41 Best Indoor Things to Do When It’s Raining in Brisbane
There have been a lot of rainy days in Brisbane, which means we all need a list of the best things to do indoors in Brisbane when it’s raining.
Brisbane is in Queensland, the Sunshine State, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun things to do inside if it’s raining, super hot, or you just want to be inside when you are visiting Brisbane.
Whether you are willing to spend a bit of money or you want to find a free way to spend a rainy day, there are lots of options in Brisbane.
Keep reading to find the best things to do on a rainy day in Brisbane.

Free Things to do Inside when it’s Raining in Brisbane
Play at the Cube at QUT

The Cube at QUT is made out of 48 multi-touch screens. It is fun and interactive, plus The Cube is inside which makes it the perfect place to go on a rainy day in Brisbane.
The themes of the screens change, and there is a schedule available if there is a particular theme you want to check out.
The Cube is located on the campus of Queensland University of Technology near the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. The Cube is always free to enter.
Explore the Museum of Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane is always free to enter, though some special events and workshops are additional.
Their exhibits rotate and information is available about current and upcoming exhibits on their website.
The Museum of Brisbane is not large, but we have found that it takes time to go through, and there are usually activities for kids available in at least one of the exhibits.
Take a Tour of the Clock Tower

You can take a free tour of the Clock Tower at Brisbane’s City Hall.
Beware that they may close the clock tower due to weather, but it is always an option on a hot day.
The 15-minute tour starts at the Museum of Brisbane. Participants will take an elevator to the top of the clock tower where they can get out of the elevator and enjoy the view of Brisbane before returning to the elevator. The elevator then stops at the clock head before returning to the Museum of Brisbane.
Tours of the Brisbane Clock Tower are free but must be reserved in advance. Only a few people can take the tour at a time. Tours last less than 15 minutes as they do not want to be in the clock tower when the bell rings.
Of course, you want to stay inside for longer than 15 minutes, so add in a trip to the Museum of Brisbane and a meal at Shingle Inn. Both locations are inside City Hall. If you are looking for multiple things to do when it is raining in Brisbane, City Hall has options to occupy a few hours of your day.
Find more free guided tours in City Hall and around Brisbane.
Take the Kids to the Children’s Art Centre

There is an art centre for kids at QAGOMA and it is free to enter. The exhibits change (read about the current exhibit here) but they always have something interactive for the kids.
Check their website before going to make sure that the art centre is open, as it is taken down during the change of exhibits.
See a Free Exhibit at QAGOMA

QAGOMA is 2 buildings, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
The Queensland Art Gallery is free to enter. While this is better for older kids interested in art, QAG has a variety of art that changes throughout the year.
For kids who want to make their own art, there are a few spots around the museum with clipboards, paper, and pencils.
Learn about Science at the Queensland Museum

While some of the exhibits are ticketed, there are quite a few that offer free entry at both the Queensland Museum.
Queensland Museum even has an interactive Dinosaur Garden that is free to enter.
Check their website to determine which free exhibits you are interested in visiting.
Go to the Library

Libraries are a great place to go when it’s raining, especially with kids. Every library branch has a children’s area and many branches have games, puzzles, toys, and interactive things for kids to do.
Depending on the day, the library may have a free event such as an art class or writing workshop. If not, the library is a great place to sit and read or check out a book or movie to take home.
You don’t have to be a local to enjoy the library facilities, you just need to be a local to check anything out from the library.
We visited all 33 Brisbane Library branches to figures out which one has the best children's area.
More Things to do Inside when it’s Raining in Brisbane
Watch a Movie at QAGOMA

Of course, you can head to any one of the standard cinemas around town. If you are looking for something different, the cinema at QAGOMA plays classic and independent films. They even had free kid’s movies on occasion.
Try to Escape From an Escape Room
Solve clues and puzzles and try to “escape” from one of the many escape rooms in Brisbane. Each room has a different theme, and they are graded on the level of difficulty. Some rooms are kid-friendly while others have age limits.
Don’t worry, the rooms aren’t really locked. Also, there are ways to get clues if you need a little bit of help.
Escape rooms are fun with a group, especially on a rainy day in Brisbane.
For those with kids, check out our guide to Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Brisbane.
Learn About the Solar System at the Planetarium

The Sir Thomas Planetarium has shows for both kids and adults. Currently there are 4 shows specifically for kids and 7 shows that are appropriate for kids 6+.
Make sure to reserve your seats early, we know from experience that they sell out.
The planetarium is located at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, so if it isn’t raining too hard, walk around the gardens before or after your show.
Take the Kids to SparkLab

Sparklab at the Queensland Museum is a hands-on interactive science museum for kids. There is a maker space open for crafting and experiments and discussions are held periodically throughout the day.
While some exhibits are free at Queensland Museum, there is a charge for Sparklab. It is easy to add on one or two of the free exhibits, such as the Dinosaur Garden which is located near Sparklab.
Is it raining a lot on your holiday in Brisbane? Here is our Weekend in Brisbane Itinerary with Kids, and it includes a rainy day option.
Let the Kids Play on an Indoor Playground

Jungle Adventure Playground is a very large indoor playground and the perfect place to take kids when it is raining in Brisbane. Jungle Adventure Playground has obstacles, climbing walls, slides, and multiple levels of playground fun. There is even an arts and crafts corner for those who want to relax for a bit.
Jungle Adventure Playground has something for everyone ages 6 months to adult.
Brisbane has lots of choices when it comes to restaurants with playgrounds, play spaces, and game rooms. Rainy days are the perfect time to check out a Brisbane restaurant with a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Go Rock Climbing

Brisbane has outdoor rock climbing at Kangaroo Point, but when it is raining, there are indoor rock climbing options.
- Rock Sports, Fortitude Valley
- Urban Xtreme, Hendra
- Urban Climb, West End
- ICP Boulder Hall, Fortitude Valley
Ski or Snowboard Inside

Urban Xtreme offers lots of fun options for indoor fun including the chance to ski or snowboard in Queensland. Lessons are offered as well as 15-minute long “taster sessions,” and public sessions.
Head to the Rink to Skate

Whether you want to ice skate or roller skate, Brisbane has options for those rainy days.
For those who wish to ice skate, Ice World has 2 locations, lessons, and free skate. Ice World Olympic Ice Rinks are located in Acacia Ridge and Boondall.
If you would rather roller skate on a rainy day in Brisbane, head to Skateaway in Albany Creek. Lessons are offered from beginner on, and open skate immediately after the lesson is free for those who purchase roller skating or rollerblading lessons at Skateaway. Lessons aren’t just for kids, there are adult roller skating lessons too.
Play at an Arcade

Whether you are looking for a large arcade where you win tickets to trade in for prizes or smaller old-school arcades, there are options in Brisbane.
Looking for something to do on a rainy day in Brisbane? Check out one (or more) of the following arcades. Some of them even include restaurants so you don’t even need to leave for lunch.
- Playtime, Chermside
- Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Bowen Hills
- B. Lucky and Sons, Fortitude Valley
- Netherworld, Fortitude Valley
- Pincadia, Woolloongabba
- Pinball Haus, Fortitude Valley
- 1Up Arcade, Morningside
- Fun House, Brisbane CBD
Enjoy High Tea

High Tea is always fun, and tea is perfect on rainy days. Brisbane has plenty of options for high tea at all price points.
While my goal is to be able to enjoy all of the high teas in Brisbane, it is nearly impossible as more seem to pop up daily. Whether you are looking for a fancy high tea or one that is casual, a vegan high tea, or a themed high tea, there are plenty of options in Brisbane. Read about our favorite high tea with kids in Brisbane here.
Have a Spa Day
Forget about the rain and spend the day at the spa.
For those on a budget, make an appointment at The French Beauty Academy. The French Beauty Academy is a school and the students need people to practice on so their treatments are heavily discounted. I can say from experience that you can get an incredibly relaxing massage and facial at The French Beauty Academy.
For those looking for something fancier, book a treatment at Away Spa at the W Brisbane or Kailo Spa at the Calile Hotel on James Street in Fortitude Valley.
See a Show

QPAC is the largest theatre in Brisbane and a great place to see Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and even kid’s shows.
Brisbane has a bunch of smaller theatres too. Keep out of the rain for a couple of hours and see a show at any of the following venues.
- Brisbane Arts Theatre, Brisbane City
- Queensland Theatre, South Brisbane
- Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
- The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
- 12th Night Theatre, Bowen Hills
Find out if there is a Candlelight Concert at one of the venues in Brisbane.
Learn about Opals

Opals are abundant in Australia, and there is a whole museum dedicated to them in Brisbane. The Brisbane Opal Museum has a video and a tour. There is also a shop at the Brisbane Opal Museum if you’d like to take some opal jewelry home.
Jump Out Your Energy at a Trampoline Park

Jumping on a trampoline isn’t just for kids, it is the perfect way to bounce out your energy on a rainy day in Brisbane.
Bounce has 2 locations, one in Tingalpa and the other in Macgregor. Prices vary by age and various times are available from 1 hour to a multi-visit pass
Urban Xtreme is in Hendra and has rock climbing and indoor sports in addition to the trampoline park. Those who want to jump at the trampoline park can purchase a pass that includes 6 attractions at Urban Xtreme including a ninja course and laser tag.
Host a Virtual Murder Mystery
The easiest way to stay dry is to stay home, and that doesn’t have to be boring.
AmazingCo makes it easy to host a murder mystery event (which I can say from experience). Get a group of friends together, in person or virtually, and assign everyone a character in advance.
I suggest printing out your character’s notes and reading them ahead of time. You don’t have to memorize them, but they should be within reach.
Stay Dry in a Shopping Centre
Brisbane has extremely large shopping centres that make it easy to spend the day inside. Whether you are shopping, going to see a movie, eating at one of the many restaurants, or partaking in an activity at the shopping centre, it is easy to spend a rainy day inside.
Whether you go to Chermside or Indooroopilly, Carindale or Garden City it is easy to stay out of the rain and be entertained for hours.
Play Putt-Putt Inside

