Melbourne’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s always best to have a wet weather plan. If you’re looking at the radar and it’s looking like a miserable day, don’t worry! There’s heaps of fun and interesting rainy day activities to keep you busy in Melbourne. From indoor skydiving to immersive artworks, there’s a whole heap of ideas to help you out if you’re flying solo, or planning a day out with friends. Scroll through our list for your rainy day inspo.
1. See an exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Escape the rain and explore some of the marvellous galleries at Melbourne Museum in Carlton.
2. Feel dazzled by digital art at The Lume
Mesmerise your senses with the swirling sights, sounds, tastes and aromas at The Lume. See their current exhibition, or take part in a tranquil yoga session on select days.
3. Bust out of an escape room
Melbourne is full of thrilling escape rooms for you to try on a rainy day. But if you don’t want to leave your house, there’s some online options too.
4. Swim over to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
If the wet weather’s put you in a watery sort of mood, why don’t you check out the aquarium? See the fish, admire the penguins, and check out their digital experience, Submerged.
5. Discover some beautiful art at NGV
Check out some incredible exhibitions at both NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square. There’s always something cool to enjoy, including the marvellous exhibition, Melbourne Now.
6. Play games at Fortress Melbourne
If you love gaming, you’ll love Fortress. This multi-level complex has all kinds of indoor activities for you to try on a rainy day in Melbourne, including board games, arcades and PC gaming. When you’re not playing, watch an e-sports event in the Alienware Arena, grab a drink from the bar, or enjoy a hearty meal in the fantasy-themed restaurant.
7. Treat yourself to some high tea
Stay cosy indoors and treat yourself to elegant finger sandwiches, sweet treats, tea and bubbles and some lovely high tea venues around Melbourne.
8. Show off your swing at Holey Moley
Putt your way through some seriously fun and nostalgic mini golf courses at Holey Moley. You’ll find unique themes at each location around Melbourne, so you’ll never get bored. Enjoy some food while you’re there, and sip a cocktail to keep the good times going.
9. Have a ball at Ballers Clubhouse
There’s 2,500sqm of space for you to play with on a rainy day in Melbourne. Have fun with ping pong, darts and shuffleboard, sing a bit of karaoke, and drink your way around the venue’s six bars. Enjoy yummy food like pizza and tacos while you’re there, and keep a look out for some of their exciting pop-up events and experiences.
10. Discover We Call It Ballet
Avoid the rain by getting lost in the magic of We Call It Ballet in Melbourne. Why sit at home and do nothing when a breathtaking ballet production is taking place in the city? Rediscover Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty as phenomenal ballet dancers perform in costumes fitted with LED lights.
11. See what’s happening at ACMI
Check out some cool exhibitions at ACMI, including Goddess: Power, Glamour and Rebellion, and Thor: Love and Thunder. You can also watch classic and contemporary films in their cinemas, browse the ACMI shop, or grab a bite to eat at Hero.
12. Enjoy a theatre show
Melbourne has a thriving theatre scene, so if you’re looking for something to do and the weather forecast isn’t good, definitely go and see a show. Think & Juliet, The Rocky Horror Show, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and more!
13. Go bowling at Strike
Round up your mates and have some indoor fun with a bit of bowling. At Strike for example, you can let loose in the bowling alley with music, cocktails and bits. And if you want to mix it up a bit, their venues also have karaoke, escape rooms and laser tag.
14. Flex your muscles with indoor rock climbing
When walking along Swanston Street, you may have looked up and seen the intimidating heights of the indoor rock climbing at Hardrock. Challenge yourself and get to the top of one of the walls. You can find Hardrock in both the CBD and Nunawading.
15. Unwind at a spa
The gentle pitter-patter of rain can feel quite relaxing. Take your journey to bliss even further by checking yourself in for a day at the spa. Chill out at wonderful day spas around Melbourne, rest at an infrared sauna in the CBD, or go even further and escape to a spa in regional Victoria.
16. Feel mesmerised by The Fluid Project
Visit Emporium and unleash your sense of childhood creativity at The Fluid Project. Drip paint and glitter over adorable teddy bears, bunnies and more, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. If you can’t make it to Emporium, there’s also DIY kits so you can have fun at home.
17. Go ice skating
Rug up and slide into O’Brien Icehouse the next time it’s raining in Melbourne. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have a ton of fun ice skating around the rink. Find out more here.
18. Cool down at IceBar Melbourne
Sure, it’s raining outside, but why don’t you stay cool in a fun way at IceBar Melbourne. Put on some snow gear, and enter a frosty world filled with unique ice sculptures and games. To drink, there’s cocktails, mocktails, shots and beers. Children are welcome to come to as long as it’s before 7pm. Find this n(ice) bar at Fed Square. Tickets and times here.
19. Relax at a Mindful Glow sound bath
When the rain falls in Melbourne, head to one of Mindful Glow’s utterly relaxing candlelit sound baths. A professional instructor will guide you through the 75-minute experience as you melt away to the soothing sounds of crystals sing bowls, a set of chimes and ocean drum. They’ll also take you through calming meditation techniques as you breathe deeply, top up on some zen and revitalize your energy channels in a soothing candlelit setting.
20. Feel like you’re playing Among Us in real life at Saboteurs
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Set inside converted shipping containers, this game is great for rainy days in Melbourne. Play with your friends, complete tasks, and eject any imposters before they kill you and your crew.
21. Feel enchanted by a Candlelight concert
These beautiful Candlelight concerts have taken over marvellous venues around Melbourne, including the Athenaeum Theatre, the National Theatre and Meat Market. Escape the rain outside and let the music and the glow of candles sweep you away. See what’s coming up here.
22. Immerse yourself in art at ArtVo
Head to Docklands and become a part of the picture at ArtVo, Australia’s first immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery. Walk through different zones and lose yourself in a variety of themed illusions. Get your tickets here.
23. Challenge yourself with wacky shenanigans at Hijinx Hotel
Head to Chadstone and find plenty of rainy day activities for you to do at Hijinx Hotel. This immersive space looks like a hotel, but is really filled with different themed rooms, filled with games for you to conquer. After playing the games, indulge in a cocktail or two.
24. Let some energy out at Bounce
Jump into action and have some fun at this incredible indoor trampoline centre in Melbourne. With venues around the state, including Essendon Fields, Heidelberg, Blackburn and Glen Iris, there’s lots of room for adventure on a rainy day at Bounce.
25. Immerse yourself in Imaginator
Imaginator, formerly known as Imaginaria, combines imagination and technology to create an immersive experience. Explore the installations and enjoy this dreamy space in Docklands on a rainy day in Melbourne.
26. Find a bit of quiet at State Library Victoria
Go on a tour of this historic space, check out exhibitions, do a bit of research, try some workshops, grab a coffee, visit the bookshop and find a comfy spot to read inside State Library Victoria.
27. Learn something new at Scienceworks
Visit Scienceworks in Spotswood and satisfy your curiosity with interactive exhibitions, shows at Melbourne Planetarium and more.
28. Escape the rain with a cinema session
Catch a movie at some great cinemas around Melbourne, including Cinema Nova, the Astor Theatre and the Sun Theatre. See our list of favourite cinemas here.
29. Go swimming at an indoor pool
Why get wet outside when you could get wet inside? Go for a swim at some indoor pools around Melbourne. On Mondays to Fridays for example, you can visit WET at W Melbourne for a dip in the water, and a mocktail and fruit platter on arrival.
30. Go indoor skydiving
Experience the rush of skydiving without worrying about the risk of dying. Head to iFly Melbourne and feel the closest sensation to freefalling. As far as rainy day activities go, this is one of the most thrilling!
31. Throw darts at Oche
Duck out of the rain and play a round of darts at Oche. There’s heaps of different games to try, and you can keep an eye on the score with the help of a digital display board. While you talk and play, nibble your way through food that can be eaten with one hand, and sip on their delicious range of cocktails.
32. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
Melbourne is full of wonderful karaoke venues, but if you’re a little short on money, Kono Karaoke is the way to go. This is Melbourne’s first coin booth karaoke venue, and songs are just $2 each. There’s songs available in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, with multiple booths available.
33. Feel like a warrior by going axe throwing
Got some pent up energy? Let it out with a bit of axe throwing! Visit Lumber Punks in South Melbourne or Maniax in the CBD and Abbotsford to get your fix.
34. Feel immersed at Virtual Room Melbourne
On a rainy day, leave Melbourne behind and go on a virtual reality adventure. This experience combines escape rooms with a full 3D cinematic experience. Travel through time, fight off zombies and more by solving puzzles with your friends in the virtual world. Games last for 40 to 50 minutes. Tickets and more info here.
35. Unleash your fury at The Smash Room
Let loose with your friends and wreak havoc together at The Smash Room in Keilor East. Don some overalls and accessories to feel at home in this 80s, neon space. After breaking a few stuff, play some table tennis, air hockey and more.
36. Have a good time at The Funderdome
Visit The Funderdome at Highpoint for arcade games, karaoke and mini-golf inspired by Coney Island. After trying these rainy day activities, relax and enjoy some delicious American bites, including hot dogs, clubhouse sandwiches and pizza. They also have an extensive drinks list to help you quench your thirst.
37. Take part in a Mosaic Mini Table Lamp Workshop
Visit Art Masterclass on Elizabeth Street and take part in a fun lamp making workshop. Use colourful tiles to create vibrant, geometric patterns and create a beautiful lamp. As you work, sip on Turkish tea and nibble on homemade Turkish shortbread. Get your tickets here.
38. Hang out at a board game café or bar
If it’s a rainy day, stay nice and cosy indoors by chilling out at a board game café in Melbourne. Or, if you’d prefer a cheeky bev or two, stay out late at a board game bar. See our list of recommendations here.