The Seattle area offers a wealth of outdoor activities. But what is there to do when the famous Seattle rain starts pouring? Well, you could put on your raincoat and go out anyway. Or you could check out one of Seattle’s many indoor activities. Here are a few of my favorite things to do on a rainy day:

1. Seattle Pinball Museum

Seattle Pinball Museum offers a wide selection of vintage and contemporary pinball machines. It costs $23 to enter, and then you can play on any of the machines for as long as you’d like. The museum is in the international district, so you can end your rainy day with some pho or dumplings.

2. Seattle Underground Tour

Take shelter from the rain by going underground. I have taken underground tours from both Bill Speidel and Beneath the Streets. Both were enjoyable, but I preferred Bill Speidel.

It’s a little musty down there, but it’s fascinating to see the historic ruins that are hiding out below the roads of Pioneer Square. The guides are both hilarious and informative as they bring you through passageways that can only be accessed through tours.

Basically, the original Pioneer Square would often flood during high tides. So, when the Great Seattle Fire caused mass destruction in the late 1800s, the decision was made to rebuild Pioneer Square one story higher. The original ground level is now Pioneer Square’s basement. It’s definitely worth a visit.

3. Seattle Central Library

Be sure to visit this architectural masterpiece, which is just as stunning on the inside. Natural light from the glass walls fills the library. The walls slope at odd angles, making every part of the library mesmerizing.

Check out (pun intended) the huge selection of books, magazines, newspapers, and other media. There are music practice rooms available with digital pianos. There’s even a café and a gift shop. I love gazing through the massive windows onto the city below. All this and it’s completely free!

4. Seattle Bouldering Project

Whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished climber, Seattle Bouldering Project has something for you. With bouldering, you aren’t climbing high enough to need a safety harness and ropes. The floors are padded to cushion you in case of a fall.  Each climbing route is color coded by level of difficulty, and the routes are redesigned periodically to keep things fresh.

5. Pacific Science Center laser show

You might want to bring a pillow or blanket when you visit the Pacific Science Center laser dome. You lay down on the floor and look up at the domed ceiling. A laser artist creates a live show of dazzling visual effects set to music. “Jukebox” performances feature several artists, but most shows are focused on a single artist.

I saw “Laser Sia” and had a blast. Laying on the floor felt like I was camping out with a big group of people. The laser show reminded me of the Windows Media Player graphics that used to display on computers in the early 2000s, except was more exciting. The main exhibits in the Pacific Science Center are also a fun rainy-day activity.

6. Drag Show

Seattle has amazing drag shows. You can see a show by itself, combine it with a meal, or go to an event such as drag bingo or drag karaoke. Either way, it’s going to be an entertaining event.

My favorite drag shows are Le Feaux, located at Julia’s on Broadway. I’ve been to both their brunch show and their dinner/evening show. The hosts are witty, the performers are lively, and the food and drinks were delicious.  

Chime In!

What are your favorite things to do on a rainy day in Seattle? Leave a comment below.