Did you know that there are multiple indoor mini-golf courses in Brisbane? Holey Moley has themed putt-putt holes and their courses are entirely indoors. There is also a bar at Holey Moley if you want to stay longer and enjoy a drink or a snack.
Holey Moley is located at the Queen Street Mall in the CBD, and also in Fortitude Valley.
Read more about Holey Moley and other places to play putt-putt in Brisbane here.
Go Bowling

Head to Strike at Wintergarden in Queen Street Mall for a game or two of bowling on a rainy day in Brisbane.
Fun for all ages, Strike is a modern bowling alley with optional bumpers.
Strike is in the same building at Holey Moley Wintergarden so players can stay inside for hours. A karaoke room, laser tag, and a bar and restaurant are all located in Strike/Holey Moley Wintergarden.
Head to Hijinx Hotel

There is plenty to do at Chermside Shopping Centre on a rainy day in Brisbane including playing in 5 or 10 challenge rooms at Hijinx Hotel.
It takes about 30 minutes to play a set of 5 challenge rooms.
Hijinx Hotel also has a bar and restaurant and is in the same building as Holey Moley indoor mini golf.
If you aren’t quite sure what to expect at Hijinx Hotel, read our review.
Splatter Paint

Make art in the most fun way at Rose Soiree, which has an entire room dedicated to splatter paint where guests can make a mess as they create a masterpiece.
Paint and Sip
If getting messy isn’t your artistic style, follow the rules (or don’t) at a paint-and-sip class.
Paint and sip options are offered at many venues around Brisbane including:
Paint Pottery
Painting pottery is another fun way to be creative on a rainy day in Brisbane.
Opt to paint a mug, a figurine, or
Take a Wheel-Throwing Clay Class
Rather make your own clay pots, bowls, and dishes? Learn how at the following locations:
Go Go-Karting Indoors
Slideways Go-Karting has an indoor track where you can race on a rainy day in Brisbane.
Their multi-level track is open from Tuesdays to Sundays no matter the weather.
Throw an Axe
Spend a rainy Brisbane day learning how to throw an axe, or mastering axe throwing, at Maniax.
Maniax has 2 locations in Brisbane, one in the CBD and another in Newstead.
In addition to the axe throwing lanes, Maniax also serves food and drinks so you do not have to head out in the rain after your game.
Play Darts
Oche in Fortitude Valley is a bar and restaurant with electronic darts.
Oche has a full menu of meals and drinks in addition to darts. They offer a few different types of dart games for a variety of levels.
Swim Indoors
Want to swim but don’t want to be outside? Whether it is raining or you just want to avoid the sun, Spring Hill Baths is enclosed and is one of the Brisbane City Council pools.
Spring Hills Baths has a heated indoor pool that is open year-round.
Go Indoor Skydiving

Kids as young as 3 can go indoor skydiving at iFly.
Whether you are looking for something fun to do with kids or adults, iFly offers a fun day indoors for all ages.
Watch a Candlelight Concert

While a Candlelight Concert needs to be planned, if there is rain predicted, but you still want a nice night out, make plans to see a Candlelight Concert.
Candlelight Concerts are offered around Brisbane in different locations and with various themes.
My daughter and I saw Beatles on Strings and we have been checking out the tribute to Taylor Swift. Other options include a tribute to Nirvana, a tribute to Elvis, and concerts featuring Bach, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky.
Find out what Candlelight Concerts are currently scheduled and book your tickets.
Shop for Produce at the Brisbane Market

On Saturday mornings from 6 am until 12 pm, you can visit the Brisbane Markets in Rocklea.
The markets are completely covered so it doesn’t matter if it is raining, you can still shop for fresh produce, gifts, and sweets.
Brisbane Markets also has food stalls and plenty of seating for those who want to enjoy a meal.
Watch a Comedy Show
Forget about the weather as you laugh at The Sit Down Comedy Club in Paddington.
A full menu with food and drinks is available during the show.
More comedy club options include Big Fork Theater in Fortitude Valley and Good Chat Comedy in Petrie Terrace.
Take a Cooking Class
Another fun option that needs to be booked in advance is a cooking class.
Options for cooking classes around Brisbane include:
Explore Imaginator

Formally Imaginaria, Imaginator is a fun way to spend a few hours indoors in Brisbane.
Not quite sure what to expect? Read our review.
Browse an Indoor Market
If you enjoy going to the market but want to stay indoors, check out VEND which has 2 locations around Brisbane.
VEND is an indoor market with a cafe so you can stay a while. VEND also hosts workshops and events including movie nights and other family-friendly options.
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