As a Dallas local who adores exploring all that this vibrant city has to offer, I can assure you that a rainy day in Dallas is far from a washout. In fact, it provides the perfect excuse to delve into Dallas’ rich array of indoor attractions.
From immersing oneself in the world-class Dallas Museum of Art to exploring the myriad of shops at the NorthPark Center, there’s never a dull moment. Families can take refuge at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, while those seeking tranquility might find solace in the Dallas Arboretum’s indoor exhibits.
Rainy days only deepen the appeal of Dallas’ indoor opportunities, offering new ways to experience the city’s charm. Rain or shine, Dallas has you covered with our list of things to do in Dallas on a rainy day.
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Texas Discovery Gardens
Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, this year-round urban sanctuary is every nature lover’s paradise. The garden displays a stunning array of natural wonders that will leave you spellbound.
The real show-stopper here is the climate-controlled Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. This enchanting two-story indoor exhibit whisks you away to a tropical rainforest filled with hundreds of free-flying, brightly colored butterflies. The colors, the sounds, and the gentle fluttering movement around you make you feel like you’re outside in the heart of nature despite the inclement weather.
This place has 7.5 acres of organically maintained grounds to explore. It’s a perfect place to spend a fun day with the whole family. Wander through delightful garden trains, venture into the snake and reptile shack, or let the kids loose in the outdoor playscape.
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Landmark Theatre
Cozy up at Landmark Theatre. Rainy days can make movie nights extra special. With 3 screens featuring DLP Digital Projection and Sound, this movie house showcases the best of Hollywood and independent films. Thankfully, at the Landmark Theatre, the seats are transformed into comfy couches with no armrests in sight.
With a full bar serving cold beer, wines, and custom movie cocktails before, during, or after the movie, Landmark Theatre is the perfect romantic date night idea on a rainy day in Dallas. Grab your date, snuggle up, and enjoy a film on the big screen while the rain pours outside!
Escape Room Challenge
Turn a rainy day into a thrilling adventure with an escape room challenge! This could be an exciting test for your relationship as you collaborate to decipher clues under pressure. Who knows, you may leave with a stronger bond, or perhaps discover that your partner is not quite the “chosen one.”
Dallas boasts a variety of escape rooms, each offering its own distinctive theme. Some notable options include Escape the Room Dallas, A Room with a Clue, and Can You Rob a Bank? Choose the one that piques your curiosity the most and dive into a captivating escapade, with the rain as your background score!
Ice Skating
Add a sprinkle of magic to your rainy day date by visiting the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. The center, located inside one of Dallas’ most popular shopping destinations, offers year-round ice skating in a spectacular setting.
Its breathtaking four-story Christmas tree (during holiday season) and the warm glow of shops around the rink create a beautiful ambiance. A perfect place that will make you forget all about the gloomy weather. Regardless of your skill level, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a romantic hand-in-hand skate, or perhaps share a laugh as you wobble on the ice.
For a more professional ice skating experience, the Dr Pepper StarCenter is worth a trip. With multiple locations across Dallas, including Farmers Branch, Frisco, and McKinney, each center offers public ice skating sessions, as well as hockey and figure skating training for those seeking a challenge.
The StarCenters are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a smooth and safe skating experience. Whether you’re executing a pirouette or clinging to the sidewall, ice skating at the Dr Pepper StarCenter presents a unique and fun way to spend a rainy day in Dallas.
Go Indoor Skating
When the Dallas sky turns grey and the rain drizzles down, there’s no reason to stay cooped up at home. Embrace the weather and get your adrenaline pumping with an indoor skating adventure. If you’re in Downtown Dallas, make your way to Interskate Roller Rink. With its massive indoor rink and retro vibe, Interskate is perfect for skating enthusiasts of all proficiency levels.
They even offer skating lessons if you’re new to skating wheels. Interskate Roller Rinks are open 365 days a year, and admission is $10. Psst. Bargain nights on Tuesdays allow $5 entry from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Another excellent indoor skating destination is the Southern Skates Roller Rink. Nestled in South Dallas, this spot is a popular hub for skaters looking for rhythm and blues to accompany their glides. Themed nights with DJs are a regular attraction, offering a unique twist to the skating experience.
