Rain rain, go away! It can be frustrating when the weather won’t play ball, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop – there are tons of things to do in Raleigh when it rains.
If you’re new to Raleigh, it’s important to understand our environment isn’t this lush without a few downpours of rain here and there! Our summer humidity also brings many refreshing downpours – but as with tropical weather, they are often over and out pretty quickly.
Raleigh boasts a collection of indoor attractions, activities, and places to explore, so even when it’s thundering outside, you can still find something to keep you entertained.
If you’re looking for exciting things to do on a rainy day in Raleigh, besides staying at home or going to the movies, here are some cool places to go and attractions to see when the weather is wet.
Things To Do in Raleigh When It Rains
1. Play Arcade Games at Boxcar Arcade and Bar
If you’re looking for things to do with kids, then a popular daytime activity is to play in the arcade at Boxcar Arcade and Bar.
Children can visit this venue if accompanied by a parent before 8.00pm on weekdays and 7.00pm on weekends and play one of hundreds of arcade-style games.
They have over 70 classic arcade cabinets, pinball machines, Skeeball, Air Hockey, racing games, and 175+ console games.
Challenge your kids to a game of Guitar Hero or race each other in Mario Kart, it’s the perfect rainy day activity for families!
- Address: 330 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: TheBoxCarBar.com/raleigh
2. Learn at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Museums are a great place to go to if you’re looking for somewhere indoors to hang out in. Our favorite museum in Raleigh is the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, which is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and North Carolina’s oldest museum.
It features 4 floors of exhibits, all containing themes related to our natural world. You can learn about the human body and DNA and see life-size dinosaur skeletons. You can also watch scientists at work and one exhibit has live animals. One of the best things I saw here was one of their snakes drinking water!! Have you ever seen that before? You’re never too old to live in awe.
What’s more is it’s free to enter, making it one of the best free things to do on a rainy day.
- Address: 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh
- Website: naturalsciences.org
3. Immerse yourself in art at the NC Art Museum
Escape the rain and immerse yourself in culture at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This renowned museum offers an impressive collection of artworks, from classical pieces to contemporary installations. Wander through the galleries and admire masterpieces from artists such as Claude Monet, Picasso, and Auguste Rodin.
The museum also features special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something new to see. For a deeper understanding of the art, join a guided tour or attend a lecture. With its serene atmosphere and diverse collection, the NC Art Museum provides a perfect indoor retreat on a rainy day in Raleigh.
Read our guide to the NC Art Museum here.
- Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Website: ncartmuseum.org
4. Take the kids to Marbles Kids Museum
Another museum we love, though our kids are too old for it now, is the Marbles Kids Museum. It’s designed to foster play-based learning for toddlers and young children up to the age of 12.
This two-floor museum features exhibits that inspire creativity and wonder and get children learning in a hands-on way. It also contains the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater.
- Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org
5. Go to the Arcade at Frankie’s Fun Park
Ok, so Frankie’s Fun Park has this huge outside space with batting cages, go-kart tracks, and mini golf, but it also has a huge indoor arcade that’s great to visit when it rains.
Raleigh has two main amusem*nt parks, Frankie’s Fun Park and Adventure Landing, and we prefer Frankie’s Fun Park because you pay per activity, rather than an entrance fee, which on a rainy day can feel like you’re missing out on half the attraction.
- Address: 11190 Fun Park Dr, Raleigh
- Website: www.frankies.com
6. Check out CAM Raleigh
For art lovers, CAM Raleigh is the place to go. This multimedia contemporary art gallery doesn’t have a permanent collection, so every time you visit you will find something new.
Each piece it displays is by an artist with regional, national, and international recognition, and they also host community events such as markets and performances.
It’s also free to enter and has First Friday events. Here are more art galleries in Raleigh you may want to visit on a rainy day.
- Address: 409 W Martin Street, Raleigh
- Website: camraleigh.org
7. Go Shopping in North Hills (and others)
What better way to spend a rainy day than with some retail therapy? Raleigh has several shopping complexes, but predominantly, they require you to go outside. That’s okay! Take an umbrella or raincoat as you move from one store to the next.
If you want to escape the rain completely, head to Crabtree Valley Mall, or Southpoint Mall in Durham (we prefer that one) However, we’re not raving fans of malls.
One of our favorite places to shop on a rainy day is North Hills as there is a great mix of stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars to take a break in as you move from store to store, which are are mostly boutique or luxury brands (but there is a Target). There’s also a movie theater, which is always a great rainy-day activity.
We love the new Innovation District (NHID) with their local artisan stores. One of our favorite stores is Designed for Joy, which is a woman-run business that provides employment opportunities for women in crisis and sells amazing handbags and jewelry.
The Village District may be another shopping complex of interest.
Read more: Where to Shop Local In Downtown Raleigh (27 Small Indie Retailers)
8. Practice Your Swing at Drive Shack
DriveShack is an awesome activity no matter what the weather. We’re not big golfers, but we love having a laugh and seeing how far we can hit a ball.
This three-story interactive golf driving range is not just a driving range, but also home to augmented reality and virtual golfing games.
- Address: 6901 Play Golf Wy, Raleigh
- Website: DriveShack.com
9. Escape the Room at Nerd Escape Room Raleigh
Escape rooms are a great way to spend an hour with a group of friends or family on a rainy day.
If you’ve never been to an escape room before, the concept is pretty much what it says on the tin – you are in a room, and you have to escape.
You must solve a series of clues and challenges in order to unlock secrets, reveal codes, and eventually, find your way out of the room. The rooms also have storylines that give purpose to the activity.
There are seven rooms to choose from at Nerd Escape Room, all with varying degrees of difficulty and some with storylines scarier than others. The Chernobyl room is one of the most popular.
- Address: 117 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: ncnerd.com
10. Dine at Morgan Street Food Hall or Transfer Co Food Hall
If you want to go out to eat, then Morgan Street Food Hall is one of our favorite family-friendly places to eat, because it’s not just one restaurant but a collection of different eateries and diners.
Food courts make eating simple, as everyone in your family can find a cuisine they enjoy – whether that be Pad Thai, pasta, or sushi.
There are 20 different food stalls and one central dining space, so even if you choose different things, you can all eat together. The other food hall in Raleigh with plenty of indoor seating is Transfer Co Food Hall in the eastern part of downtown. They don’t have the covered patio like Morgan St Food Hall does though.
- Address: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh
- Website: MorganFoodHall.com
11. Tour The North Carolina State Capitol
The State Capitol building is an iconic landmark in Raleigh, located in the heart of downtown.
It’s a National Historic Landmark and housed the office of the Governor, the Supreme Court, and the chambers of the General Assembly, as well as various other state offices.
Not many people know this about Raleigh, but it was actually built to be the state capital. Even its position, nestled in the center of the state, was done on purpose.
You can learn all about this and more about NC state’s political history on a self-guided tour of the building from 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday, or take a guided tour from 10.00am – 1.00pm on weekdays.
- Address: 1 East Edenton St, Raleigh
- Website: historicsites.nc.gov
12. Tour the NC Executive Mansion
The North Carolina Executive Mansionis the official residence of the Governor of North Carolina and their family, which currently is Governor Roy Cooper, the thirtieth governor to live in the Mansion.
On the tour, you’ll explore the history of the1883 Victorian style mansion, learn about past and present Governors, including Roy Cooper, and tour the beautifully furnished downstairs rooms. Discover the purpose of each room, notable décor such as theJoan of Arc Inkwellgifted by France during World War II, and personal items like Governor Cooper’s photographs.
The only thing with this rainy-day activity, is tours aren’t year-round. To schedule a tour, it’s best to reach out directlyto [emailprotected]. as it’s not always clear as to when tours are running. We did this tour recently with my parents visiting from Australia as we showcased the best of Raleigh. We all loved it!
13. Watch a Show at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Looking for rainy-day activities at night? Then head to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts to catch a musical, show, or concert.
Whether you want to watch a symphony orchestra or a stand-up comedian, there’s always something on at the theater. Just check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit to Raleigh. You can purchase tickets to a show at Martin Marietta here.
- Address: 2 E South St, Raleigh
- Website: martinmariettacenter.com/
14. Shop for Local Produce at NC State Farmers Market
The NC State Farmers Market is the place to go for fresh, organic produce, and its open rain or shine since it features a large covered market hall.
Half of the market is dedicated to produce and the other half is dedicated to garden plants, gift items, and artisans. There are also a few bakeries and coffee shops.
If you want fresh, local items, this is the place to go. We’ve been here plenty of times on a rainy day!
- Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh
- Website: ncagr.gov
15. Cheer On the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena
Raleigh has a huge sports scene, and there’s always a team to cheer on throughout the year.
The PNC Arena is home to the Carolina Hurricanes National Hockey Team and the NC State University Men’s Basketball team.
The PNC Arena also sometimes has concerts by big-name artists such as Imagine Dragons, Billie Eilish, and Greta Van Fleet.
Hockey Season tends to happen from October until about April time, so if you’re visiting Raleigh over the winter, be sure to check out the schedule and cheer on the Hurricanes!
Here’s our guide to the PNC Arena. Get your Carolina Hurricanes tickets here.
- Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd #3624, Raleigh
- Website: nhl.com/hurricanes/
16. Try Axe Throwing at Crazy Axe | Graffiti Cary
Axe throwing is a great rainy-day activity if you’ve never done it before. We love doing this as a date in Raleigh because it allows you to be a bit fun and adventurous.
Although it looks easy, there is a technique to make it stick, so if you’ve never done it before then I recommend getting a lesson to see how it’s done.
