showcasing aviation, space travel, and military history.
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): This museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and other great artists.
• The 9/11 Memorial & Museum: This moving museum pays tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks and tells the story of that fateful day.

Things to Do in Pennsylvania 

If you’re in Pennsylvania and looking for indoor activities to do on a rainy day, here are some suggestions:

• Visit the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia – this museum features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and history.
• Columcille Megalith Park
• Explore the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to minerals to ancient Egypt, there is something for everyone.
•  Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral.
• Spend the day at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This museum provides an in-depth exploration of the history and significance of the US Constitution.
• Take a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania – learn about the chocolate-making process and taste some delicious treats.
• Fonthill and Mercer Museum
• Check out the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. This indoor market features a variety of food stalls and vendors selling baked goods, fresh produce, and other items.
• Visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. This museum exhibits the state’s history, geology, and culture.
• Explore the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. This museum houses the most extensive collection of Warhol’s artwork, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
• Eastern State Penitentiary 
• Take a trip to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. This museum is designed for children and features interactive exhibits in art, science, and imagination.
• Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium
• Spend a day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With over 240,000 works of art, this museum has something for every art lover.
• Check out the Lancaster Science Factory in Lancaster. This interactive science museum is designed for children and features hands-on exhibits in physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Rainy days don’t have to end family fun. They can be the perfect opportunity to try new activities, explore unique places, and create unforgettable memories together. Whether you visit a museum, catch a movie, or embrace the weather on a rainy-day hike, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of a wet day. So the next time the clouds roll in, don’t let the rain stop you from grabbing your family and going on an adventure!