The ambiance here is vibrant and lively, absolutely perfect for a rainy day escapade.
Experience Dodgeball in Dallas
For those looking to indulge in some friendly competition on a rainy day, Dallas offers multiple indoor dodgeball venues. Put on your game face, grab your squad, and head down to the Dallas Dodgeball. Get ready for a game that might just bring you fond or not so fond memories of that indoor game you played in grade school.
Socialize at PUNCH BOWL DALLAS
Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits! Instead, head over to this super cool place in Dallas that’s perfect for having a blast, no matter the weather. Set in the famous Deep Ellum neighborhood, Punch Bowl Social is not your average bowling alley.
This 24,000-square-foot establishment boasts a “dirty modern” design inspired by jazz roots, Punch Rock music, the Central Track, and its namesake, the Elm tree. The place has three bars, a scratch kitchen, and a ton of entertainment options like karaoke. Also, there are all kinds of table games, wall scrabble, and arcade games, this place is a fun heaven for gamers and music lovers.
Try Indoor Rock Climbing
If you’re seeking a physical challenge and a surge of adrenaline on a rainy day, indoor rock climbing is the perfect activity in Dallas. One of the best places to experience this is at the Summit Climbing, Yoga, and Fitness in Movement Design District, Dallas. With over 45,000 square feet of top-notch wall-climbing terrain that reaches 56 feet, this facility is every rock climber’s dream come true.
From beginner to expert, there’s something for everyone to elevate your rock climbing experience to a whole new level! You’ll also find a yoga studio, cardio and functional fitness zones, training areas, and a gear shop with expert advice. It’s a fun, exciting way to keep fit and active, regardless of the weather conditions.
Plus, a trio of rock climbing, yoga, and fitness centers makes this facility one of the best active things to do in Dallas, TX, for couples.
Visit the Perot Museum
For those with a keen interest in science and natural history, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a must-visit. Located in Victory Park, this multi-level science museum offers interactive exhibits for kids, including T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator, educational tours for all grade levels, and weekly wine nights for adults.
You can also stay after hours and participate in the Thursdays on Tap program, which includes live music, drinks, food trucks, and outdoor games. It’s an enlightening and engaging way to spend a rainy day and a perfect destination for families or solo explorers.
Explore the Dallas Aquarium
Another fascinating indoor activity is a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium. This enormous aquarium houses a broad range of aquatic species, as well as a rainforest exhibit with exotic birds and mammals. Interact with some of the most fascinating animals in the world, including sloths, crocodiles, giant river otters, manatees, and monkeys!
If that’s not enough, our aquarium section showcases some of the most interesting marine life you’ve ever seen, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, sea dragons, and more. And if you haven’t seen penguins, this is your chance at the outdoor South Africa exhibit of the aquarium, where you can watch them swim and play.
It’s a fantastic place to lose yourself in the natural world without getting wet from the rain outside. The aquarium also offers educational programs and activities, making it an ideal rainy day destination for all ages. While we love splashing around during the rainy season at the Dallas World Aquarium, remember – sunnier days are just around the corner! So when the clouds clear up, come back for an exciting array of outdoor activities.
Take a Class at Dallas Glass Art
Enhance your artistic skills at the Dallas Glass Art studio. Perfect for a rainy day, this studio offers classes in glass blowing and sculpting, allowing you to create your own beautiful works of art.
Even if you’re a beginner, seasoned artists will guide you through the process, ensuring you have a unique and gratifying experience. It’s a great way to discover a new hobby and bring out your inner artist.
Sign Up for a Cookery Class at Central Market
Indulge your culinary interest at Central Market’s cooking school. Offering a wide range of classes from beginner to advanced levels, you can learn about different cuisines or perfect your baking skills. A day spent cooking and tasting your own delicious creations is a great way to spend a rainy day in Dallas.
Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in America, DMA (Dallas Museum of Art) is located in the arts district in downtown Dallas. A must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, this world-renowned museum houses a vast collection of over 24,000 works from all over the world.
