San Diego is world-renowned for its fine weather, sunshine, and beautiful beaches, but even the sunniest cities experience an occasional rainy day. If the rain starts falling on your day off, see it as an opportunity to explore various indoor activities this impressive city has to offer. Instead of letting gloomy weather dampen your spirits, you can find a hideaway in one of its museums and bookshops or the stunning pool that’s located right on the shoreline.

In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the activities that provide enjoyment and a whole lot of rainy-day fun for kids in San Diego. So grab your umbrellas, and let’s make a splash into adventure!

How do I keep my kids entertained on a rainy day?

Keeping your kids entertained on a rainy day can prove a challenge, especially if you’ve planned an active day and now they have to sit by the window and watch the rain spoil your plans. Thankfully, San Diego offers plenty of indoor activities that guarantee not only rainy-day fun for adults and kids but also a healthy and engaging experience. Here are 8 top picks you can consider:

1. Explore the wonders of the Fleet Science Center

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the Fleet Science Center is a hub of scientific wonder that offers interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater. Whether your kids are interested in space, energy, or technology, the center has something to ignite curiosity in minds of all ages. It’s a perfect spot for hands-on learning and fun on a rainy day.

2. Step back in time at the Model Railroad Museum

Staying in Balboa Park and looking for rainy-day fun near you, we move on to one of the largest museums of its kind in North America, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. It houses an impressive array of model railroads and trains in exquisite detail that dazzles with intricate displays, educating visitors about California’s rich railroad history. 

3. Enjoy creative play at The New Children’s Museum

San Diego’s New Children’s Museum is a vibrant space designed to stimulate imagination and creativity through artistic activities. With workshops and installations that encourage play and creation, this museum provides a lively environment where kids can freely express themselves. If you want a fun-filled experience that combines art, play, and education, here you’ll find a fun-filled experience come rain or shine.

4. Keep them active & take The Plunge 

If your toddlers have energy to burn, The Plunge San Diego is the perfect place to find rainy-day fun for kids while doing something healthy and soothing. Located in a dazzling facility that once housed the largest saltwater in the world, The Plunge is an all-in-one swimming pool, sauna, and fitness club. You can teach your toddler their first swimming moves in a safe and controlled environment or just let them enjoy the adrenaline rush of an inflatable obstacle course while you’re lounging by the pool. If you’ve planned to take them to the beach, The Plunge is the best way to keep them soaked and active but away from the rain.

5. Get lost in books at The Book Catapult

The Book Catapult is an independent bookstore that offers a warm, inviting environment perfect for a rainy day. You can find a variety of children’s books and scheduled story times that can help foster a love for reading. It’s a cozy retreat where the entire family can enjoy some quiet time surrounded by books.

6. Visit the USS Midway Museum

If you have a boy, this place is a surefire option that will keep him engaged. The aircraft carrier museum offers numerous exhibits and activities that can educate and inspire visitors of all ages. From flight simulators to guided tours, this aircraft carrier museum is an enriching way to spend a day sheltered from the precipitation while finding some rainy-day fun for adults and kids at the same time.

7. Discover indoor treasures at the San Diego Zoo

While the San Diego Zoo is best known for its outdoor activities, it still has a lot to offer when the rain is drumming down. The zoo’s Hummingbird House and Reptile Walk are indoor viewing areas that provide a close-up view of exotic birds and reptiles. Educational talks and indoor feeding sessions offer insightful, engaging experiences that allow visitors to learn more about the animals while staying dry.

8. Culinary adventures at Corvette Diner

For a taste of local cuisine with a family-friendly twist, head over to Corvette Diner. It offers a unique 50s-inspired retro dining experience with classic American diner fare, games, and a lively atmosphere that is perfect for kids of all ages. Voted as the best family dining in San Diego, it’s a colorful and tasty spot that serves toddlers’ favorites like milkshakes, cotton candy, and a banana split boat.

Where can I find rainy-day fun for kids & adults near me in San Diego?

Don’t let the rain spoil your day off. The best way to beat rainy day blues and not let precipitation spoil your date plans is to confront it head-on with a list of activities that will cheer you up. Drop by The Plunge with your toddler and enjoy soaking, swimming, and playing in the water while the rain is beating against our glass walls. With an inflatable obstacle course, a relaxing sauna, and delicious refreshment options, The Plunge has everything you need to get away from the bad weather and enjoy a fun and healthy day with your loved ones. Just pack the essentials and come down to our aquatic paradise!