Searching what to do indoors in Seattle may seem like a running joke, but it rains a lot here. Sure, we may have glorious summers and pleasant autumns, but the winter and spring months bring cooler temperatures and constantly wet weather. As a result, you may be wondering what to do inside when the heavens open.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Seattleites like me are used to the rain, and we typically see plenty of it between November and May. That means we know just where to go when the weather takes a turn.
History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums and artistic performances on offer here. If you’re down for a drink, the brewery and wine tours are sure to float your boat. Whatever you enjoy doing, there’s something for everyone in this delightful city. So, if you’re looking for fun activities you can do indoors in Seattle, get ready.
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What to Do Indoors in Seattle
Here is my ultimate guide on what to do indoors in Seattle. Regardless of what neighborhood you’re exploring, there should be something on this list that piques your interest!
Visit a museum
There are so many incredible museums to visit in Seattle. When it’s wet outside, seek shelter by admiring some artwork, learning about the miracle of flight, or wandering through an indoor garden. Here are some of my favorite museums.
Seattle Art Museum
website | 1300 1st Ave | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cost: ~$30 per adult
The Seattle Art Museum is one of the finest attractions in the city. Split into three sections, you can spend hours poring over traditional Native American artwork, contemporary Asian sculptures, and an impressive body language exhibit. It’s easier to take your time here as an adult, but even kids will appreciate the enormous 48-foot Hammering Man statue and vibrant modern galleries.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat afterward, check out the MARKET Seattle. It’s an extremely tasty seafood spot next to the museum serving Seattle’s best lobster roll, fish tacos, and other sea shack fare. It’s one of the best fish restaurants in Seattle, making it a great spot for lunch.
Chihuly Garden & Glass
website | 305 Harrison St | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: ~$32 per adult
I’m always on the hunt for excellent indoor activities in Seattle (as I’ve said, it rains here a lot). As it’s one of the more unique things to do in the area, I suggest checking out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum on your next visit. Located right next to the iconic Space Needle, you can easily hop between attractions without ever dealing with the downpour!
This unique attraction showcases the glorious glasswork of Dale Chihuly, and you can explore the Garden, Interior Exhibits, and the main Glasshouse while you’re here. You’ll need to whip out your umbrella for the garden section, but it’s worth persevering through any rain. The gardens are known for their seasonal blooms, so expect to see delicate daffodils during the springtime and a selection of winter shrubs when things cool down.
If you’re not willing to face the rain at any point, stick to the museum’s indoor sections. In my opinion, you can easily spend a few hours admiring the glass-blown flowers. Featuring over 200 pieces of contemporary art, you’ll certainly outlast the rain if you duck into Chihuly for a breather!
Museum of History & Industry
website | 860 Terry Ave N | neighborhood: South Lake Union | cost: ~$22 per adult
History buffs will appreciate everything that The Museum of History & Industry (known affectionately as MOHAI) has to offer. I love the permanent Maritime Seattle exhibit for its WWII-era TANG periscope. However, the fascinating True Northwest section that explores Puget Sound’s history is equally amazing.
If you’re traveling with kisa, check out the Kid-Struction Zone. This area features books, rotating Duplo tables, magnet boards, and building blocks. As a result, you’ll struggle to drag your tykes out of here!
Wing Luke Museum
website | 719 King St | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District | cost: ~$17 per adult
If you’re wondering what to do indoors in Seattle, look no further than the Wing Luke Museum. This place offers a glimpse into the lives of early Asian Pacific Americans through personal stories, photographs, and rotating exhibits. Located in the eclectic Chinatown-International District, I recommend pairing your historical adventure with a food tour through the neighborhood – once the rain stops, of course! You’ll find some of my favorite Thai restaurants in Seattle just a few steps away.
Museum of Pop Culture
website | 325 5th Ave N | neighborhood: Queen Anne | cost: ~$30 per adult
Figuring out what to do indoors in Seattle can be tricky when you’re in a pinch, but the Museum of Pop Culture is a funky venue that never disappoints. MoPop is home to several incredible music and movie exhibits, including the ever-popular Fantasy: World of Myth and Magic display (which is ideal for fans of Harry Potter or The Wizard of Oz, by the way!).
This museum is perched by the Seattle Center, and you can easily pair this adventure with the Space Needle if you’re trying to cover more ground in a short period of time.
National Nordic Museum
website | 2655 NW Market St | neighborhood: Ballard | cost: ~$10 per adult
Whether you’d like to learn more about Nordic culture, music, or values, the National Nordic Museum has got you covered. Tucked away in the vibrant Ballard neighborhood, this museum is appropriately surrounded by Scandinavian bars, boutiques, cafés, and bakeries (post-museum pastries, anyone!?).
The exhibits here showcase the city’s Nordic roots and how settlers first arrived in Seattle. Alongside the permanent fixtures, you’ll find fascinating temporary displays that include everything from Viking artifacts from Norway to artistic photography by Hasse Persson. Plus it’s in my favorite neighborhood perfect for a Ballard self-guided food tour.
The Museum of Flight
website | 9404 E Marginal Way S | neighborhood: Tukwila | cost: ~$13-23 per person
Located at Boeing Field, the Museum of Flight takes you on an exciting journey through aviation history. If you didn’t know, the first Boeing aircraft was assembled in Seattle, making the city a total hotspot for aviation and machinery enthusiasts. Home to over 150 planes, helicopters, space station doodads, and even the original Air Force One, this fascinating museum offers visitors a look into the wonderful world of aircraft engineering.
Boeing Future of Flight
website | 8415 Paine Field Blvd | neighborhood: Mukilteo | cost: ~$12 per adult
If you’d like to expand your airplane knowledge even further, check out the Boeing Future of Flight center. Located around 25 miles north of Seattle in Mukilteo, this museum gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the Boeing Everett Factory and invites you to check out several major exhibits on aerospace engineering. As it’s slightly off the beaten track, you can expect reduced crowd levels.
Mukilteo is where you can hop the ferry to spend a day trip exploring all the fun things to do on Whidbey Island.
Pacific Science center
website | 200 2nd Ave N | neighborhood: Queen Anne | cost: ~$26 per adult
No list of what to do indoors in Seattle would be complete without the Pacific Science Center! Known for its incredible IMAX screen, interactive exhibits, and cool technical facts, it’s an ideal place to visit if you have budding science geeks in the family.
I’ve visited this place multiple times with my nieces, and they always manage to find something new to explore while they’re here. What’s more, kids under three go free – now that’s a rhyme I can get on board with. During your visit, try to cover the main exhibits and the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center for a look at Bellevue’s biodiversity.
Seattle Aquarium
website | 1483 Alaska Way | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: ~$20-30 per adult
If you’re fascinated by the deep blue sea, the Seattle Aquarium is an attraction that’s worth visiting. Located right by the Elliott Bay waterfront in downtown Seattle, it offers excellent views of the Puget Sound from Pier 59. The whole thing can be covered in approximately 90 minutes to two hours, making it an excellent place to visit if you’re trying to escape unexpected, shorter showers.
The aquarium is a great size for children that easily lose focus, and they’re always enthralled by the 325,0000-gallon shark tank and the floating jellyfish. Don’t miss the adorable otters, harbor seals, or fur seals either!
Before leaving, I suggest stopping by the underwater dome and the interactive starfish exhibit. Kids love getting up-close and personal with the wildlife, and the experience is bound to become a core memory that they’ll remember for years to come (trust me – I still get giddy touching those starfish!).
Space Needle
website | 400 Broad St | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: ~$26-35 per person for general admission
The Seattle Space Needle is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in the city. As you’ll be undercover the entire time you’re here, it’s one of the best indoor activities in the city.
Taking visitors 605 feet above ground level, the dedicated observation deck offers 360-degree views of Seattle. You can thank the revolving glass floor for this! Your views may be slightly impacted by the pouring rain, but you’ll still be able to see the Puget Sound and city skyline from up here.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
website | 1400 E Galer St | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cost: ~$4 per person and free admission for kids
If someone asks me “what is there to do indoors in Seattle?”, I always offer Volunteer Park Conservatory as my answer. This gorgeous indoor botanical garden is one of Seattle’s best landmarks and is home to plants from five diverse environments. Whether you’d like to check out the Cactus, Bromeliad, Palm, Fern, or Succulent Houses, you can freely roam through this attraction snapping pictures to your heart’s content!
Pro tip: The greenhouse is the perfect steamy environment for getting out of the rain. However, the shift in temperature can make your camera lens fog up. If you plan to take in a proper camera, get ready for this!
Pike Place Market
website | 85 Pike St | neighborhood: Pike Place Market | cost: free (unless you purchase something!)
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s best farmers markets, and it’s always brimming with tourists and locals. Although part of the market is in the open air, most of it is covered. So, you can pick up produce, hit a coffee shop, or simply enjoy the atmosphere without getting soaked.
To help newbies get the most out of their visit to Pike Place Market, I’ve created a free self-guided walking tour that you can take along with you. This guide should help you avoid any tourist traps and allow you to have that authentic Seattleite experience. As I’ve lived in Seattle for over a decade, I certainly know my way around!
If you prefer an in-person tour, here are some options:
- Early Access Pike Place Food Tour
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
- Plant-Based Pike Place Market Food Tour
Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
website | 3400 Phinney Ave N | neighborhood: Fremont | cost: ~$12 per person
If you’re trying to figure out what to do indoors in Seattle as a chocoholic, I recommend checkout out the Theo Chocolate Factory Tour. Tucked away in the pleasant Fremont neighborhood, this popular tour will make you feel like a 21st century Charlie Bucket.
The tour shows you how chocolate is made from bean to bar, and it’s genuinely fascinating to watch the end-to-end process take place. As with many chocolate tours, you’ll get plenty of free samples along the way.
When the tour is over, take some time to explore the gift shop. Not only will you find a few Theo flavors that aren’t available in stores, but you can enjoy that delectable chocolatey scent for just a few moments longer! When it comes to indoor activities in Seattle, it doesn’t get much sweeter than this.
For the ultimate foodie tour around Seattle, check out my self-guided Fremont food tour that’ll have you exploring the neighborhood like a pro.
Play board games
website | 5105 Leary Ave NW | neighborhood: Neighborhood | cost: free
Throw things back to your carefree childhood days by playing board games in Seattle when things get wet. In my humble opinion, Mox Boarding House is an excellent place to check out for this. Operating as a store, bar, and café, this unique spot allows guests to play everything from Dungeons & Dragons to Exploding Kittens for free. It may not be for everyone, but it’s one of the weirdest and most wonderful things to do in the city when the weather turns grim.
What to play a game that’s a little more interactive? Try this Prison Escape Room.
Let loose with some tasty beverages
Take a load off and spend an afternoon sipping beers, wines, or spirits in Seattle. When it comes to brews, the Ballard neighborhood is the place to be. Home to 13 breweries and 4 taprooms, you can easily head on a self-guided brewery tour and cover them all, or take a small group Ballard breweries tour. Most have covered patios and a great indoor-outdoor vibe so it’s perfect even in the rain.
If you prefer to relax with an excellent glass of wine, check out a couple of Seattle’s urban wineries. If you’re happy to head further out, check out the best wineries in Woodinville about 30 minutes outside out the city.
Spirits more your thing? Try American-made amaro and take a distillery tour at Fast Penny Spirits. This women-owned distillery is in a cool warehouse and serves some mean cocktails worth enjoying after your tour.
Cozy up with a book
Anyone wondering what to do indoors in Seattle should consider getting lost in a good book. The Central branch of the Seattle Public Library is a great place to start. Not only is it packed with excellent reads, but it’s beautiful glass architecture makes it an exciting place to hang out and snap picture. They also have a piano room where you can reserve time to play.
If you prefer to purchase your books, head to Book Larder or Third Place Books. Book Larder is a community cookbook store in Fremont that is stocked with any recipe book or magazine you can think of. It also regularly hosts in-person talks and cooking classes.
Third Place Books in the Ravenna neighborhood is adored for its literary events, impressive kids’ corner, and endless rows of fiction and non-fiction bookshelves.
See a show
There are so many creative things to do in Seattle when the weather is bad. You can either catch a musical at the 5th Avenue Theatre, see a traveling broadway show at the Paramount Theatre, list to an incredible concert at Neumos, or check out the Act Theater for drama and improv nights.
If you prefer the medium of dance, the Pacific Northwest Ballet is one of North America’s finest ballet companies. Or enjoy some burlesque dancing at the Can Can Culinary Cabaret.
See a movie at a posh theater
It may sound simple, but seeing a movie is a great way to pass the time if the weather isn’t on your side. For a more luxurious movie-going experience, visit Big Picture movie theater. Featuring 33 plush seats, a full bar, a cocktail lounge, and an impressive menu beyond your average theater, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time here.
Another excellent spot to try is Cinnebarre north of Seattle. This is another place where you can watch a movie in a relaxed environment while restaurant-quality food and alcoholic beverages are delivered to your seat.
Play some recreational sports
Whether you want to showcase your competitive side or are simply looking for exciting things to do indoors with kids, you can’t go wrong with recreational sports that inspire some friendly competition.
Bowling at the Garage or indulging your inner child at Flatstick Pub or Interbay Golf Course with mini golf is an excellent way to spend a gloomy afternoon in Seattle. For avid gamers, the GameWorks Arcade is a total slam-dunk. Plus they have unlimited arcade play on Thursdays.
To dial things up a notch, why not try ax throwing at Blade & Timber in Capitol Hill? You can also get your ping pong game on at SPIN Downtown where the staff picks up flying balls for you. Or go crazy and try indoor skydiving at iFly in Tukwila. I did this with my nieces and it was a blast!
Take a tour
Escape from the elements by taking a tour of Seattle. One of the most popular options is the Seattle Underground Tour. What you see above ground in Seattle is essentially the new town that was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire. As a result, there’s a whole underground labyrinth of forgotten streets, sidewalks, and storefronts just waiting to be uncovered.
If you’d prefer something more mellow, why not book on to a Seattle Coffee Culture Tour? The city is known for its excellent coffee (it is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all!), so a exploring the best coffee roasters in Seattle is one of the best indoor activities you can do in the area.
Alternatively, you can head out on a Seattle Harbor Cruise that offers panoramic views of the Cascades and Olympic mountains. The ship is mostly covered so it’s an excellent way to ride out bad weather (heh, see what I did there?).
Try a craft or cooking class
If you can’t hit any outdoor attractions during your Seattle trip, take the opportunity to hone your skills with a craft or cooking class. My go-to place for craft classes is The Works. They have fun activities like mochi and jewelry making or learning how to paint.
For cooking classes, head to The Pantry. They only let the best of the best teachers and they have wonderful ambiance.
More Things to Do in Seattle
After you explore what to do indoors in Seattle, check out these other ideas for exploring the city!
