It is no surprise that Seattle is also often called Rain City. With an average of 152 rainy days each year, the cloudy skies can really put a damper on plans. Fortunately, the Emerald City is a treasure trove of indoor activities and boasts layer after layer of exciting things to do on rainy days.
If you know where to look, you will hardly notice the drizzly weather outside. Let’s dive in and discover some of the best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle.
15 Great things to do on a rainy day in Seattle are:
- Visit the Pacific Science Center
- Explore Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Experience Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
- Enjoy the Seattle Aquarium
- Shop at Pike Place Market
- Tour Seattle Chocolate Factory
- Visit Neko Cat Café
- And more…
Stay Indoors with these rainy day Seattle activities!
It can be disappointing to find your weekend plans upended by persistent drizzle. When this happens, it is comforting to know that Seattle is one of the best places in the world to find yourself. Below are fifteen of Seattle’s top picks that will keep you cozy and entertained no matter how grey the skies may be.
1. Pacific Science Center
200 2nd Avenue N
https://pacificsciencecenter.org/
The weather outside will be the last thing on your mind as you meander through a tropical butterfly house or journey through space and time in the planetarium. Be enthralled by the ginormous laser dome, or settle back and relax in one of the largest IMAX theatres in the world.
The Pacific Science Center, located near the Space Needle, is the perfect place for families to spend rainy days. There are fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
2. Klondike Gold Rush Museum
319 2nd Avenue S
https://www.nps.gov/klse/index.htm
It isn’t often you will find an indoor activity in Seattle that is absolutely free. The Klondike Gold Rush Museum is one of these treasures. It offers visitors the opportunity to travel back in time to explore the area’s local history.
The museum is open from Monday to Sunday each week. In addition to its regular gold rush exhibits, the museum also offers interactive activities to keep everyone engaged while learning.
3. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
614 1st Avenue
http://www.undergroundtour.com/
One of the most fascinating facts about Seattle is that it is a city that is built on top of another city. After the great fire of 1889, the Emerald City as we know it today was rebuilt above the ruins.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour offers visitors a unique look at what lies below their city’s sidewalks and streets. An underground world of storefronts and walkways is just waiting to be explored. Each tour takes around 75 minutes, and although kids under six don’t have to pay, they may find it challenging.
4. Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way
https://www.seattleaquarium.org/
Enjoy an undersea experience without getting wet. The Seattle Aquarium is a showpiece of conservation and environmental awareness. It boasts six incredible exhibits for visitors to explore.
There are lots of opportunities for hands-on exploration. Daily presentations include watching keepers feeding the animals at the various exhibits. There are lots of areas at the aquarium that kids can explore safely, which makes it an ideal family-friendly rainy-day outing.
5. Pike Place Market
85 Pike Street
https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
When the weather outside is gloomy, nothing is quite as soothing as preparing a homecooked meal. To make the experience memorable, why not pick up the freshest ingredients at one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States?
Pike Place Public Market is home to hundreds of crafters, farmers, and small businesses. Visitors can take in the sights, smells, and tastes of fresh produce in an area that spans more than nine acres.
The historic district is considered by many to be the Soul of Seattle. Exploring the stands and enjoying the multiple buskers in the market is an ideal way to spend a rainy day. It is open daily from 09h00 to 18h00, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
6. Tour Seattle Chocolate Factory
1180 Andover Park W
https://www.seattlechocolate.com/
Rainy weather is perfect for comfort food, and nothing is quite as comforting as chocolate! Although there are several chocolate factory tours to choose from, we loved experiencing the Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour.
Get an inside view of how chocolates of every shape and size are made. Although the tour costs $12 per adult and $10 for children and seniors, it includes plenty of tasters and samples. Unfortunately, the tour cannot accommodate children younger than 6.
7. Neko Cat Café
519 E Pine Street
https://nekocatcafe.com/reservations-seattle
Enjoy Japanese cat café culture in the heart of Seattle. What could be better than shrugging off the rainy weather while hanging out with a bunch of furry rescue kitties inside a cozy café environment?
Since there are only so many kitties to go around, pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All the cats in Neko Café are available for adoption, so you may find yourself going home with your new best friend.
8. Volunteer Park Conservatory
1400 E Galer Street
https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/
If you had your heart set on spending your day off surrounded by the beauty of nature, you still can, even if it’s raining. Conservatories, like the one at Volunteer Park, offer visitors the opportunity to meander through pristine indoor landscapes without ever needing an umbrella.
Volunteer Park Conservatory has been described as a jewel in the park. There are different indoor environments to explore, ranging from desert to tropical jungle.
Admission prices for adults are $6, and kids under five can visit for free. The conservatory participates in First Thursdays and also offers First Saturdays, so if you choose one of those days to visit, your rainy-day outing won’t have to cost anything.
9. Mox Boarding House
5105 Leary Avenue NW
https://www.moxboardinghouse.com/seattle/
Gather your friends and head to Mox Boarding House in Seattle’s historic Ballard neighborhood. It is a game store and a restaurant that delights visitors by providing access to an extensive library of tabletop board games.
If you happen to check out the restaurant, I highly recommend ordering their cappuccino. It’s one of the best I’ve had, which is surprising since it’s made from a board game store.
Enjoy some quality time with your own gang or participate in the regular gaming events at the venue. There will be loads of laughter as everyone can get involved. The social, indoor vibe is perfect for forgetting the rainy weather outside.
10. Seattle Central Library
1000 4th Avenue
https://www.spl.org/hours-and-locations/central-library
If noisy board games aren’t your thing, head over to the library. Seattle Central Library is not only an extensive collection of books, but the architecture of the building is well worth taking in.
For families with kids, check the library website to stay updated regarding scheduled story times and playgroup activities. The facility is free of charge and open to everyone, even those who do not have library cards.
11. Chihuly Garden And Glass
305 Harrison Street
https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is an almost magical place that is well worth visiting. The vibrant museum featuring the intricate glass works of artist Dale Chihuly is totally unique.
The venue comprises eight galleries surrounding a breathtakingly beautiful installation known as the Glasshouse. There is also a theater where visitors can view presentations on how the artist created the intricate glassworks.
12. Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue N
Visiting a zoo is probably not something that springs to mind when showers are overhead, but Seattle’s Woodland Zoo has you covered. Since rain is something they have come to expect, the zoo has created a special rainy-day guide to keep you dry and comfortable.
The inside exhibits include an assortment of nocturnal animals, and the orangutans are always a highlight in the Tropical Asia Trail of Vines area. When you are ready for a break, excited kids can burn off steam at the zoo’s indoor play space.
13. Museum Of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
325 5th Avenue N
Escape the rainy weather and immerse yourself in everything that embodies popular culture. Familiar scenes and artifacts from television, video games, music, and movies all come together to inspire and connect people.
In addition to the regular displays, the museum offers a variety of feature exhibitions. The program is vibrant and changes often. Keep your eye on the website to learn more about current programs. You may even find yourself returning to MoPOP when it’s not raining outside.
14. The Museum Of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S
https://www.museumofflight.org/
A trip to the biggest independent museum on earth may be the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Seattle. The Museum of Flight takes visitors on a fascinating trip through aviation history.
More than 175 aircraft are on display, from the first experimental aircraft to spacecraft. There is a children’s play area located within the museum. Hang gliding simulators allow kids to climb into the pilot’s seat and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
15. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
349 Tukwila Pkwy, Tukwila
https://www.iflyworld.com/seattle/
If you have ever thought about skydiving but would never be brave enough to jump out of a plane, don’t worry; you don’t have to. iFLY Seattle is an unforgettable indoor skydiving experience that is the perfect way to banish the rainy day blues.
iFLY gives flyers the opportunity to fly inside state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels. It is the perfect activity to do alone or as a family or group. There is no age limit or fitness level required.
Conclusion
There is never a reason to get cabin fever in Seattle! There are indoor activities for all ages, and some won’t even make a dent in your wallet. Cloudy skies are never a reason to stay at home. The Emerald City has a delightful lineup of fun and exciting things to do, even on the wettest days.
Table of Contents
Resources
https://weather.com/science/weather-explainers/news/seattle-rainy-reputation
http://www.undergroundtour.com/
https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/
https://www.seattlechocolate.com/
https://www.moxboardinghouse.com/seattle/
https://www.spl.org/about-us/news-releases/50-free-things-to-do-through-the-seattle-public-library
