Things to do in Seattle when it rains? You are in Seattle and it’s raining outside. Of course, you are thinking about what to do.
You could always go back inside and watch the rest of The Office, but that loses its charm after the first hundred times. Maybe you should go out into the rain and enjoy your vacation?
Here are seven ideas for things to do in Seattle Washington when it rains that don’t include Netflix!
Things to Do in Seattle When it Rains? Loads of Museums for Starters
The area has a lot museums which are great things to do in Seattle on a rainy day. Below are some of our favorites.
Don’t worry, if museums aren’t your thing, we have more suggestions.
Visit the Museum of Flight When it Rains
There is nothing like flying high over the Pacific Northwest in an old World War II bomber; unless, of course, you are only five feet tall. The Museum of Flight puts you right in the cockpit for a test flight.
This 90-minute tour includes “a large portion” (the website says) of all the actual retired planes on display at the museum. Bring an umbrella, or maybe one of those poncho ones that fits over your torso like a little water-proof tent, and head out to visit your favorite Seattle-based celebrity pilots.
Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing while you explore the planes (i.e., something other than flip flops), because this is a museum, not an amusement park.
Visit The Museum of Flight at: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Explore one of Seattle’s Museums of History and Culture.
The Burke Museum, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park , the Nordic Heritage Museum, and MOHAI are all great places to explore on a rainy day in Seattle.
You can discover the history of the Pacific Northwest as you wander through these museums. The exhibits at some of these institutions (i.e., MOHAI and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park) frequently change, so you won’t want to miss anything new.
Visit Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: 4300 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Check Out the Museum of Pop Culture on a Rainy Day
As you wander through this museum, be sure to check out the exhibits from Bowie to Pearl Jam.
The Museum of Pop Culture houses pieces from many artists and musicians. If there is a specific musician or band you enjoy, chances are pretty good they have an exhibit somewhere in the building.
If you have children with you, check out the “Sound Lab”. This is a children’s area where they can play with instruments and try their hand at creating music.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
When it Rains, Here Are Things to Do with Kids in Seattle
If you have children, they may not be into museums. So here are some things to do with kids in Seattle when it rains.
The Seattle Aquarium
Going to the Seattle Aquarium is a great rainy-day activity.
Who doesn’t love close encounters of the aquatic kind? The Seattle Aquarium is home to some befriend-able creatures, including seahorses and otters. There are also many different kinds of fish inside as well as jellyfish, coral, seagrass beds, and an octopus.
There are fish to touch, fish to feed, and even giant sea creatures in the Giant Ocean Tank.
Kids can also enjoy hands-on explorations at the R/C Underwater Explorers exhibit where remote-controlled underwater robots explore the seabed. There is even a family remote-control boat activity on select Saturdays.
Visit the Seattle Aquarium: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Get Out of the Rain in the Amazon Spheres in Seattle
The Amazon Spheres (located at first and Lenora) is one of the most beautiful buildings recently constructed in Seattle.
It’s the 4-Billion dollar brain child of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. It’s truly one of the most amazing office buildings in the world.
With three separate glass-domed structures, this building is made to highlight serenity and seclusion while inside.
The “hanging gardens” within the sphere are meant to mimic a serene forest, like the types found just outside of Seattle. If you are looking for serenity, take a few minutes to wander through the Amazon Spheres.
Visit the Seattle Amazon Spheres: 2111 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Check Out Seattle’s Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a great place to discover new things that you never knew you were interested in. The Pacific Science Center offers many hands-on exhibits for both children and adults. Here, you can discover the science behind rides, learn how your eyes work (or don’t), and even get in a spaceship.
There are over 100 hands-on exhibits with something to interest everyone. You may never know what kind of things will pique your interests until you visit the Pacific Science Center .
Update: The Pacific Science Center is temporarily closed.
Visit the Pacific Science Center: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Get Out of the Cold in a Warm Greenhouse
While it may be cold and rainy in Seattle, you can get indoors into a heated greenhouse.
The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a 100-year-old-greenhouse that just underwent a $3 million dollar restoration project.
Inside you will find a tropical paradise filled with botanical gardens.
Also, it contains one of the best hidden views of Seattle. You will have to walk up a flight of stairs to the water tower. And, from there you can see the water-front, downtown, and the Space Needle.
The Volunteer Park Conservator is located in Volunteer Park (1400 E Galer St, Seattle, WA 98112)
Take the Family to the Seattle Central Library
Who doesn’t like spending time in a giant library? The Seattle Central Library is the perfect place to go in downtown Seattle when it rains.
The library has a coffee cafe for adults and lots of indoor children activities.
But, it is also an 11 story tall postmodern building is a made up of glass and steel. So, it’s a beautiful building with lots of scenic views that will make perfect Instagram moments. That alone will make your teenagers want to go.
You can find the library at 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.
Go to the Chihuly Garden and Glass House
At the Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is), you can get out of the rain at the Chihuly Garden and Glass house.
You can roam the glass building and find incredible glass sculptures made by the world famous artist, Dale Chihuly.
In addition to the glasshouse, there is a garden and a theater where you can watch short videos on glassblowing.
This is a Bucket-List Tour for What to do in Seattle When It Rains
While there are many tours around Seattle, there is one that is a must-do.
Take a Tour of Underground Seattle
Part of Old Seattle is now underground, so it’s great for a rainy day. In 1889, there was a major fire. It was easier to simply raise the storefronts and sidewalks rather than rebuilt. Now, you wan walk among the ruins left behind.
The most popular tour is Bill Speidels Underground Tour.
The tour starts at the corner of Second Avenue and Yesler Way downtown. A discussion about Seattle’s historic past is offered before you head beneath the streets to see one of Seattle’s first roadways (Yesler Way).
The tour goes through Pioneer Square and beyond.
Visit Bill Speidels Underground Tour: 614 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104