Things to Do on a Rainy Day in The Palm Beaches Florida

A vacation to the tropics isn’t complete without a few drops of rain. The Palm Beaches’ location, proximity to the vast blue ocean and plenty of warm sunshine make some rain a near certainty. The good news is rainstorms here are almost always brief, never very cold and quickly followed by more sun. Having some fun indoor activities planned when rain arrives will keep your vacation on track. Here’s a list of great indoor (or almost-indoor) activities that will keep your whole crew happy.

Lion Country Safari

2003 Lion Country Safari Road, West Palm Beach

No need to get wet when you visit Lion Country Safari. This award-winning, drive-thru park has a wide variety of animals, many becoming more active when it rains. You’ll see large herds of animals — including some of the largest herds of zebra, rhino and giraffe in the United States — roaming free while you look on from your car. Plan on also seeing lions, ostriches and chimpanzees, as well as many other species from around the world. Once the rain lets up, visit the on-site amusement park featuring a carousel, mini-train and flying-elephant ride, as well as a water park, close-up animal encounters, petting zoo and VIP experiences such as feeding a giraffe and meeting flamingos.

Hoffman’s Chocolates

5190 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres

Nothing can light up a smile on a rainy day like a trip to a chocolate factory. Hoffman’s Chocolates has called The Palm Beaches home for decades, serving tasty confections to generations. At the Greenacres factory, see various goodies being prepared, watch a video presentation about chocolate history and try some free chocolate samples. You can even get hands-on by taking a chocolatier class, where you make your own beautiful chocolate crafts. Not near Greenacres? Pick up a sweet treat at Hoffman’s retail locations in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.

Flagler Museum

1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach

Housed in a 100,000-square-foot mansion named Whitehall, the Flagler Museum is the former home of Henry Morrison Flagler, a founding partner of Standard Oil during the Gilded Age. With a whopping 75 rooms to explore, a dreary day is the perfect time to take a self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark. Among the many spaces are a music room, library, grand ballroom and even a room featuring a highly prized collection of lace. Don’t miss the Flagler Kenan Pavilion, where you’ll find Flagler’s Railcar No. 91, which was personally used by the railroad magnate and makes for a great photo op.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

4810 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach

Packed with hands-on displays of all types, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium offers hours of learning and discovery away from the raindrops. Traveling national exhibitions often fill the main hall, while the Dekelboum Planetarium offers an intimate journey to the stars. Kids can get more “edu-tainment” at the Aquariums of the Atlantic and Hidden World of the Everglades exhibits. Once the rain clouds part, take on the popular Conservation Course mini-golf or follow the Fisher Family Science Trail.

Boca Ice & Fine Art Center

900 Peninsula Corporate Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33487

This brand new 73,000 sq ft state-of-the-art indoor recreational facility is South Florida’s premier indoor ice skating destination! The facility features Twin NHL-size Hockey rinks, elite figure skating, NHL coaches, best in class Hockey Programs, professional ice shows, real snow, a Pro-Shop, an outdoor space, and performing arts including dance, music, and ballet. Just the perfect place for a rainy day!

The Square

700 South Rosemary Avenue, Suite 200, West Palm Beach

What’s a better way to beat bad weather than a little retail therapy? Though the businesses open to the outdoors and beautiful courtyards at The Square, you’ll stay dry along the covered walkways that connect a variety of shops like Sunglass Hut, Natuzzi Italia and Rohi’s Readery. If you work up an appetite, there are plenty of places to grab a delicious bite to eat, from Latin street food and plant-based fare to New York-style pizza and a Japanese steakhouse. And as a hub of arts and culture, make sure you keep your eyes open for the many dazzling murals and art installations.

IPIC Theaters

301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 25 Southeast 4th Avenue, Delray Beach

Two IPIC Theater locations in The Palm Beaches — in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park and downtown Delray Beach — make it easy to elevate your movie-going experience on a rainy day. These theaters offer large, plush, leather-covered recliners where you can kick back and watch all the latest releases. The concession stands feature a chef-driven menu of fine but fun foods perfect for in-movie dining. A wide selection of wine, beer and signature cocktails is also available, making for a movie date you’ll remember.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

500 Captain Armours Way, Jupiter

Even on a cloudy day, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is inspiring and iconic. While climbing the lighthouse steps might be something to reserve for a sunny day, there are some rainy-day things to see while you’re there. Housed in a World War II-era building nearby is the history museum, where you can watch a video about the lighthouse and browse exhibits looking back at 5,000 years of life on the nearby Loxahatchee River. Come back and tour the lighthouse when the sun comes out.

Norton Museum of Art

1450 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

Internationally known for its distinguished collection of art and photography from around the world, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach presents exhibits and programs for nearly every cultural taste. After you’ve toured the exhibits, stay out of the rain a little longer and browse the museum store or dine at the on-site restaurant. These airy, modern spaces will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. And if the rain slows down, be sure to wander the sculpture garden.

Silverball Retro Arcade Entertainment, Eatery and Museum

19 Northeast 3rd Avenue, Delray Beach

Featuring more than 100 video games and pinball machines dating as far back as the 1930s, this museum and entertainment center evokes nostalgia for adults and creates memories for newer generations. The 9,000-square-foot museum allows you to play classic arcade games, two floors of pinball machines and even the original skeeball alleys from New York’s Coney Island – Eldorado Arcade. Even better: The games are set to free play, which means unlimited plays are included with admission.

The Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square

51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach

A little museum filled with big-league art, the Cornell Art Museum is housed within a restored 1913 school building, which gives it a warm and unpretentious small-town vibe. The art, however, is innovative and provocative and changes often. Browse cutting-edge works created by regional, national and internationally acclaimed artists, making for an interesting and inspiring break from the rain.

Yesteryear Village

9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach

Fun can also be found at Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A collection of authentic and replica homes and buildings dating to the early 20th century, Yesteryear Village brings Florida’s past to life with costumed hosts and exhibitions of pioneer life. Learn how The Palm Beaches’ first residents lived without central air conditioning and running water. Keep an umbrella handy for walking between buildings, but much of the fun is under shelter.

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach

Throughout the year, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County hosts family-friendly activities at their gallery building in Lake Worth Beach, such as toddler yoga classes and hands-on workshops for your little artist. Be sure to visit their website to learn about the latest experiences available to keep your crew entertained, rain or shine.

The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum

300 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

Visitors are often surprised by how rich the history of The Palm Beaches really is. This converted 1916 courthouse features permanent People and Places galleries, telling the story of the area’s earliest days, from the first pioneers through the development of the exciting communities that dot the destination today. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts in-depth special exhibits each fall and short-term exhibits regularly covering a wide variety of topics.

Exciting Escape Rooms

Put down the umbrella and solve a series of puzzles to gain your freedom. The growing popularity of escape rooms is well-deserved, with players of all ages working together to find a way out of a “locked” room by a deadline. There are several to pick from in The Palm Beaches, each with interesting twists and themes, including:

• The Escape SoFlo, 10800 North Military Trail, Suite 211, Palm Beach Gardens
• Legends of Xscape, 324 Datura Street, Suite 101, West Palm Beach
• Time Travel Escapes – Escape Rooms Jupiter, 401 Maplewood Drive, Suite 18, Jupiter
• West Palm Beach Escape Rooms, 209 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach