Even the Sunshine State has its bad days, and when it rains, it pours. But your wet weather plan doesn’t need to be full of couch time and remembering the golden days; Brisbane has plenty of ways to keep you busy (and dry) when the forecast is looking a little soggy.
From interactive museums and spa days to painting sessions and bars serving competition on the side, even Mother Nature can’t rain on your parade. Chuck on your boots, grab your umbrella and check out the best rainy day activities in Brisbane:
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Escape to Dopamine Land
This multisensory experience will have you escaping the storm in favour of tropical ball pits, galactic lights, and even a pillow battleground. Tucked inside the CBD’s Uptown, Dopamine Land combines media, technology and play in a one-of-a-kind interactive museum designed to let the old and young embrace their inner kid. Whether you’re kicking back in Euphoria Grove or marking your territory in Scribblescape, Dopamine Land is the perfect way to while away the time until the sun comes out. Tickets start from $18, grab yours here.
Run amuck at these indoor playgrounds
Got kids to entertain and rain on the forecast? Then you need to check out Brisbane's best indoor playgrounds. With plenty to run, jump, climb, slide, and swing no matter the weather, we found the spots that exhaust the inexhaustible. Check out the full list here.
Paint a pot with a cuppa
Image credit: Mas & Miek | Instagram
When the grey clouds come out of nowhere, booking a fun creative workshop isn’t exactly a realistic last-minute solution. But did you know Mas & Miek offers casual paint a pot sessions in their Newstead studio? Great for a solo activity or with a mate, simply secure your $15 spot online before choosing from a range of handmade mugs, bowls, cups and vases that you can paint in a two-hour session, with a complimentary tea or coffee to keep you fueled. Once you're done, the studio will clear gaze and fire your masterpiece for you to pick up in 1-2 weeks.
Set your sights on QAGOMA’s latest exhibition
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to explore Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, this is it. QAGOMA hosts an ever-changing showcase of contemporary and historical Australian and international art—with many exhibitions free to explore. There’s also the Children’s Art Centre which has interactive things to do for the little ones, and the Australian Cinémathèque hitting play on films from around the world. In fact, QAGOMA’s latest exhibition, Wonderstruck, is worth a few visits with Yayoi Kusuma’s iconic The Obliteration Room evolving over the course of its stay.
Pick up a page turner at a local bookshop
Some activities are even better on a rainy day and curling up with a good book is definitely one of them. Of course, finding the right material is essential to a successful sesh, which is where Brisbane’s best bookshops come in handy. Filled with bestsellers and hidden gems alike, you’re guaranteed to walk out of these stores with a novel you won’t be able to put down.
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Play Houdini in an escape room
The rain will be the least of your worries when the doors lock and the clock starts at these escape rooms. You and your mates will have to put your heads together to search for clues and solve puzzles in a range of different scenarios, from psychiatric hospitals to haunted izakayas. Prefer the adrenaline without the fear? There are plenty of family-friendly options out there too.
Rack up prizes at an arcade
Image credit: Archie Brothers | Website
You won’t be able to hear the pitter-patter when you’re knocking pins, winning tickets and smashing shakes at Archie Brothers. Lighting up King Street with its circus style and kaleidoscopic games, this is your one-stop entertainment destination for all ages. Enjoy a round of bowling, hit up the extensive arcade, or give your lungs a workout in the karaoke room—there’s plenty to do and a bar on hand for when hunger inevitably strikes.
Slurp a bowl of ramen
It might be cold and dreary outside, but these ramen kitchens are getting fired up. The perfect cosy meal on a rainy day, a good bowl of ramen is creamy, satisfying, and bound to hit the spot. Plus, our favourite ramen hangouts in Brisbane often have plenty of space for you to post up—althought we don’t blame you if takeaway and sweats is more your vibe.
Catch a flick at a boutique cinema
Don’t let bad weather force your hand with another round of Netflix and chill. Brisbane has plenty of cinemas rolling the red carpet for blockbusters and arthouse films—paired with next-level candy bars and even boozy options if you’re so inclined. No judgement if your popcorn doesn’t make it past the trailers.
Lean into the Zen at a spa or bathhouse
Image credit: Stephanies Day Spa | Instagram
There’s a reason why ‘rain sounds for sleeping’ has hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. Wet weather also doubles as a tranquil soundtrack—perfect for a day spent in a local day spa or bathhouse. Relax inside a sauna, treat yourself to a facial, or feel your stress float away in a magnesium pool. It might be thundering outside, but it’s peaceful here.
Swing your way through a round of indoor golf
While images of golf might bring up rolling hills and sun-safe caps, you can also enjoy the sport indoors if you know where to go. For those who can tell their irons from their wedges, Victoria Park’s all-weather bays have Toptracer technology so you can swing, sip, feast and repeat. Or, if pop culture references and crazy cocktails are more your vibe, Holey Moley’s mini golf course is always a fun way to get competitive (and stay dry).
Still got time to kill? We’ve got you:
Main image credit: Dopamine Land | Facebook
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