Graffiti Cary is another great place to enjoy axe throwing with six axe-throwing lanes. They also have TV screens everywhere for sports lover and a full bar. At this Cary bar I love how this bar is like a living street art gallery with the walls decorated by local street artists!
- Address: 1531 Garner Station Blvd, Raleigh
- Website: thecrazyaxe.com
17. Get Your Ninja on at OC Aerial
Just a 35-minute drive from Raleigh isOC Aerial, an indoor adventure park in Durham, which is kind of like a trampoline park mixed with a ninja course and rock climbing gym in one.
Spread out over 16,000 square feet, it has four ninja courses, a 165-foot zip line, and a 16-foot high, high ropes course.
If you’re looking for a way to get active with your teens and have fun in the process, this is one of thebest attractions in Durham Countyto do just that.
It is quite the fun workout! Do not miss the high-speed slide – just be prepared for an explosive landing.
18. Go Rock Climbing at Triangle Rock Club
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t get active. Sure, you could hit the gym, but if you want something more fun to do, try rock climbing! Our girls love Triangle Rock Club and have had several birthday parties and summer camps here!
You can get a day pass for Triangle Rock Club and tackle the climbing walls. There are routes for all skill levels, and you can rent all the gear you need (even shoes).
If you’ve never done rock climbing before, don’t worry, you can get an orientation before you start. They also have a location in Morrisville and will soon be opening a location in the Salvage Yard, near the Iron Works District. It will be the largest Triangle Rock Club facility at 40,000 sq ft and the largest climbing gym in North Carolina.in the new Iron Works District.
- Address: 6022 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh
- Website: trianglerockclub.com
19. Bounce Around at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Raleigh has several trampoline parks, and it’s one of our favorite rainy-day things to do with our teenagers because it gets them active and it’s also a lot of fun.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is one of our favorite parks because it has a huge space where you can practice your flips and jumps and play a game of ultimate dodgeball.
Big Air, Urban Air and Defy are a few more trampoline parks in Raleigh to consider.
- Address: 2101 Westinghouse Blvd Suite 111, Raleigh
- Website: skyzone.com/raleigh
20. Relax in a Cafe with a Book
One of our favorite things to do in the rain in Raleigh is to go to a cozy cafe and get lost in a good book.
Although you can drink coffee and read books at home, it can give you a bit of cabin fever during a rain shower, so it’s always nice to get out into a new environment where you can relax.
Some of our favorite cafes to chill out in on a rainy day are Heirloom Brew Shop, because it has a nice big window and natural light to watch the rain showers from, Fount Coffee + Kitchen for a cozy place to work, and Lucky Tree Cafe for a cozy decor and comfy armchairs that you can sit and read in for hours. They also have lovely local artisan products for shopping, gluten free treats, and deliciously warming choc-nut-latte. If you are in the Wendell area, we love Parallax Coffee.
You may even want to visit a board game cafe such asThe Kitchen TableorMeeples Brew. Have a bite to eat over a game of Exploding Kittens or get competitive over a classic game of Risk.
You can find more coffee shop recommendations in our complete guide here.
21. Visit an Indoor Brewery
When in doubt, head to one of Raleigh’s breweries for a craft beer, board games, and events. While sipping a crisp pint is usually synonymous with a warm summer’s day, you’ll find many breweries in Raleigh have cozy vibes on a rainy day too!
Our favorite indoor breweries are Crank Arm Brewing, which has yoga sessions inside every Sunday morning and a huge indoor seating area, Heyday Brewing, which has a huge and modern indoor space and trivia nights, and Raleigh Brewing Company, which is always busy and has a lively vibe. Bearded Bee Brewery in Wendell has the prettiest, honey-flavored interior decor of any brewery in Wake County.
22. Go Bowling at Kings
Bowling is a classic indoor activity that you can never go wrong with. We don’t just want to go bowling though when we go out – we want to go bowling in style!
Kings is an upscale bowling lounge with a gaming area complete with a pool table, ping pong tables, foosball, and dart boards.
If you want to spend more than just an hour bowling, Kings has enough entertainment to last you a whole afternoon.
- Address: 141 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh
- Website: Kings-de.com
23. Take a Creative Class
Let out your inner creative on a rainy day in Raleigh at an indoor creative class. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or crafting, there’s a class to spark your imagination.
Head to Artspace in downtown Raleigh for a variety of workshops where local artists guide you through unique projects. If crafting is more your style, head to AR Workshop Raleigh for DIY home decor projects. These creative classes provide the perfect escape from the rain while allowing you to learn a new skill and express your artistic side.
Wine & Design in Raleigh has different paint and sip classes (fun with friends). Joy Worth Co has a diverse number of creative classes from paint and sip to cupcake decorating and bourbon tasting and Barista classes. The object is to bring JOY and CONNECTON to the creative process
Map of Indoor Activities in Raleigh
Use the map below to help you plan for your rainy-day activities in Wake County. You can click on the menu to open in a new tab and make a copy for you to adapt to your particular needs.
