Known for its endless amount of sunny days, Florida’s subtropical climate also means it has frequent afternoon shows, particularly over the summer. While a little bit of rain might dampen an outdoor adventure, the Sunshine State has plenty of fun-filled indoor activities that you can enjoy come rain or shine. From go-karts to skydiving and indoor theme park action, here are some of the best things to do on a rainy day in Florida.
Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg
What Is It? Get a dose of culture at one of the best museums in Florida, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.
Why Do It? It’s hard not to be impressed by the collection of work at this museum, where you can let your imagination run wild, gawk at colorful oils, watercolors, sketches, and sculptures and learn all about the vibrant Surrealism art that Dali is known for.
Good to Know: It features the most comprehensive collection outside of Europe, with eight of his 18 “Masterworks” on display.
Xtreme Action Park, Fort Lauderdale
What Is It? It simply isn’t possible to be bored at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale.
Why Do It? A mecca for fun in South Florida, you’re spoiled for choice with what activity you want to try first. The largest indoor entertainment venue in Florida, there are over 200,000 square feet of attractions that will keep you on your toes for an entire day. From the Go Kart Racing to Bowling, Arcade, Ropes Course Adventure and Glow-in-the-Dark Bazooka Blast, the list doesn’t end here. You can also visit the Trampoline Park, Roller Skating Rink, Escape Rooms or even the Auto Museum.
Good to Know: When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Hershey’s Ice Cream Shake Shoppe, grab a drink at the full liquor Sports Bar or dine at the on-site All American Cafe.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Orlando
What Is It? If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it’s like to jump out of a plane, here’s your chance.
Why Do It? iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Orlando takes you to new heights is a treat for adventurous travelers.
Good to Know: Minimizing the risk with its controlled environment indoors, here you can either master your skills or test your courage with a guide helping you navigate free-fall conditions and through a series of thrilling flips and twists as you float above the ground in a vertical wind tunnel.
Florida Aquarium, Tampa
What Is It? One of the top aquarium attractions in Florida and the country, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is perfect for all ages.
Why Do It? Here you can come face-to-face with animal and plant life species, and as you meander through the aquarium’s maze of sea life, where you’ll see moray eels, sea turtles, and stingray exhibits.
Good to Know: You can take a stroll past the shark tank area, or if you’re courageous, venture through the alligator-infested waters before reaching some of the more playful otters.
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, St. Augustine
What Is It? A perfect rainy day activity for the kids, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine (there is also a location in Orlando) captivates visitors with its range of weird and quirky exhibits.
Why Do It? Boasting a range of interactive displays and oddities, here you’ll find a wonderfully weird combination of captivating features and a learning experience in the field of science.
Good to Know: A museum like you’ve never seen before, kids and adults alike will be amazed at all the unique items they encounter at this attraction.
The Ringling, Sarasota
What Is It? If rainy days bring you down, then a trip to the top-rated Sarasota attraction The Ringling is sure to cheer you up.
Why Do It? Appreciating that variety is the spice of life, this part circus and part art museum offer you a full day’s worth of activities.
Good to Know: The brand’s seen-to-be-believed type of entertainment conjures up images of unique performances and exotic animals, so a trip here means you can walk the wire, squeeze into a clown car and browse memorabilia dedicated to the “Greatest Show on Earth” or spend an afternoon browsing some of its renowned collections of fine art.
Kennedy Space Center, Titusville
What Is It? Located in Titusville just a short drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center gives space enthusiasts all the space-related history that they can handle.
Why Do It? A popular Central Florida activity with kids, here you’ll find interactive experiences that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Tour the center of this historic attraction to find space travel artifacts to learn about the thrills of space travel.
Good to Know: Serving a lifetime of inspiration, here you can visit the popular Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted exhibit or float beside spacewalking astronauts during the IMAX film Hubble 3D.
Splitsville, Disney Springs
What Is It? With locations throughout Florida, Splitsville offers visitors in an array of cities the chance to experience its retro-related activities, including Disney Springs.
Why Do It? The ultimate throwback to family-friendly fun, this attraction gives you an opportunity to go back in time where you may have delighted in wearing the silly bowling shoes. The kitschy, nostalgic feel of the decor is timeless and entertaining, while the entire family can enjoy competing over who can knock over the most pins.
Good to Know: In addition to its 30 lanes also have access to a full bar and restaurant, live music, and billiards.
Orlando Science Center, Orlando
What Is It? Appealing to science lovers of all ages, the Orlando Science Center in Orlando offers a fun, hands-on experience that the entire family can enjoy.
Why Do It? You can explore four floors of interactive exhibits, where a range of educational yet exciting experience-based activities offer visitors a chance to learn about a long list of science and technology-related topics.
Good to Know: You’ll have tons to explore in this popular kid-friendly museum in Florida, like DinoDigs, Dr. Dare’s Lab or NatureWorks, while an observatory with a telescope offers space travelers a chance to go on galaxy gazing adventures.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Tampa
What Is It? Perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening of adult’s only fun, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa is where you can throw caution to the wind in order to win big.
Why Do It? It’s hard not to be lured in by the glitzy lights of the slot machines and buzzing casino-floor ambiance, where you’re always just one bet away from beating the odds.
Good to Know: The hotel here also boasts a range of on-site restaurants, from sushi to burgers, in addition to several lounges that offer live entertainment throughout the week.
Medieval Times, Kissimmee
What Is It? Packed full of fun, it’s hard to resist all the action on display at Medieval Times in Kissimmee.
Why Do It? Make your dinnertime more interesting at this attraction, where you can gnaw on your meal, forget the use of traditional utensils, and cheer on your chosen knight as they participate in traditional jousting and sword fights.
Good to Know: Paired with an 11th-century four-course meal served family-style, the show and games are captivating and engaging, where you can watch an epic battle between knights on their horses.
St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine
What Is It? The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is where you can go and relive the Golden Age of Piracy.
Why Do It? Home of the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts, this creative museum offers an exciting and educational look at over 300 years to Port Royal, Jamaica. Browse through the themed vignettes to learn how pirates sailed, lived, and died on Florida’s shores through 400-year-old treasures.
Good to Know: One of the most popular features is the Discovery Drawers marked with a skull and crossbones and hidden throughout the museum, where kids can go on their own version of a treasure hunt.
Monster Mini Golf, Coral Springs
What Is It? You may have played golf before, but never like this.
Why Do It? Perfect for a day of gray skies, head to Monster Mini Golf in Coral Springs for a glow-in-the-dark adventure with a monster-themed 18-hole golf course. You’ll see familiar creatures like Dracula and Frankenstein, as this family-friendly attraction is perfect for kids of all ages.
Good to Know: The attraction is also home to plenty of arcade games after you’ve puttered around the golf course, where you’ll find both old and new favorites with new technology and beloved classics, including Fruit Ninja, Skee Ball, Wheel of Fortunate and Glow Air Hockey. You can also test your ninja skills on a Lazer Maze Challenge, where you race against time as you maneuver through a field of laser beams.
