It doesn’t rain often in San Diego, but when it does, families are usually scrambling for things to do to keep the kids busy. Here’s a list of rainy day activities, including indoor fun at home, great places to go in San Diego when it’s raining outside and even things to do IN the rain.
FUN RAINY DAY OUTINGS IN SAN DIEGO
If you want to get the family out of the house, consider these indoor spots where kids can play, explore, shake out the wiggles or just be entertained for a few hours.
- Take an art class or paint your own pottery at The Hot Spot Studios in Liberty Station.
- Enjoy interactive science exhibits at Fleet Science Center (don’t forget to see what’s playing at the IMAX theater).
- Catch a movie at UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley. Tickets are half-price every Thursday!
- Have a blast at indoor play zone, FUNbelievable in Lakeside.
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Explore ocean science through hands-on exhibits at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Learn about Little Blue Penguins, Weedy Seadragons, Leopard Sharks and much more.
- A world of discovery awaits at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Discover and learn about dinosaurs, fossils, Southern California habitats, gems/minerals and the creepy, crawly animals in the Living Lab..
- Make a reservation for kids and parents to play together at Kids & Coffee in Carlsbad.
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Explore other museums in Balboa Park.
- Let the kids jump to their heart’s content at a trampoline park, such as Sky Zone or Get Air.
- Grab a burger and shake at the 50’s-style Corvette Diner in Point Loma. Don’t miss the onsite Gamers Garage with over 60 fun games such as pinball, Skee-Ball and air hockey.
Find more fun indoor play places in San Diego at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/5-fun-indoor-play-areas-in-san-diego.
FUN THINGS TO DO AT HOME ON A RAINY DAY
- Have a Movie Marathon. Don’t forget popcorn!
- Conduct science experiments: Visit the Family Science section of our site for engaging STEAM projects and science experiments.
- Have a cooking competition.
- Build a cozy fort and read.
- Play board games. Want new ideas? Check our list of new family board games.
- Have a tea party or picnic in the living room.
- Bake chocolate chip cookies. The house will warm up and smell great.
- Set up a hot chocolate bar with homemade marshmallows.
- Write a letter or draw a picture and send it to grandparents or other faraway relatives. Learn how to “make” and send a hug: https://www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/diy-send-a-hug
- Get crafty: Choose a fun “Art with Alyssa” project at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.
Get more ideas in our article “10 Indoor Activities for Kids.”
PLAY OUTSIDE
Yep, we said it. We often think about hunkering down indoors when it rains, but don’t overlook the fun exploration that happens outdoors on rainy days!
- Put on some rain boots or waterproof shoes and jump in puddles!
- “Rescue” worms and snails (from being squished on the sidewalk, of course).
- Watch rain clouds.
- Collect rainwater to water indoor plants.
What would you add to this list? Email
