Here’s a little-known fact: Seattle isn’t actually the wettest city in the US. That distinction goes to Hilo, Hawaii, which gets a whopping 276 days of rain per year!
Seattle doesn’t even rank in the top 10 rainiest cities in the nation. But with 156 days of some sort of precipitation, it’s still a good idea to prepare for at least a little rain during your Seattle trip.
Finding yourself looking for what to do in Seattle when it rains? We’ve compiled a list of the coolest rainy-day activities in Seattle to help you out. Stick to this list, and you’re bound to have a great trip, rain or shine.
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15 Fun Rainy-Day Activities in Seattle
1. Visit the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is one of the best indoor things to do in Seattle. Dedicated to conservation, this aquarium invites people of all ages to explore its interactive exhibits and uncover Puget Sound and our world’s oceans.
Across the many exhibits, you’ll get up close to the animals that call the shores of the Northwest home, discover the mysterious creatures of Puget Sound, see the tropical critters of the Pacific, and much more. This Seattle rainy-day activity is especially a great choice if you’re traveling with little ones who will have a wonderful time learning about sea life in the Caring Cove Play Space.
2. Explore Chihuly Garden & Glass
You’ll find the stunning Chihuly Garden & Glass right next to the Space Needle. One of the top things to do in Seattle when it rains, this unique museum showcases the studio glass of beloved artist Dale Chihuly.
Across eight galleries and three Drawing Walls, you’ll uncover how Chihuly pushed the boundaries of what was possible in glass art and created something entirely new. But the centerpiece of the museum is its Glasshouse, a 40-foot-tall glass and steel structure where an abundance of light illuminates Chihuly’s hanging art pieces. You’ll also see beautiful blooms juxtaposed against the human-made beauty of the glasswork in the Garden.
3. Take to the Sky in the Space Needle
If you’re looking for what to do in Seattle on a rainy day, why not make a day out of visiting the Chihuly Garden & Glass and the Space Needle, which are right next door to each other? Standing at 605 feet tall, this iconic landmark offers breathtaking views, even in the rain.
Ascend to the top and take a seat on one of the Skyrisers, offering see-through glass benches to really feel like you’re floating on air. Or check out The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, which provides an incredible panorama of the entire city.
The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most famous attractions, so you should likely get a ticket in advance of your visit.
4. Have a Spa Day
When you’re trying to escape the rain, one of Seattle’s many spas can help you out. Indulge in some pampering and relaxation as you warm up after coming out from a rainstorm.
With some of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the Pacific Northwest, Yuan Spa in nearby Bellevue and Totem Village is a top choice for a spa day. Feel your troubles melt away as you relax in its pools and saunas.
Or stay in Seattle for Elaia Spa, located inside the Hyatt at Olive 8. Their focus is on an all-natural experience, meaning that you’ll find organic products here that are ideal for those with more sensitive skin.
5. See the Exhibits at the Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is one of the best indoor things to do in Seattle if you want to spend your day immersed in stunning pieces of art from across centuries and cultures.
With a collection of nearly 25,000 works of art, this museum strives to showcase unique cultures and historical perspectives, asking you to expand your mind and see things in a new light.
6. Go Thrifting
Seattle has a huge thrifting scene, which is why searching for treasure in its many thrift stores is one of the coolest things to do on a rainy day in Seattle. If you’re looking for beautiful vintage clothing, check out the aptly named Pretty Parlor.
Looking to do some home renovations? Check out the furniture and decor options over at Ballard Consignment. And to find all sorts of treasures, from stained glass to cabinets, head over to Earthwise Architectural Salvage, where the items for sale were rescued from soon-to-be demolished buildings.
7. Peruse the Museum of Pop Culture
Love all things pop? A visit to the Museum of Pop Culture is what to do in Seattle on a rainy day for a unique indoor activity that focuses on everything pop culture, from TV to music to gaming and much more.
At its heart, the museum is about the freedom of creative expression and how that creative expression connects and inspires us. From ‘90s grunge to “Blade Runner,” there’s something for every type of pop culture fan with the museum’s interactive exhibits.
8. Learn at the Pacific Science Center
Uncovering our world and the worlds beyond at the Pacific Science Center is one of the coolest indoor things to do in Seattle. This science museum features exhibits designed to ignite your curiosity. Study everything from butterflies to dinosaurs to outer space across this one-of-a-kind museum.
In addition to checking out the interactive exhibits, you can also catch a movie on Washington’s largest IMAX screen, explore our social system in the planetarium, or enjoy a Laser Dome show.
9. Take a Class
Learning something new is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle or really any city. But Seattle does offer some unique opportunities for honing your skills.
A great place to start is The Works, a makerspace where you get hands-on instruction to learn unique skills. Learn to make beeswax candles, perfect your hand-lettering, and much more. Or work on your cooking abilities with The Pantry, a community kitchen that offers unique classes focusing on essential skills and all different cuisines.
10. Experience the Volunteer Park Conservatory
The Volunteer Park Conservatory is one of the best places to be in Seattle when it rains. As the droplets hit the glass greenhouse, you’ll be wandering through a beautiful array of blooms.
There are five houses to explore in this conservatory, including a Seasonal House, which changes six times a year. The greenhouse also features many events throughout the year, including seasonal flower shows and mindful meditation instruction.
11. Explore the Theo Chocolate Factory
Got a sweet tooth? Then, visiting the Theo Chocolate Factory is one of the most tasty things to do on a rainy day in Seattle for you.
Sign up for the Chocolate Tasting Experience to get a guided tasting of the company’s fair-trade chocolate and artisan confections with one of their experts and see how these delightful treats are made. If you want to get even more hands-on, you can even take a chocolate-making class yourself. They also have classes that allow little ones to get in on the fun.
12. Sample Your Way Through Pike Place Market
Like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market is one of the most iconic symbols of Seattle and a must-do thing to do in the city, rain or shine. When it is a rainy day, you can explore the vendors in the indoor booths.
With over 100 shops across nine acres, the only problem may be that you’ll be full before you check them all out.
13. Take an Underground Tour
Did you know that there’s a whole other city underneath Seattle? Taking an underground tour is one of the most unique things to do in Seattle when it rains. During this guided tour, you’ll step through interconnecting tunnels to see forgotten storefronts and streets that were entombed down below after the city rebuilt itself after the Great Fire of 1889.
14. Tour Seattle’s Breweries
Seattle is home to over 150 breweries. While you can’t see them all on your trip, you can still sample your way through some of the best.
Lucky Envelope Brewing uses both modern and historic brewing techniques to make some of the most unique beer around, like their Peanut Butter Cream Stout. Meanwhile, you can find some incredible IPAs at Cloudburst Brewing Company or visit Metier Brewing Company for sweet sips like their strawberry gose.
15. Play at Mox Boarding House
Mox Boarding House is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for rainy-day activities in Seattle. This board game cafe has a vast selection of games, which are free to use while you drink and dine. Sip on themed cocktails while you challenge your friends to an epic game!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle. What’s your favorite rainy-day activity in Seattle? Let us know in the comments!
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