14 rainy day activities in Brisbane
From quiet library afternoons to inspiring art gallery visits, Brisbane offers many indoor activities for all ages and interests. Discover museums, try go-karting, float in a magnesium tank and more.
Brisbane has heaps of indoor activities to see and do on rainy days - for kids, teens, and adults!
We've bundled together 14 of the best Brisbane rainy day activities. This list has everything from visiting your local library, to exploring art galleries and museums, plus adrenalin-fuelled fun.
1. Visit a library
Visit your local library to find something great to read on a rainy day. Or stay cosy at home and explore the library catalogue, eLibCat. You can borrow e‑books, audiobooks, digital magazines and films.
Libraries also offer free indoor activities. Adults can join author talks, technology classes, book clubs and writing groups. Babies, children and teens can enjoy storytime, coding clubs, creative workshops and more.
2. See the stars at the Planetarium
Learn about space exploration and the universe at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
Free entry to the Planetarium gives you access to the Display Zone. It includes a full-size reproduction of Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, spacecraft models and interactive touchscreens.
Lie back to watch projections of Brisbane's night sky and the wider universe in the Cosmic Skydome. You can buy tickets at the box office or online.
3. Visit the museum
Stay dry for a few hours while discovering new possibilities and perspectives at Queensland Museum in South Brisbane. Explore the latest exhibitions and visit permanent favourites, including the interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space. Don't miss SparkLab and the Dinosaurs Unearthed: Explore Prehistoric Queensland gallery.
In Brisbane CBD? Visit the Museum of Brisbane at Brisbane City Hall for a cultural experience. Choose from exhibitions, tours, special events and MoB Kids activities.
4. Get crafty
A rainy day is as good a time as any to embrace creativity and book in a class or workshop. From soap making to clay creating – there are heaps of indoor activities across Brisbane to get your craft on. Read our Brisbane's best creative workshops and art classes article for inspiration.
5. View art
View local and international exhibitions at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in South Brisbane. Visit the Children's Art Centre for free exhibitions and interactive activities created in collaboration with artists. Kids can also take part in ticketed experiences, including Art Explorers for 3–5‑year‑olds.
6. Try indoor rock climbing
Looking for indoor activities for more adventurous kids and adults? Visit Urban Climb's inner-city locations – West End, Milton, or Newstead – and experience the exciting world of rock climbing.
If you're on the northside, try Urban Xtreme in Hendra. The indoor activity centre has an adventure park with obstacle courses and laser tag. It also has trampolining and dodgeball. Plus, there is rock climbing, snowsports, and a mini-bounce zone.
7. Indoor skydive
If you've always wanted to fly, you can do it rain, hail or shine at iFly in Chermside. Defy gravity and soar with an indoor skydiving experience that's safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
8. Race a go-kart
Race family and friends on the indoor track at Slideways Go Karting in Eagle Farm The ultimate adrenaline rush awaits on the 425-metre track that's 2 stories high! Who knew indoor activities could be so much fun?
9. Float
Sometimes, a rainy day activity in Brisbane calls for total relaxation and escape. Seek a moment of yin with a magnesium float session at City Cave (multiple locations across Brisbane). You'll walk out floating on air.
10. Visit a health spa
Rest and rejuvenate at some of Brisbane's most relaxing bathhouses and day spas. Visit new favourites like Soak bathhouse in West End or The Bathhouse Albion to indulge, relax and energise.
11. See a film
Escape the rain with a movie and popcorn. Brisbane has some great suburban cinemas. These include Five Star Cinemas in Red Hill, in a former skate rink. Another is Reading Cinema in Newmarket.
12. Beat the clock in an escape room
Solve puzzles, find hidden clues and uncover secrets – all while racing against the clock in an escape room. This fun rainy day activity is ideal for mixed groups including adults and kids. Take on a prison break, bank heist and more at Fox in a Brisbane, Brisbane City. This venue tailors escape rooms for bookings with kids or teens.
13. Learn about nature at an environment centre
A rainy day is the perfect time to explore the interactive displays at our environment centres. Visit Boondall, Karawatha and Chermside West. Learn about native wildlife and plant life. Pack an umbrella to explore the unique habitats surrounding the centres, with plenty of trails to choose from.
14. Master pinball
The 80s just called and retro gaming is making a comeback! Play pinball, Galaga, Donkey Kong and other retro arcade classics at 1UP Arcade in Woolloongabba. Best of all, no coins required, with unlimited play available for a single entry fee.
Editor’s note: This article aims to inspire residents and visitors to enjoy a day out in Brisbane. Brisbane City Council does not endorse or have any formal relationship with the businesses mentioned.