Rainy Day Family Friendly Fun
Rainy day? Not a problem! With so many indoor things to do and places to go in Durham, kids of all ages won’t lack for entertainment and enrichment.
Durham's weather is usually on our side—mild enough to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
But when the rain rolls in (and it does), your kids won't suddenly lose their energy. Good thing the Bull City delivers on indoor activities that actually keep families entertained, no matter how hard it's pouring outside.
Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame
Where: 306 Towerview Rd, Durham, NC 27708, Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center
Hours: Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (allow one hour)
Escape the elements with a visit to the Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame. Located alongside the fabled Cameron Indoor Stadium, home of the four-time national champion Duke Blue Devils, the museum features decades of Duke University athletic achievements showcased with visual and audio exhibits, a theater, and national championship trophies.
Musuem of Life and Science
Where: 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704
Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 12-5pm
The Museum of Life + Science is the highlight of most any kid’s visit to Durham. As one of the top four family-friendly museums in the Southeast, this state-of-the-art science and technology center features engaging traveling and permanent exhibitions. Don’t miss the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which include the Magic Wings butterfly house, which houses many rare and colorful species of butterflies from around the world, and Explore the Wild, which features black bears, red wolves, and lemurs in their natural habitats.
The Scrap Exchange
Where: 2050 Chapel Hill Rd
Hours: Mon - Fri, 11am-5pm; Thurs, 11am-6pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun,12am-5pm
The Scrap Exchange is an ideal place to foster young, creative minds. Children and adults alike are invited to turn clean, reusable industrial discards into upcycled works of art in the Make-and-Take room. Additionally, there are craft classes throughout the year and The Green Gallery showcases artists using reusable materials or concepts in their work.
Durham County Main Library
Where: 300 N. Roxboro St.
Hours: Mon - Wed, 9:30am-8pm; Thurs - Sat, 9:30am-6pm; Sun, 1-6pm
Rain or shine, a day at the Durham County Main Library is a day well spent. Here, you'll find plenty of books and media for people of all ages, and a special children's section where your kids are sure to find a title that entices them. They also have a multi-sensory environment, great for kids who would prefer something more interactive than a book. The library also has excellent programming, so check out their event schedule ahead of time.
Notasium
Where: 3750 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.
When: Mon - Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm; Sat, 9am-11am
For younger kids with a love for music, Notasium's Open Play is a great option. This interactive, music-based play space will provide loads of entertainment and countless opportunities to explore what inspires them. They can rip a solo on the guitar slide, bang on the drums in the bounce house, or sing their heart out in the karaoke booths.
The Wonder Lab
Where: 3709-A University Dr.
Hours: Mon & Fri, 9am-6pm; Tues & Wed, 9am-1pm
The Wonder Lab is a play space that makes STEM the foundation for fun, exploration and wonder. Designed to "ignite children’s natural curiosity and build their confidence as learners," The Wonder Lab is the perfect spot to head to on a rainy day when your child is full of mental and physical energy. Have your kids join an open play session or book them a class where they can learn through a small group experience.
Wheels Durham
Where: 715 N. Hoover Rd.
Hours: Check website for schedule and events.
Owned by Durham Parks and Recreation, the newly reopened Wheels Durham could not be more quintessentially Durham. The classic skating rink offers classic and in-line skate rentals, themed skates, pizza and other treats, arcade games, rentals and more. It's so much fun, even the adults will be shaking their groove thing under the lights.
Nova Adventure Park
Where: 3500 N. Roxboro St.
Hours: Mon - Thurs, 3-9pm; Fri, 12-10pm; Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 10am-9pm
When the rain starts coming down, it's time to go jump around at Nova Adventure park. More than just a trampoline park, Nova has a zip line, climbing wall, ninja course, arcade and more. They also have a designated toddler area, so the whole family can have fun safely. Duke it out on the battle beam, see who gets the fastest time on the ninja course, or swim around in the foam pit.
OC Aerial
Where: 3463 Coates Industrial Blvd., Suite 200
Hours: Mon & Thurs, 3-6pm, Fri, 12-6pm; Sat; 10am-6pm; Sun, 11am-4pm
For an adrenaline filled day of indoor fun, head to OC Aerial. This indoor adventure park is sure to be a great time for every member of the family over the age of 3. Test your dexterity on the ropes course or climbing wall. Push your endurance to the limit on the ninja course. The zip line and leap of faith should be the first stop for any thrill seeker in the family.
Bowling at Bowlero
Where: 4508 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.
Hours: Mon & Wed, 10am-12am; Tues & Thurs, 12pm-12am; Fri, 12pm-1am; Sat, 9am-1am; Sun, 11am-12am
Looking for a place to spend the whole day, somewhere with fun, food, games and more? Bowlero is your place. Start things off with a few rounds of bowling. Then, take a break and refuel with some pizza or burgers. After that, have your kids hit the arcade where they can win fun prizes. The kids will be snoozing in the car on the ride home after a fun filled rainy day at Bowlero.
The Carolina Theatre's Family Saturday Series
Where: 309 W. Morgan St.
When: Saturdays at 11 am
If you happen to be in Durham on a rainy Saturday, consider a trip to the Carolina Theatre. Their Family Saturday Series is a curated, family friendly program that seeks to introduce children of all ages to the magic of live performances. Affordable and enjoyable, these performances are a great rainy day option.
