9 things to do on a rainy day in Raleigh

A rainy day in Raleigh? Here are some indoor activities, places and spaces to keep you busy!

Posted 7:53 p.m. May 26 — Updated 9:35 p.m. Jan 24

RALEIGH, N.C. — Whether you're looking for an indoor dog park for the pets, a place to throw axes and unwind, or something to entertain your kids – Raleigh has plenty of indoor activities for a rainy day!

Take one look at the WRAL weather forecast any time of year, and you're almost always sure to see a chance of rain. While there are so many beautiful outdoor areas to explore in the City of Oaks, our great capital has its fair share of fun activities that are perfect to explore the next time it rains.

Keep reading to learn about some of the best indoor things to do in Raleigh, NC, whether you're a local or a welcome North Carolina visitor.

1. Have a date with your dog

Invite another human if you like, but a dreary day is the perfect time to try out one of the many area restaurants that welcome your furry best friend.

5 restaurants in the Triangle that have dog menus

Start with breakfast or brunch at Flying Biscuit Cafe in the Village District. Hang out on the covered, fenced-in patio, where water bowls are free and the pet-friendly menu features peanut butter bacon biscuits.

West Street Dog offers a full-service bar, where you can hang out with friends, watch TV and have a good time while your pup enjoys an indoor dog park. They even offer events like trivia night, music Bingo and Woofstock, which includes prizes and food.

2. Jump around with the kids

Burn off the rainy day gloom with an indoor adventure.

Whether it is low-key, learning play for toddlers at Alara + Zane or ninja warrior practice at DefyGravity, Raleigh offers options for kids of all ages and their adult people looking for active indoor play.

Find family fun year-round at these Raleigh indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks

3. Raleigh has museums galore!

Whether you love art, history, science, butterflies or just interactive fun – Raleigh has it covered! A rainy afternoon is perfect for enjoying one (or multiple!) museums in downtown.

The NC Museum of Art carries a rotation of fascinating exhibits, as well as a coffee shop and cafe for a cozy afternoon hangout.
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences has everything from enormous dinosaurs and tiny bugs -- and their Butterfly Room has reopened after being closed for years.
The NC Museum of History has plenty of interactive historic spaces to explore. Step into an authentic 1920s drugstore or learn the story of North Carolina. A new exhibit 'Signs of the Times' explores the history of protest in our state.
Marbles Kids Museum is full of engaging spaces for kids to explore while they learn – and get lots of energy out! The Power 2 Play exhibit lets kids pretend to be a Carolina Hurricane player in a real rink, while the River Playway lets kids ride a slide 'beneath the Neuse River' to learn about water habitats. Kids can make music, play inside a fort and even visit IMAX to watch a movie.

The ultimate guide to the best museums in Raleigh

4. Race and play at Frankie's Fun Park

On rainy days, it's natural for kids to get restless with pent-up energy. A trip to Frankie's Fun Park is the perfect cure. With a variety of indoor activities like bumper cars, virtual reality experiences, rides, laser tag, and arcade games, it'll be impossible for your kids to get bored.

Best of all, the food, drinks, and activities are fun for adults as well. If the weather clears up while you're there, head outside for even more adventures by racing go-karts, playing mini-golf, and hitting the batting cages.

Find family fun year-round at these Raleigh indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks

5. Tap into your inner child at Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Experience all the fun of an arcade with your favorite adult beverage in hand at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. Recognized as one of the best bars in Raleigh, Boxcar has more than 175 console games, 15 pinball machines, and 50 arcade games to take you back in time and make you feel like a kid again.

Beyond that, there's a fully stocked bar with more than 24 options on draft, including local favorites like beers from Crank Arm Brewing. Boxcar allows you to sip and play the day away, regardless of what the weather is like outside.

6. Perfect your aim. Throw an axe

If you're looking for some excitement the next time it rains, head to one of Raleigh's popular axe throwing venues to learn how to how to hit the bullseye. Raleigh has several places to practice your throw:

Crazy Axe on Capital Blvd.
Epic Axe in downtown Raleigh

If you're a first-timer, have no fear. Each session begins with a safety overview and a guide to learning how to throw an axe properly. From there, you can start working on your form, taking turns throwing on a shared lane.

If you find your new passion in axe throwing, you can also consider joining one of their eight-week leagues.

Prepare for a rainy day with these ideas of things to do in Raleigh, NC

As you can see, there's no shortage of things to do in Raleigh, NC, even when Mother Nature comes to town. The next time you notice rain in the forecast, take it as a sign to try something new in the Triangle.

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