Family Fun on Rainy Days!

It doesn’t rain often in San Diego, but when it does, families are often scrambling for things to keep the kids occupied. Look no further than this great list of activities, including indoor fun at home, awesome local spots to play and explore, and even things to do IN the rain.

Rainy Day Outings

Need to get the family out of the house? Consider these indoor spots where kids can play, explore, shake out the wiggles or just be entertained for a few hours.

Rumor has it that select In-NOut Burger restaurants still offer free hot cocoa to kids ages 12 and under on rainy days! Be sure to check with your nearest location to see if they participate.

Enjoy interactive science exhibits at Fleet Science Center (and check out the Blue Angels documentary at the IMAX theater).

Delight at the working scale model trains at San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. Kids 12 & under are always free with paid adult admission.

A world of discovery awaits at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Learn about dinosaurs, fossils, Southern California habitats, gems/minerals and more. Don’t miss the creepy, crawly animals in the Living Lab.

Explore ocean science through hands-on exhibits at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Learn about Little Blue Penguins, Weedy Seadragons, Leopard Sharks and much more.

Channel your inner Fred and Velma and follow the clues in Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure at Escapology in Mission Bay (Belmont Park).

Catch a movie at UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley. Tickets are half-price every Thursday!

Take an art class or paint your own pottery at The Hot Spot Studios in Liberty Station.

Have a blast at indoor play zone, FUNbelievable in Lakeside.

Go bowling at Mira Mesa Lanes, Tavern+Bowl (downtown) or Parkway Bowl (El Cajon).

Visit the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido for hands-on exploration and imaginary play.

Make a reservation for kids and parents to play together at Kids & Coffee in Carlsbad.

Let the kids jump to their heart’s content at a trampoline park, such as Get Air in Poway or Sky Zone (four SD County locations).

Grab a burger and shake at the 50’s-style Corvette Diner in Point Loma. Stop by Gamers Garage with over 60 fun games such as pinball and Skee-Ball.

Challenge your family to a race around the indoor go-kart track at K1 Speed in Carlsbad, Chula Vista or downtown San Diego.

Access the online version of this article for links to all the places above: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-todo/out-about/rainy-day-activities-kidssan-diego.

Fun Things to Do at Home

Have a tea party or picnic in the living room.

Conduct science experiments. Did you know the Family Science section of our site features engaging STEAM projects and experiments? Visit www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/family-science to explore.

Choose your favorite ingredient and have a family cooking competition.

Play board games. Or take it a step further and design and make your own game.

Have a movie marathon. Don’t forget popcorn!

Make a “map” for toy cars or trains using a large portion of canvas drop cloth. Draw a city with parks, buildings, lakes, roads, bridges, etc. When done, just roll up the canvas until the next time you want to play with it.

Build a cozy fort and read.

Bake chocolate chip cookies. The house will warm up and smell great.

Set up a hot chocolate bar with homemade marshmallows.

Write a letter or draw a picture and send it to grandparents or other faraway relatives. Learn how to “make” and send a hug at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/diysend-a-hug.

Get crafty. Local art teacher, Alyssa Navapanich, has contributed more than 20 art projects that are available on our website. Just go to www.sandiegofamily.com and put Art with Alyssa in the search bar to discover unique projects that celebrate nature, diversity, holidays, sustainability and more.

Get more ideas in our article “10 Indoor Activities for Kids” at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ indoor-outdoor-games/10-indooractivities-for-winter. v

What would you add to this list? Email editor@sandiegofamily.com to let us know. Please put “rainy day fun” in the subject line.

Managing editor, Lisa Gipson, and San Diego Family staff created this list on a “cloudy with a chance of rain” San Diego day.

Play Outside

Yep, we said it. We often think about “hiding” when it rains— hunkering down in the safety of a cozy spot on the couch. But don’t overlook fun exploration and discovery outdoors on rainy days!

Put on some rain boots or waterproof shoes and jump in puddles!

“Rescue” worms and snails (from being squished on the sidewalk, of course).

Watch rain clouds.

Make boats with the bottoms of paper or wax cups and race them down the gutter “river.”

Collect rainwater to water indoor plants.

Teach kids that rain is a very necessary, natural process that is to be celebrated and welcomed with open arms. April showers, do indeed, bring May flowers (and other wonderful things).