8 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle

It's no secret that the Northwest has its fair share of rainy days. But that shouldn't keep you from having a great time year-round.

There are plenty of fun rainy-day activities in Seattle and the surrounding area, whether you have kids in tow, need a unique date idea, or want to plan a group outing. In Seattle Southside, you can marvel at vintage airplanes, go bowling, or even try indoor skydiving! Or, you can keep it low-key and sample local wine or browse a bookstore. Read on for more ways to make the most of a rainy day.

Pictured: A SR-71 jet at the Museum of Fight in Tukwila, Washington.
Group Activities
Learn Something New
Go Shopping
Sample Wine, Beer, and Mead

Group Activities

Bowlero

Bowlero South Seattle is the ultimate group activity spot, combining retro-cool vibes with modern amenities. With 40 high-tech lanes, an arcade filled with classics and new favorites, billiards, and a sports bar, you'll be entertained for hours. Open late and offering special evening deals, it’s perfect for a night out. Between rounds, fuel up with burgers, wings, and giant pretzels paired with signature cocktails or local brews. And if you're planning a party in the cold months, it's a great option. Check the website for custom party packages.

Round1 Bowling & Arcade

Round1 Bowling & Arcade at Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila is another great option for group get-togethers. The Tukwila location is an extension of a larger chain that's beloved across Japan, where the business was founded. Featuring 14 bowling lanes, exclusive arcade games, private karaoke rooms, and a full food and beverage menu, it’s the perfect place to bring the family or a group of friends or coworkers. The lively setting will help everyone let their hair down, break out of their shells, and make fun memories together.

Credit: Alabastro Photography

Family Fun Center

Family Fun Center in Tukwila is a fantastic choice for a rainy day adventure, providing endless indoor entertainment for groups of all ages. With attractions like bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, a sprawling arcade, and even indoor rides, it’s easy to forget about the gloomy weather outside. Race friends in a virtual reality game, try out the batting cages, or check out the bowling area. If you have tiny tots in tow, there's also a four-level, soft play area that's specifically for kids under 58 inches. When everyone is tuckered out, have a meal at Bullwinkle's Restaurant without even leaving the premises.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

At iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Tukwila, you can experience the exhilaration of flying without needing to jump out of a plane. This unique, indoor skydiving experience is perfect for people of all ages, "from 3 to 103," and no prior experience is necessary. What makes iFLY truly special is its advanced vertical wind tunnel technology, which safely simulates the free-fall sensation of skydiving. Professional instructors are with you every step of the way, guiding you through your flight and helping you master the art of body control in mid-air. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, looking for a family-friendly adventure, or just ready to challenge yourself, iFLY provides an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience that’s both exciting and accessible.

Catch a Movie

Going to the movies is the classic rainy day activity. Bring a crew to AMC Southcenter 16 to enjoy the latest box office hit on huge screens while lounging back in extremely comfortable seats with a tub of popcorn. Screen are available in both standard size and IMAX. For an extra budget-friendly activity, see a matinee before 4 p.m., which is 25% less. And if you sign up for the Insider program (which is free), you get discounted tickets any time on any Tuesday (sometimes for less than $10!).

Learn Something New

Museum of Flight

At the Museum of Flight in Tukwila, you can journey through the history of aviation and spaceflight, from the Wright brothers to missions to Mars. The massive Aviation Pavilion houses an original Air Force One, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Concorde, a B-17 “Flying Fortress,” and many other historic aircraft. Inside the museum, you’ll find more aircraft and interactive, kid-friendly exhibits. The flight simulators, 3D movie theater, and cockpit experiences make the museum feel like a theme park. Check out the Personal Courage Wing to see real WWII and WWI fighter planes. And before you go, stop by the gift shop, where you'll find a wide variety of aviation and space-themed toys, books, models, apparel, and more.

Credit: @stephforrer

Highline Heritage Museum

The Highline Heritage Museum in Burien offers a captivating look into the history and cultures of the Highline area. Among its most intriguing permanent displays is a life-sized replica of the skeleton of a giant ground sloth that roamed the area more than 12,000 years ago. Its remains were discovered during the building of SEA airport, and the skeleton is a glimpse into the prehistoric world that once existed here. Visitors can also explore exhibits on local history and see rotating exhibits featuring paintings and other artworks by local artists.