The museum also offers interactive educational programs, making it an excellent destination for both adults and children. If you are attracted to all things history and heritage, here are some of the best museums with free admission in Dallas-Fort Worth. You’ll love stepping back into time without breaking the bank.
Explore The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza provides a deep dive into the conspiracies surrounding the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. Here, you also get to witness the Grassy Knoll, where the assassination actually took place. This museum offers an immersive experience of one of the most significant events in American history.
Enjoy a Performance at the Dallas Theater Center
Take shelter from the rain and catch a live performance at the Dallas Theater Center. This renowned venue offers a variety of productions throughout the year, from classic plays to groundbreaking new works.
The physical home of the Dallas Theater Center is the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, located in the Dallas Arts District. The Wyly Theatre, designed by REX/OMA, is a modern and innovative space that provides a dynamic environment for theatrical performances.
The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, adaptable seating configurations, and a distinctive architectural design that enhances the overall theatrical experience.
Visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum
If you’re passionate about aviation and history, you absolutely must check out the Frontiers of Flight Museum! This place is a treasure trove of space history and aviation technological advancements. You can get up close and personal with full-sized planes and even test your flight training skills. With over 35,000 historical artifacts and hundreds of small-scale models, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the frontlines of flight.
You’ll learn about legendary pilots like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Bessie Coleman. You’ll also see amazing sights like a full-size model of the 1903 Wright Flyer plane and an Apollo VII spacecraft.
Relax at the Spa
When the rain is pouring down in Dallas, there’s no better way to spend the day than by indulging in a relaxing spa treatment. In Dallas, there are several top-notch spas where you can unwind and pamper yourself.
At the Omni Dallas Hotel, their Mokara Spa offers a tranquil escape. The spa features a full range of treatments from massages to facials, and their expert staff is dedicated to providing a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
Vivian’s Spa is another excellent option. This boutique spa in the heart of Dallas offers a range of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The peaceful, calming atmosphere at Vivian’s makes it an ideal place to relax on a rainy day.
Meanwhile, Woodhouse Dallas promises a unique experience with over 70 distinctive treatment options. They specialize in a variety of therapeutic massages and skincare treatments, perfect for washing away the rainy day blues.
Kings Spa and Sauna
King Spa and Sauna is another must-visit place to unwind in Dallas on a gloomy, rainy day. This Korean-style spa and sauna offers an array of therapeutic experiences, from their traditional hot stone rooms to steamy saunas.
The serene ambiance is ideal for stress relief, and the extensive range of their services ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in need of a deep tissue massage, a facial, or just a peaceful space to relax, King Spa and Sauna offers a rejuvenating experience that’s hard to beat.
Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center is an oasis of peace and creativity. This museum and sculpture garden showcase the work of some of the world’s most prominent modern and contemporary sculptors.
Take a Food Tour of Dallas
Foodies will enjoy a guided food tour of Dallas. There are several food tours that people can join to sample a variety of local specialties, learn about the city’s culinary scene, and discover new favorite restaurants. Whether it’s the Taste of Dallas tour, the Food Lovers’ Delight tour, or the Flavors of Dallas tour, there are plenty of options to satisfy every palate.
Visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is devoted to educating people about the history of the Holocaust and promoting human rights to fight against prejudice, hatred, and indifference.
The museum uses cutting-edge technology. They also feature a permanent exhibition that focuses on the Holocaust, Human Rights, and the Pivot to America. Through this exhibition, the museum brings to life the tragic history and aftermath of the Holocaust, as well as other genocides and the United States’ journey toward civil and human rights.
Guided tours take around two hours, and you can book your tickets to ensure you get your desired dates and timings.
Explore the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a splendid entertainment venue that offers an unforgettable experience to its guests. It is a unique family dinner theater that takes you back to the medieval era, where you can witness staged games, thrilling sword fighting, and authentic jousting.
Immerse yourself in the excitement as you witness a thrilling live jousting tournament, where brave knights showcase their skill and courage. The atmosphere is immersive, and the performers are highly skilled and trained to provide a captivating show. The venue also serves delicious meals to enjoy while you watch the show. It definitely makes it one of the best fun things to do in Dallas on a rainy day.
