20 Best Things to do on a Rainy Day in Grand Rapids

It’s that time of year in West Michigan where we are teased with good weather one day, and the next is a torrential down pour. If you are looking to stay dry but still get out of the house and have some fun, we have a list of the best things to do in Grand Rapids on a rainy day!

 

Looking for Culture?

Visit the GR Children Museum
Right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Children Museum offers exciting events and exhibits for your little ones to enjoy. Including the Live Hive where kids can learn how bees are critical to our ecosystem.

Visit the GR Public Museum
Grand Rapids also offers a Public Museum with a collection of 250,000+ artifacts and specimens, making it Michigan’s largest collection. Now featuring a new Dinosaur exhibit, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Catch a Production at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Established in 1925, the Civic Theatre is s the 5th largest community theatre in the country! They offer a variety of productions for everyone to enjoy. They also offer acting classes and dance classes for all ages!

Visit the GRAM
As a beacon of the arts in an art-loving city, GRAM is more than a world class museum— they offer workshops with a wide variety of mediums and techniques to learn. As well as tours of their current art & artist.

 

The Grand Rapids Art Museum

 

Discover the Library
Between the Grand Rapids Public Library system and the Kent District Libraries, we have some amazing branches around here. Library cards are free, and give you access to so much more than books—from audiobooks and music, to movies and video games. Our favorite branches are the downtown Grand Rapids Public Library, and the Ada Kent District Library branch.

Take A Class at Brush Studios
Grab some friends and head to Brush Studios to let out your inner artist! They offer private and public events in variety of styles and themes. All materials are provided, and at the end you get to take your masterpiece home!

 

Brush Studios

 

Looking to Let Off Some Steam?

Visit Break Room Therapy
Have you ever wanted to smash your computer to pieces? Well, Break Room Therapy has you covered. This therapeutic activity lets you destroy everything from plates to TV’s and fax machines in a safe environment.

Practice your Swing at a Golf Simulator
Rain or shine, golf simulators are a fun way of working on your game. Feel free to bring your own clubs, and take advantage of their swing analysis technology! Check out Gimme’s Par and Grill, or Pickle & Pin.

Visit Grand Rapids Grand Prix
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a racing pro, everyone enjoys the thrill and freedom that come with driving the highest caliber racing vehicles. These karts can get up to 45 miles per hour!

 

Grand Rapids Grand Prix

 

Visit Sky Zone Trampoline Park
If you are looking to jump, dodge, flip, and sweat then Sky Zone is the place to go. There is enough room for everyone, so all kids—and kids at heart— can play together.

Try Rock Climbing or Bouldering
Whether you prefer a traditional top-rope rock climbing wall, or are a little more adventurous and up for bouldering, they’re both a great way to get active on a rainy day. Check out Inside Moves for traditional rock climbing, or Terra Firma for Bouldering.

Visit The Pack Indoor Dog Park
Do you have a pup that needs to get out of the house? The Pack is Michigan’s first indoor off-leash dog park, restaurant, and bar! Don’t forget to register your dog before going.

Visit the Fowling Warehouse
Fowling is the mashup of football and bowling. Throw the football at your competitor’s pins to try to knock down. Be careful of other team’s footballs flying at your pins!

Try Duckpin Bowling
This isn’t your average bowling—Duckpin bowling dates back to the 1800s. The difference is the lanes are shorter, the pins and attached to a string, and the ball is smaller and hole-less. Woodrow’s Duckpin also offers craft cocktails and beer so you can really let loose.

Have Some Laughs at The Comedy Project
Who doesn’t need a good laugh? At the Comedy Project, there’s no shortage. They feature improv, sketch & comedy variety shows, a comedy training center, and private event hosting!

Beat Some High Scores at Pinball Land
Don’t let the name fool you, this all-ages arcade has all of the retro games you can think of! The best part is, there’s no need for quarters, just pay the admission fee and play as much as you want!

Try Axe Throwing at Battle GR Tactical Games
Let out your inner lumberjack with axe throwing, or grab all your friends for an exciting game of laser tag!

 

 

Looking to Treat Yourself?

Relax at Ethos Day Spa
With clean and natural products, Ethos Day Spa has been carefully crafted to be effective and ethical. Their luxurious services not only provide results but help promote relaxation to refresh your body and mind.

Ethos Day Spa

 

Become a Chef at The Local Epicurean
Grand Rapids has plenty of great restaurants, but why not try your hand at cooking a delicious dish yourself? Even if you are just learning the art of cooking, The Local Epicurean offers everything from Pasta Fundamentals to Chocolate Truffle classes.

Do Some Retail Therapy at The Woodland Mall
Remember you can shop in person—not just on Amazon! The Woodland Mall offers over 100 of the top brands. Find a book to read at Barnes & Noble or update your wardrobe at a variety of stores, from high-end to affordable.

Take in a Movie at Celebration Cinema’s Studio Park
Downtown Grand Rapids’ newest movie theater offers comfortable stadium style seating, a variety of specialty cocktails & craft beer, and a full food menu to enjoy!

See Your Favorite Band at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
With more than 2000 seats, and almost daily shows, there’s a concert for everyone at 20 Monroe.

 

 

Looking for more things to do in Grand Rapids on a Rainy Day? Check out our City Pages for more ideas!