There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in Seattle because, well, Seattle is the “rainy city.” Despite this, Seattle gets its fair share of travelers because it’s a fun rainy city. With amazing restaurants, attractions, and activities for kids and couples, it’s worth donning a raincoat and venturing out into the elements.
Embracing the rainy days in Seattle is key to appreciating the beauty of the city. That’s why I’ve come up with a round up of activities that both locals and tourists alike can enjoy, especially on a rainy day.
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Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle
Before digging into the best rainy day activities in Seattle, I’m going to bust some myths about what living in a rainy city is actually like. As you can see from my Seattle events calendar, there’s still a lot to do in the rainy months!
How often does it rain in Seattle?
On average, Seattle has about 150 days of rain per year, with October through May being the wettest months. Fun fact: Seattle isn’t even usually in the top 10 wettest cities when it comes to rainfall in the United States.
The truth is that Seattle has a large number of consistently rainy days, but the annual rainfall isn’t even close. When it does rain it’s usually a light drizzle, hence why you’ll never find a local using an umbrella.
What are the best things to do in Seattle on a rainy day?
Now that we got the myth out of the way, let’s dive into all there is to do in Seattle on a rainy day! Save this to Pinterest for later because I’m always adding to this list as I find more things to do on a rainy day in Seattle!
Visit museums
I love visiting museums on a rainy weekday because the crowds are usually thinner. Many of Seattle’s museums offer free entry at least once per month, like the Museum of Flight or the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).
If you’re into media and entertainment, visit the Museum of Pop Culture. Since it’s in Seattle Center, you can also visit Pacific Science Center and their cool Laser Dome light show. You can also carve out time to check out the Space Needle and then head next door to Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Check out Pike Place Market
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: amazing food & view
One of the best things to do in downtown Seattle is visit Pike Place Market, and luckily less people venture out when it’s raining. Little do they know the market is almost entirely covered. While you’re there, check out my free self-guided tour of Pike Place Market!
Experience the Seattle Underground Tour
website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square (get directions) | price: ~$29pp | best for: unique history tour
I think one of the coolest Seattle facts is that there is literally an underground neighborhood beneath Pioneer Square. While it’s no longer functional, you can still tour it, and it’s completely covered so there’s no fear of getting wet.
Visit the aquarium
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | price: ~$45pp | best for: aquarium
One of my favorite indoor activities in Seattle is to spend hours exploring the Seattle Aquarium. It’s the 9th largest aquarium in the US, and I swear time flies when you’re watching them feed the sharks. There’s also a touch tank and plenty of kids’ activities to help pass the time.
Embrace the warmth at the Volunteer Conservatory
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | price: ~$6pp | best for: tropical plant oasis
I love visiting the Volunteer Park Conservatory on a rainy day because the crowds are minimal, and the soft lighting mixed with the sound of rain hitting the glass panels makes for a romantic afternoon. The seasonal blooming plants add brightness to an otherwise gloomy day.
If you’re in the area, you can also check out the Amazon Spheres. They house gorgeous tropical plants and you can tour for free on the first and third Saturday of the month if you make a reservation.
Play a round of mini golf
One of my favorite date night ideas in Seattle is to play a round of indoor mini golf, and a rainy day is an even better excuse to tee off. I used to entertain coworkers with my mad skills at Flatstick Pub, but I imagine glow in the dark Monster Mini Golf would be even better for kids.
Go on a winery or brewery crawl
I’ll find any excuse to discover a new craft brewery or winery in Seattle. Because of Seattle’s rainy reputation, you will find ample indoor seating at any of Seattle’s craft beer bars, though I suggest you stick to the Ballard breweries for their walkability.
As for wine, you’re better off sticking to SoDo or the Industrial District if you want to uncover the best Seattle urban wineries. Or head to the Woodinville wineries to sample some of the best wines in Washington.
Visit iconic libraries
Seattle is an old city, and because of this, it boasts some gorgeous libraries that are severely underexplored by locals and tourists. There’s the Seattle Central Library, which you can spot miles away thanks to its captivating architecture. Or you can experience the UW library, which low key looks like Hogwarts (especially the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries).
Play board & arcade games
Nothing says rainy day fun quite like engaging in some lightweight competition. If you’re meeting a group of friends, take them to the Mox Boarding House in Ballard or Bellevue to sample board games and sip on adult beverages. Those over 21 can do the same (but with wine) at U Wine Bar.
If you’re more into arcade games, Time Warp is best if you want cocktails and no kids to compete with, or you take the whole family to Game Works for a more “traditional” arcade day.
See a show
Duck out of the rain and catch a live performance. If you’re looking for something spicy, Can Can Culinary Cabaret offers dinner and a show right from the heart of Pike Place Market. Or check out a burlesque-meets-acrobatics take on classical acts at The Triple Door.
If you want something a little more tame, you can catch a play at the 5th Avenue Theatre, a musical performance at The Paramount, or experience a candlelight orchestra featuring cover bands of your favorite artists.
Take a craft or cooking class
When I need a birthday ideas, group activities, or, yes, even a rainy day activity, you better believe I’m signing up for a class. It’s the perfect excuse to stay inside while also having fun and learning a new skill.
The Pantry is a communal kitchen that also hosts cooking classes, ranging from exploring Milan to New York style pizza and more. The Works has a similar vibe, but with art classes that teach you cold press soap building and DIY home cleaners.
Try a fitness class
If you’re trying to move more, rainy days can make it feel ten times harder. Luckily Seattle has plenty of indoor fitness classes to keep you dry. If you’re looking for free classes, Lululemon offers free and paid classes in University Village. Or you can accomplish one of my bucket list activities and try puppy yoga in downtown Seattle, or cat yoga in Fremont.
If you want to try a certain type of class but can’t commit to a monthly pass, look for discounts on Groupon.
Partake in rec sports
I find a good way to keep people entertained when the weather turns is to embrace your inner kid with recreational sports, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Here are a few of my favorite adult and kid-friendly recreational activities:
- The Garage (~$47pp, Capitol Hill) – Billiards and bowling
- Rein Haus (~$60 per hour, Capitol Hill) – German beer bar with bocce ball
- SPIN (~$39 per hour, Downtown) – Ping pong bar
- Blade & Timber (~$36pp, Capitol Hill) – Axe throwing
Have a spa day
The best part about a spa day is that you’re so busy chilling in a hot tub and getting facials that you don’t even realize it’s raining outside. If you want to soak, visit The Ladies Room for their multiple hydrotherapy spa pools and saunas. For facials and massages, one of my favorite Seattle spas is Luscious Skin Spa in Queen Anne. Or try one of these Groupon deals on spa packages.
If a little rain doesn’t bother you, you can rent a sauna boat and float around Lake Union with your group and some bumping music. The saunas are covered so you can stay dry if it’s really pouring and soak in the moody vibes from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Take a coffee cupping class
I am a self-proclaimed coffee snob, but it’s not my faul. Seattle boasts some outstanding coffee shops. Many of said coffee shops offer roastery tours or coffee cupping classes that allow you to gain a new appreciation for the process.
For example, Victrola Coffee Roasters offers free coffee tastings and Q&As every Friday, where you can taste through their single origin blends and ask the roasters questions. Or check out Caffee Vita’s KEXP location, which offers free cupping classes on the first Friday of every month, plus latte making classes.
More rainy day ideas
After you explore all these things to do on a rainy day in Seattle, check out my other guides for more ideas!
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