Rainy Day Activities in Seattle

If you’re visiting Seattle any time other than summer, chances are it’s going to rain. Or at least be overcast, damp and chilly, making the prospect of going outside a dim one.

Luckily, there are plenty of rainy day activities that require leaving the indoors only to walk across a parking lot or to the nearest bus stop.

To soak in some culture, head to museums like the Seattle Art Museum or the Frye Art Museum. Or get your fix on books at the Elliott Bay Bookstore on Capitol Hill.

Kids and adults love the Seattle Aquarium for its Northwest exhibits, as well as the extensive Pacific Science Center, where the butterfly house will make you feel downright tropical. There’s also an IMAX theater here showing movies and documentaries. The Experience Music Project is another popular stop for its interactive exhibits.

Pike Place Market covers several acres of downtown Seattle, and there’s plenty to explore here when it’s rainy. On these overcast days, the market feels even more creaky and intriguing. Look out for sweeping views over Elliott Bay, where ferries dart in and out of the fog.

To stay active, hit one of the indoor rock climbing gyms in the area, like Seattle Bouldering Project or Vertical World.