Rainy days aren’t necessarily bad when you’re in VA Beach.
Virginia Beach is home to several outdoor escapades waiting to be explored. And if you’re visiting for the first time, we recommend spending the maximum time on the beach or exploring the trails. However, what happens when the weather is bad? Do you stay back at the hotel and sulk all day? Absolutely Not! Here are our top recommendation for things to do on a rainy day in Virginia Beach.
While VA beach has plenty of fun outdoor activities, there’s also an abundance of fascinating things to do indoors. From indoor skydiving and escape rooms to museums and art galleries, prepare to have your mind blown!
Best Virginia Beach Rainy Day Activities to Do Indoors
Here’s our list of the top indoor activities in Virginia Beach.
Drop by Apex Entertainment
Apex Entertainment is the hub of indoor activities in VA Beach. Spread over 84,000 square feet, this place offers multi-level fun for groups of all ages. The top draws include go-karting, bowling, laser tag, arcade and redemption, ropes courses, axe throwing, sports simulators, bumper cars, and mini-golf courses.
Apex Entertainment also has a cutting-edge Event Meeting Space for rent. If you’re weary after a tiring day of running around, drop by The Pit Stop Tavern for a full-service dining experience. They specialize in American cuisine and handcrafted beer. The menu features several vegetarian options and a whopping amount of gluten-free food.
Experience Indoor Skydiving
Have you always wanted to skydive but are scared of heights? You can now experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of an aircraft. iFly’s ultra-powerful vertical wind tunnel creates wind pressures upwards of 180 mph, perfectly replicating the feeling of freefalling from the skies.
If you’re worried about falling, iFly has professional skydivers and safety personnel for pre-flight instructions and to help you have fun in a safe environment. Try a few crazy maneuvers while you’re up there. This adrenaline-pumping adventure is available for people across all age groups.
Try Your Hands at Bowling
Pinboy’s at the Beach is the perfect place to hang out on a gloomy day. Head over with the family and try knocking some pins down. Pinboy’s offers group discounts and party snacks too. So, grab your favorite snacks and beverages. If you’re exploring VA Beach after sunset, don’t miss the After Dark event between 11.30 PM and 1 AM every Friday and Saturday.
Spend a Lazy Day at Beachside Social
Beachside Social is one of the latest attractions in Virginia Beach. The indoor recreation hub spreads over 10,000 square feet of prime real estate and packs a ton of fun, family-friendly activities for the guests.
The top attractions include indoor games like Bocce balls, shuffleboard, and board games. While adults can hang out at the cocktail bar over exotic cocktails, craft beer, and an extensive full-service dining menu.
Beachside Social is one of the best places to hang out on a cold and miserable day. Whether visiting with friends or traveling solo, prepare to meet new people here. Remember that the indoor games are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, you might have to wait in line.
Explore the Virginia Military Aviation Museum
If you’re a die-hard war history fan, the Virginia Military Aviation Museum is the stuff of dreams. Imagine yourself in the cockpit of a military aircraft from WWI or WWII as you fly sorties past the enemy. Your dreams could all come true at this private aircraft collection that houses over 65 planes from the first 50 years of military aviation.
Every aircraft has been painstakingly restored to its original form, with several still air-worthy. The exhibits aren’t separated by ropes or glass as in a conventional museum. So, you can walk right up to the planes and examine them up close. The Virginia Military Aviation Museum offers a thrilling lesson in history, unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Reignite Your Creative Instincts at the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is the hub of enjoyable, engaging, and unique exhibitions. The gallery showcases artworks from notable local and guest artists, and the collection rotates every season.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a welcoming community of ideas, inspiration, and art and nurtures the spirit of learning. The museum hosts several events and exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the website to stay tuned for upcoming events.
Get Creative at Muse Paintbar
If you’re feeling creative, head out to Muse Paintbar and unleash your creative side. Located in the Town Centre, Muse Paintbar is where wine flows as freely as paint. Guests can choose from over 20 craft beers and an assortment of select wines. While the menu includes the choicest finger foods.
Muse Paintbar is famous for hosting the Paint and Sip exhibition every night, where the guests can participate. The theme changes frequently, so make sure to check the calendar before heading out.
Attend a Comedy Evening
The Funny Bone Comedy Club hosts some of the country’s top comedians every week. If you’re in the mood for much-needed laughter therapy, check out the calendar and go belly up with laughter.
If you want to try your hands at stand-up, Funny Bone hosts open nights where guests can climb up the stage and get a chance to be the center of attention for a change. You could also attend Comedy School and get an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Free classes are held every week. Check out the website for details.
Treat Your Tastebuds to Exotic Seafood at Beach Cinema Alehouse
If your idea of relaxation is grabbing a tasty bite and a beer to wash it down with while watching a classic movie, Beach Cinema Alehouse is a must on your bucket list. Order your favorite meal and grab a pint of craft beer as you take a front-row seat in front of the giant screen.
The movie theatre features seven giant screens and a full-service dining menu, including cult classics like beach fries, pizza, and crab cakes. We recommend reaching 30-minutes before your scheduled arrival to pick up your food in advance. The last call is when the preview begins.
Check Out the Virginia Aquarium
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is home to several native and foreign marine species. With over 800,000 gallons of water in the exhibits, you’ll need a guided tour to get familiar with the intricacies.
The aquarium perfectly recreates the local ecosystem and runs several efforts to preserve the natural balance. The residents include over 300 animal species like the endangered Tomistoma freshwater crocodile, exotic cobras, and the rare Komodo dragon.
Don’t forget to visit the National Geographic 3D theatre and catch some fantastic wildlife documentaries if you have spare time. However, it’s impossible to explore every exhibit at the Virginia Aquarium in one go.
Visit a Local Brewery
Grab a stool at one of the local breweries in VA Beach and try the exquisite craft beer. Virginia Beach has an interesting brewery culture overflowing with unique flavors. From complex barrel-aged sours to IPAs bursting with hops, there’s something for everyone. So, don’t be afraid of experimenting with your drink.
Play Mini-Golf at TopGolf
End an exciting day with a few rounds of mini-golf. TopGolf has a range of exciting games that are perfect for all ages and skill levels. So, if you’re in town, this is a must-visit! Drop in before lunch for the best experience when the crowds are thin and the brunch superb!
You must try the chicken and waffle sliders and a classic mimosa to wash it down with. While TopGolf is technically outdoors, the venue is covered. So, come rain or shine, the venue is accessible throughout the year.
Shop Till You Drop at the Lynnhaven Mall
When the weather is grim, the largest retail indoor mall in Virginia comes to the rescue! Located barely 15 minutes from the VA Beach oceanfront, Lynnhaven Mall is a one-stop shop for all your shopping desires. Choose from various premier retail brands and grab a quick bite at the Food Court.
With retailers like Apple, Aerie, Bath & Body Works, Build-a-Bear Workshop, H&M, and Pandora, you’ll hardly ever run out of exciting things to do. And there are several entertainment options for those who don’t like shopping! So, if you’re getting bored while the wife is busy shopping, grab something to eat, visit Sky Zone Trampoline Park with the kids, or watch the latest movies at the AMC 18 Theater.
Get Some Air Time at Jump Virginia Beach Trampoline Park
Get some air time with the kids on a wet and gloomy day at Jump Virginia Beach trampoline park. The venue features over 50 fascinating trampolines for the guests to soar through the air and have a fantastic time.
Explore the Several Local Museums
There are several fascinating museums near VA Beach. The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is located on the Boardwalk and is the old Coast Guard Station site. The building was converted and renovated to suit its new purpose and serves as a testament to VA Beach’s maritime history.
The Nauticus Museum in downtown Norfolk, 18 miles away from the Boardwalk, is another interesting local attraction. Watch a 3D movie, participate in hands-on activities, or touch the tanks on display.
The Virginia Living Museum offers an exciting opportunity to connect with nature. While The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News is the perfect venue for uncovering the history of the open seas.
Cuddle With the Cats Over Tea and Snacks
Make some furry friends while grabbing a tea or coffee at Catnip Cat Cafe. The café is the first of its kind in coastal Virginia and is the perfect place to relax with your feline friends. Better yet, if you find a cat you can’t live without, adopt it! The cats are from the local shelters and are all up for adoption.
Explore Historical Remnants at the VA Beach Antique Mall
Antiquing is so much more than an average shopping spree! Finding treasures from the past and giving them a new lease of life takes patience, dedication, and loads of hard work. So, if you enjoy shopping for antiques, Virginia Beach Antique Mall is a must-visit!
Spread over 12,500 square feet in the heart of VA Beach, the antique mall is home to numerous retailers. If you haven’t decided what you want yet, go back and take a second look at the collection.
Play an Exciting Escape Game at Escape2Win
If you haven’t played an escape game before, Escape2Win is the perfect place to try your hands at fighting crime and solving puzzles within the hour in a safe environment. Choose from a wide variety of fascinating challenges and drop in with your squad for the perfect dose of pure adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Book your slots today!
Are You Ready to Book the Tickets Yet?
Spending a rainy weekend in VA Beach isn’t all that bad after all! If a sudden shower interrupts your holiday, you can still have a blast at any of the above locations. If you’re looking for recommendations, we suggest dropping by Escape2Win, the #1 escape room in Virginia Beach.
If you’ve never played an escape game before, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new! Escape2Win specializes in creating memories for a lifetime. So, get your friends or family together and walk-in for an experience you’ll never forget!
Pick your favorite escape game from our long list of entertaining puzzles and book your slots from the website. And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for an escape room enthusiast, give them a gift certificate they’ll truly cherish.
We accept group bookings for corporate team-building events, bachelor parties, birthday parties, reunions, school excursions, and other events. Get in touch today for custom bookings.
If you enjoyed this blog and would love to read more, check out our blogs page. And don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.