Enjoy a Rainy Day at the Sweet Tooth Hotel
Don’t let the rain dampen your Dallas experience. At the Sweet Tooth Hotel, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant, Instagram-worthy realm of interactive installations, digital art, and sensory exhibits. This experiential art venue is a paradise for confectionery enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Each room in the hotel is meticulously designed with sweet-themed art that will ignite your creativity and make for an unforgettable rainy day excursion. The Sweet Tooth Hotel guarantees a sugar-coated adventure that fills your senses. This place sparks joy, and satisfies your sweet tooth, all while keeping you sheltered from the rain.
Arts Class at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas
The Creative Arts Center of Dallas offers an eclectic array of arts classes. It is perfect for both budding artists and seasoned creatives seeking to further hone their skills. The center provides an inspiring and inclusive environment that fosters artistic growth and exploration.
Whether you’re interested in painting, ceramics, sculpture, or jewelry-making. The knowledgeable and passionate instructors guide you through each process, ensuring a rich and fulfilling creative experience. Engaging in these classes not only helps to refine your artistic abilities, but also provides a platform for self-expression and exploration of new mediums.
Upstairs Circus in Dallas
For those who find themselves stuck in Dallas on a rainy day, Upstairs Circus offers an exciting and unique indoor activity. This innovative venue combines the charm of a swanky bar with the creative thrill of a do-it-yourself workshop. Visitors are encouraged to sit down, grab a cocktail, and get their hands dirty with a variety of craft projects.
From making custom leather goods to constructing unique home decor, there’s a project to suit everyone’s creative flair. The relaxed, social atmosphere makes Upstairs Circus a perfect rainy day destination, where you can exercise your creativity, enjoy a drink, and make new friends, all while staying dry.
Visit a Speakeasy
Dallas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly its speakeasies, which offer a charming nod to the Prohibition era. These hidden gems, tucked away behind unassuming entrances and secret doors, serve up carefully crafted cocktails in an intimate, vintage atmosphere.
Each speakeasy in Dallas carries its unique charm, promising a memorable experience full of intrigue, sophistication, and, of course, excellent libations. For an inside look at the best speakeasies and hidden bars in Dallas, check out this insightful blog post. The blog provides a detailed rundown of the top spots, ensuring that your next night out in Dallas is nothing short of extraordinary.
Donate Your Clothes
When the rain comes pouring down, it’s an ideal time to undertake some indoor activities such as decluttering and organizing your closet. Use this opportunity to go through your wardrobe. Decide which clothes you want to keep, which ones need repairs, and which ones you no longer need.
Pieces that are still in good condition but no longer fit your style or needs can be donated to local charities, thrift stores, or shelters. We have a whole list of places in Dallas where you can donate clothes and other items.
Try a Volunteer Activity
There are plenty of indoor volunteer opportunities for a chance to good on a rainy day! Consider signing up for a food pantry, volunteering to go through donations from non-profits, or help animals. Check out our full list of different volunteer opportunities in Dallas.
Closed Spots We Will Miss
Whiskey Hatchet
Whiskey Hatchet is closed (but close in our hearts).
If you’re game for some adventurous fun, head to Whiskey Hatchet in Dallas, a thrilling axe-throwing venture that also hosts a world-class cocktail bar. Rainy days won’t dampen your spirits here – in fact, they only add to the cozy indoorsy vibe.
Enjoy a drink or two before, during, or after your axe-throwing escapades to make the experience even more memorable. Although Whiskey Hatchet doesn’t serve food, they warmly welcome you to bring in your own from any local eatery. This makes it an excellent spot for an informal, fun-filled date in Dallas.
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28+ Things to do in Dallas on a Rainy Day: Final Thoughts
From art galleries that became your sanctuary to cozy cafes where laughter echoed louder than the raindrops. Dallas has proven that even a rainy day can be the canvas for a vivid adventure. So, as you fold your umbrella and step back into the rhythm of the city, take a moment to think about the countless memories crafted back in the day and to be remembered for years to come.
Until the next rain shower graces the city, keep these memories close and let them be the sunshine on your next cloudy day in Dallas.
Last Updated 11 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: January 22, 2024