The Mast Center

If you're looking for something free and educational to do, take a trip to the MaST Center Aquarium. The center holds "Discovery Days" open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. See a massive aquarium that holds more than 3,000 gallons of water in various tanks and houses more than 250 species of marine creatures. Experience two large touch tanks, see massive skeletons of a whale and other marine life, and learn all about the marine ecosystem of Puget Sound.

Tour a Chocolate Factory

If there's one thing that's guaranteed to perk you up on a rainy day, it's chocolate. At Seattle Chocolate Factory in Tukwila, you can take a guided tour of the sprawling, colorful factory while learning all about the joyful labor of truffle production from professional chocolatiers. You'll learn how this legendary local company ethically sources chocolate from across the globe and sample plenty of sweets along the way. The brand is known for its unique, creative flavors, like Champagne, Moon Rocks, and Mexican Hot Chocolate, to name just a few. After your tour, you can stock up on a bulk bag of mix-and-match truffles in the gift shop.

Go Shopping

Westfield Southcenter Mall

Go shopping at Westfield Southcenter Mall. With more than 240 specialty shops, you can enjoy first-class shopping with limitless choices. After purchasing the shoes you always wanted or the purse on your wish list, you can visit one of the numerous restaurants in or around the mall area, where there’s something to eat for everyone.

Zenith Holland Nursery

Stock up on plants and gifts at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines, a charming destination filled with unique, high-quality items perfect for gift-giving or treating yourself. Nestled among the nursery's beautiful plant displays, the shop boasts an assortment of home goods and whimsical holiday items that feel thoughtfully curated. Whether you’re searching for artisanal candles, handcrafted soaps, or festive seasonal decor to brighten up your space, you'll be sure to find something delightful.

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mercantile in Des Moines, WA, combines the charm of a neighborhood market with the lively atmosphere of a modern café, so you can grab a coffee while shopping. Founded by locals inspired by travels abroad, it has a curated collection of items, including wine, artisanal food items such as specialty cheese and chocolates, and home goods. It also hosts ongoing events and traditional afternoon tea by reservation. Check their website and social media pages for updates to see what's going on before you go!

Go Thrifting

Seattle Southside has some of the best thrift stores in the Northwest, and we rounded them up for you in our Guide to Thrifting. Whether you're shopping for clothes, home decor, unique vintage finds, or books and other media, you can find it at one of the many shops in the area. Some popular spots include Half Price Books, Value Village, and Goodwill, which are all clustered close together in Tukwila near Westfield Southcenter Mall, conveniently located near dozens of great restaurants to grab a meal at afterwards.

Sample Wine, Beer, and Mead

Oppegaard Meadery

Walk into Oppegaard Meadery in Tukwila and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to an ancient Norse mead hall straight out of a fantasy novel. At this family-friendly establishment, you can enjoy handcrafted, small-batch meads made from local ingredients. Sample a variety of meads with unique flavors, from fruity to spiced and seasonal. If you're not sure what to get, order a flight! As a bonus, there are board games available to play with your friends or family, so you can hunker down and spend an afternoon having fun.

Pictured: A mead flight at Oppegaard Meadery In Tukwila.

Sip and Paint at The Heart Gallery

The Heart Gallery in Burien hosts regular sip-and-paint events in a relaxed, low-key environment where guests can unleash their creativity while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Don't worry if you don't consider yourself an artist or have minimal painting experience. You'll be guided step-by-step as you create your own original artwork. It's a great activity for date night or a group outing with friends or coworkers.

Bacovino Winery

If you're looking for a quiet, classy way to spend a couple of hours, we suggest heading to Bacovino Winery in Tukwila to try out some new artisanal wines crafted from Washington State grapes. The tasting room provides a cozy space to sample their diverse selection of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés. Founder Randy Brooks, who opened the business in 2019, brings a scientist's enthusiasm and a passion for local grapes to the art of winemaking.

Credit: @PNWcompass Cameron Sienna Shugarts

Hit the Happy Hour Trail

There are simply too many great happy hours in Seattle Southside to list them all here, so we created a Happy Hour Trail! Sign up to explore all the best places to get happy hour drinks and bites in SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. The trail includes places like 13 Coins, Sharps RoastHouse, Rendition, and many more. Enjoy great deals, and earn rewards as you go. You'll get points when you check in at spots along the trail. Then, redeem points for exclusive prizes like a handy magnet bottle opener and a stylish stainless steel wine tumbler.

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Alyssa Umagat