14 things to do in Brisbane on a rainy day
From visiting libraries to exploring art galleries, Brisbane has plenty of indoor activities for all ages. Discover museums, try go-karting, or float in a magnesium tank and more.
Brisbane has heaps of indoor activities to see and do on rainy days - for kids, teens, and adults!
We've bundled together 14 of the best Brisbane rainy day activities. This list has everything from visiting your local library, to exploring art galleries and museums, plus adrenalin-fuelled fun.
1. Visit a library
Head to your local library to browse the shelves for rainy day reading. Or explore the library catalogue, eLibCat, from a cosy spot at home. You'll find a myriad of e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines and films available to borrow.
2. See the stars at the Planetarium
Stargaze under the cover of the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
3. Get crafty
A rainy day is as good a time as any to embrace creativity and book in a class or workshop. From soap making to clay creating – there are heaps of options across Brisbane to get your craft on. Read our Brisbane's best creative workshops and art classes article for inspiration.
4. Visit the museum
Spend a few hours soaking up new possibilities and perspectives at Queensland Museum in South Brisbane.
If you're in the Brisbane CBD, head to the Museum of Brisbane at Brisbane City Hall.
5. View art
View local and international exhibitions at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
6. Try indoor rock climbing
Head to one of Urban Climb's 3 inner-city locations (West End, Milton and Newstead) and try the world of rock climbing.
If you're on the northside, try Urban Xtreme in Hendra. They have a variety of climb and adventure packages and a kid's adventure sports program too.
7. Indoor skydive
If you've always wanted to fly, iFly at Chermside lets you soar like a bird with its indoor skydiving experience.
8. Race a go-kart
Put your pedal to the metal at Slideways Go Karting where you can race their multi-level indoor karting track rain, hail or shine.
9. Float
Seek a moment of yin with a magnesium float session at City Cave (multiple locations across Brisbane).
10. Visit a health spa
Have a day of pampering at one of Brisbane's best day spas. Choose from favourites like Away Spa at W Hotel (Brisbane City) or Kailo Wellness Medispa (Fortitude Valley).
11. See a film
Escape the rain with a movie and popcorn. Brisbane has some great suburban cinemas including former skate rink Red Hill Five Star Cinemas, or Newmarket Reading Cinema.
12. Dance at Tiddlywinks
Shake a tail feather with your tiny dancer at Tiddlywinks daily discos in Nundah. Every day is a party at this venue!
13. Learn about nature at an environment centre
A rainy day is the perfect time to explore the interactive displays at our Boondall or Karawatha Environment Centres.
14. Master pinball
Foster your inner-pinhead with a game or two of pinball and other arcade games at Woolloongabba's Pincadia.
Editor's note: The featured content in this blog is created to inspire residents and visitors to plan a day out exploring Brisbane. Brisbane City Council disclaims any relationship with, or endorsement of, businesses featured in this article.