15 things to do in Brisbane on rainy days

A rainy day can still mean plenty to see and do in and around Brisbane. We've bundled together 15 of the best Brisbane rainy day ideas – everything from discovering cosy page-turners at your local library to exploring art galleries and museums, getting crafty at creative classes, as well as adrenalin-fuelled thrills.

1. Visit a library

Line up rainy-day reading at your local library to browse the shelves in person, or if you're comfortable at home explore our digital content catalogue, eLibCat, and take your pick from a myriad of e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines and films that can all be accessed from your phone or computer at the click of a button.

2. See the stars at the Planetarium

Stargaze under the cover of the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

3. 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 options across Brisbane to get your craft on. Read our Brisbane's best creative classes article for inspiration.

4. Visit the museum

Spend a few hours soaking up new possibilities and perspectives at Queensland Museum in South Brisbane or Museum of Brisbane if you're in the CBD.

5. View art

View local and international exhibitions at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

6. Try indoor rock climbing

Don't climb the walls at home. Head to one of Urban Climb's three inner-city locations (West End, Milton and Newstead) and try the world of rock climbing. 

Are you on the north side? Try Urban Xtreme in Hendra where there is a variety of climb and adventure packages and a kid's adventure sports program too.

Just 10 kilometres from the CBD in Tingalpa is The Jungle Adventure Play with jungle fun for every age.

7. Indoor skydive

If you've always wanted to fly, iFly at Chermside lets you soar like a bird with its indoor skydiving experience.

8. Race a go-kart

Put your pedal to the metal at Slideways Go Karting where you can race their multi-level indoor karting track rain, hail or shine.

9. Float

Seek a moment of yin with a magnesium float session at City Cave (multiple locations across Brisbane) – a place where an hour can feel like a few hours sleep to your body.

10. Visit a health spa

If it is a day of luxurious luxury that your heart desires, take advantage of our city's finest day spas including Away Spa at W Hotel (Brisbane City), Kailo Wellness Medispa (Fortitude Valley), or a Japanese-inspired treatment at The Healing Stone on floor 21 of the Emporium Hotel in South Bank.

11. See a film

Whisk yourself (and the family) to the movies for a date with the big screen. Take your pick of the flicks at Cineplex, former skate rink Red Hill Five Star Cinemas, or Newmarket Reading Cinema.

12. Play at an indoor play centre

Let the rugrats run off steam at West End's Jugar, Eat Play Drink where you can enjoy a cuppa and bite to eat while they play.

13. Dance at Tiddlywinks

Shake a tail feather with your tiny dancer at Tiddlywinks daily discos in Nundah.

14. Learn about nature at an environment centre

If you've always been meaning to check out our environment centres at Boondall or Karawatha, a rainy day is the perfect time to explore the interactive and educational displays!

15. Master pinball

Foster your inner-pinhead with a game or two of pinball and a burger at Woolloongabba's Pincadia.

Related links

• 7 budget-friendly activities to do with kids in Brisbane
• Things to see and do in Brisbane
• Download the Brisbane app