Though rainy days in D.C. are a great time to reset and cozy up at home, sometimes we don’t want to put our plans on pause! Below, we’ve shared a handful of fun-filled indoor activities in D.C. that are bound to boost your mood the next time it rains.
1. Enter a world of happiness at Dopamine Land
This engaging immersive experience is the perfect place to escape the gloomy weather. Great for families, friends, dates, and virtually any occasion you can think of, Dopamine Land is designed to trigger the happiness hormone, dopamine.
Each room offers its own dynamic theme and unique activity, from captivating light displays to a fun-filled pillow fight zone. Snag tickets here.
2. Strike up some friendly competition at these indoor game spots
Grab your umbrella and get your head in the game! From pinball to ping pong, plenty of bars and restaurants in the D.C. area offer engaging activities. We’ve shared a selection of venues below:
3. Lace up your skates (or grab a paddle) at Kraken Kourts & Skates
Kraken Kourts & Skates on Bryant Street spans an impressive 70,000 square feet and is packed with fun, featuring 14 pickleball courts, a roller skating rink, darts, table tennis, and much more.
Plus, Kraken Kourts & Skates has just launched a fantastic glow-in-the-dark weekend experience that promises to elevate the fun even further!
4. Relive King Tut’s tomb discovery right here in D.C.
For those seeking a rainy-day exhibition, don’t miss this unique glimpse into the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Featuring more than 1,000 meticulously crafted artifact replicas, Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. Plan your visit here.
5. Redefine your mini golf experience at Swingers Dupont Circle
Swingers Dupont Circle is the ultimate hangout spot on a gloomy day, home to two nine-hole crazy golf courses, lively bars, and street food vendors. Whether you’re gearing up for a romantic evening or a fun group outing, this whimsical venue offers a playful atmosphere that’s perfect for escaping bad weather. Plus, it’s conveniently situated right off of Dupont Circle!
6. Head to a free Smithsonian exhibit
One of our favorite things about D.C. is that the Smithsonian museums are free of charge. Whether you want to dive into aviation and space history or uncover an extensive collection of portraits, there’s so much to discover! Check out the full list of Smithsonian museums, and more free activities, here.
7. Step straight into Monet’s paintings
Nothing adds sunshine to a cloudy day quite like seeing Monet’s vibrant paintings in a larger-than-life form. At Monet: The Immersive Experience, visitors can marvel at breathtaking floor-to-ceiling projections of Monet’s iconic works, from his beloved water lily pond to his radiant poppies. Get your tickets here!
8. Enjoy your favorite songs like never before at a Candlelight Concert
Fever’s Candlelight Concerts offer an ideal experience for those cozy, rainy days. Imagine getting lost in enchanting classical renditions of your favorite songs, all while surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight. With various genres and musical themes available, you’re sure to find a concert that suits your mood perfectly! Check out the upcoming concerts here.
9. Play tourist for a day & get a tour of the Capitol
Have you ever wanted to explore the inside of the U.S. Capitol? A guided tour will get you into the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Learn more here.
10. Grab tickets to a concert at a local D.C. venue
While concerts at larger venues like Capitol One Arena and The Anthem may sell out ahead of time, it’s worth checking out the event schedule of these smaller concert venues in D.C. They may just have some tickets left over for a rainy day! We’ve shared some of our favorites below: