14 Rainy Day Activities
Pouring rain doesn’t necessarily mean a poor vacation. Instead of spending your time inside pouting about the weather, do a little exploring instead. You’ll learn that Virginia Beach has much to offer—even when the sun’s not shining.
1. Explore the Aquatic Life
You may not be able to hit the beach today, but there’s still plenty of aquatic activity going on at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Experience hands-on exhibits along with more than 800,000 gallons of aquarium and animal habitats.
Click here to read more about the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
2. Get Your Game On
If you’re looking for a unique game, try The Escape Room. With just 60 minutes on the clock, you and your family or a group of friends are challenged with just one goal in mind—escape the room. For some good, clean fun, why not play a game or two of bingo? Bingo Palace proves that bingo isn’t just grandma’s game. Each session consists of about 45 games, giving you plenty of opportunities to shout “bingo!” and win some prizes. New to the Oceanfront is Beachside Social, a fabulous place to play shuffleboard and bocce ball. This 10,000-square-foot ocean-line inspired space has several courts to play. When you aren’t playing, head to the bar for a delectable cocktail or craft beer, or grab a bite at the concession window.
3. Shop ‘Til You Drop
While there are several malls in the Virginia Beach area, be sure to browse one-of-a-kind goods created by local artists. 17th Street Marketplace is an art and consignment shop offering a wide variety of home furnishings and gift items. You’ll always find new and exciting pieces, including furniture, metal steel work, soaps, pallet creations, beach-themed décor and more.
4. Find a Treasure From the Past
Antiquing is more than just your average shopping. It’s a magnificent hobby of finding treasures from the past and giving them new life again. At the Virginia Beach Antique Mall, you’ll explore 12,500 square feet of antiques and collectibles in the heart of Virginia Beach. You never know what you’ll find, so browse slow, and take a second lap to be sure you didn’t miss anything.
5. Catch a Flick
Whether it’s an old classic or documentary, take a seat in the renovated six-story National Geographic 3D Theater at the Virginia Aquarium. This theater showcases nature and other films that will educate and entertain. Get transported into the film as you watch in 3D on the massive screen.
6. Knock Some Pins Down
Bring the whole family to Pinboy’s at the Beach for a round of bowling. They offer party packs and discounts, a tasty line of snacks and beverages, and Pinboy’s After Dark from 11 p.m.–1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Click here for a Pinboys at the Beach coupon.
7. Get Inspired
Art has a way of bringing out the best of our imaginations and creativity, both when making art and viewing it. Visit the Virginia MOCA to see their current exhibits, featuring art that both inspires and challenges. They also host wonderful family activities and exciting events throughout the year. Peruse amazing local artwork at the Artists Gallery. This artist run gallery hosts special exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and special events you won’t want to miss.
8. Make Some Furry Friends
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, then spend some time with feline friends. Catnip Cat Café is Coastal Virginia’s first cat café and offers the perfect place for cat lovers to relax with these fabulous felines while enjoying a complimentary beverage. If you find a cat that you can’t live without, adopt it! All the cats are from local shelters and available for adoption.
9. Play Dress-up
Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as a cowboy or saloon girl, a Civil war general or Southern belle, a hillbilly, pirate, French maid, flapper or gangster? You can stop wondering and start indulging in a fun experience at Memory Lane Old Time Photos. They’ll provide the authentic costumes and historic props from different eras; all you have to do is loosen up and strike your best pose. At the end, you’ll have some marvelous photos to take home to remember this memorable activity.
Click here for a Memory Lane Old Time Photos coupon.
10. Show Off Your Creativity
If you have explored Norfolk already, chances are you’ve admired the “Mermaids of Paradise” located all around the city. The Mermaid Factory is a creative studio that not only is the “official” supplier of the Norfolk mermaids, but also offers walk-in painting sessions so you can make your own mermaid creation. Both studios, in Norfolk and at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, also specialize in mermaid, nautical and unique gift items.
Click here for a Mermaid Factory coupon.
11. Relieve Some Stress
If you are looking for a day to treat yourself, spend an afternoon at Balance Therapeutic Massage for a truly relaxing and soothing experience! Nationally and state certified therapists shape each session based on your personal needs while incorporating their own specialties and styles. Balance Therapeutic Massage offers Young Living Aromatherapy Raindrop Technique, Castor Oil Packs popularized by Edgar Cayce, Hot Stone massages, both individual and couple’s massages and much more!
Click here for a Balance Therapeutic Massage coupon.
12. Explore Outside the City
Trendy restaurants, unique shopping and world-class attractions are just some of the reasons to visit Newport News. Go antiquing, take in some art and explore through historic neighborhoods in Portsmouth. Norfolk is a city on the move, and with the Waterside District, come for an exciting mix of dining, entertainment and live music. Browse through boutiques and dine at award-winning restaurants in Suffolk. History comes to life just a quick day trip away at the Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Historic Yorktown, where there are plenty of hands-on history experiences and attractions to explore. Discover the many parks and restaurants, then stay a night while in nearby Hampton. No matter where you choose, you are bound to learn a lot and have a great time!
13. Visit a One-of-a-kind Museum
There are plenty of famous museums throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. At the Boardwalk on 24th Street stands the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. This museum is a converted, historic coast guard station and serves as a testament to the maritime history which defines Virginia Beach. Participate in hands-on activities, touch tanks and watch a 3D movie at the maritime-themed Nauticus Museum in downtown Norfolk. Connect to nature at the Virginia Living Museum or uncover history of the open sea at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. View a collection of more than 9,000 works of contemporary art at the Hampton University Museum. Step into a life-sized bubble and explore the antique train exhibit and more at Children’s Museum of Virginia, the largest children’s museum in Virginia.
14. Get Some Air Time
If your kids are bouncing off the walls because of the rain, why not take them to a place where that’s normal? Jump Trampoline Park features over 50 world-class trampolines where both kids and adults can jump and soar through the air, having the time of their lives. Another high-flying, unforgettable experience is iFLY Virginia Beach. Located right at the Oceanfront, this high powered, vertical wind tunnel gives you the experience of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane.
