The Ultimate Rainy Day Guide to Indoor Activities in Seattle and the Eastside

Rain may be back in the forecast, but don’t let Seattle’s gloom dampen your plans. Move your playdates indoors.

When the weather takes a turn this time of year, I pack up my kiddos and let their imaginations run wild at these engaging and enthralling indoor activity spots around Seattle and the Eastside (no rain boots required).

A pool with winding waterslides — I found a couple. Miniature golf where you can ride atop a dazzling unicorn — I have a suggestion for you. Pottery shops that let you craft your own unique and colorful creations — there are a few around town we love to visit.

I’ve rounded up all the activities that won’t rain on your play-rade. My list is curated just for you and your little ones when you want to avoid a dreary day outdoors.

Indoor pools and places to swim near Seattle

Snohomish Aquatic Center, Snohomish

The Snohomish Aquatic Center is a great option for indoor pool fun. The rave reviews speak for themselves: It’s arguably the best pool in town. Amenities include a large recreation lap pool, lazy river, an interactive Spray n’ Play area for toddlers, a hot tub, a towering corkscrew waterslide more than 151 feet long, and a surf-simulation machine (the only one of its kind in the area).

Children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slide, and they must be able to pass a swim test to slide. For little ones wanting to surf, you have to be at least 42 inches tall to ride the boogie boards, and 52 inches tall and less than 250 pounds to ride the stand-up boards.

Location: 516 Maple Ave., Snohomish
Cost: $9 per person for open recreation swim; children younger than 3 are free. FlowRider surf sessions start at $17.50.

Lynnwood Recreation Center, Lynnwood

Our family recently visited the Lynnwood Recreation Center for their open swim, and my kids had an absolute, splash-tastic time. They have amenities for all ages, and the pool areas are massive. They offer two large and winding waterslides, a splash pad and beach area for smaller kids, a lazy river with ample tubes, a diving board, hot tubs and a warm-water wellness pool (where my littlest and I spent the most time). There is a height requirement for the slides, so prepare your tiny tots if they are under 40 inches.

Children younger than the age of 6 need to be accompanied by an adult in the pool, so if you have a little one, you’ll need to pack your swimsuit and hop in the pool as well. Reservations are required in advance. The pool is very popular on the weekends, so get there early even with a reservation. There will likely be a line to check in.

The locker rooms have bathrooms, lockers, showers and a swimsuit dryer. Be sure to bring your own towels, though.

Location: 18900 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood
Cost: $7 per person.

Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Swimming Pool, Mountlake Terrace

What our family loves about the swimming pool in Mountlake Terrace is the ease of access. No reservation is required, which is a big benefit for our spontaneous family. The swimming area offers a shallow-water pool with beach entry for tiny swimmers and waddling waders, spray toys, a lazy river, luxuriously warm water, basketball hoops, and a variety of floats and water toys. Life jackets are also available.

Children younger than 4 years old must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. Visit their website for pool availability and an up-to-date schedule for fall and winter hours.

Location: 5303 228th St. S.W., Mountlake Terrace
Cost: The drop-in swim fee is $6.25 for adults and $5.25 for children.

Rainier Beach Pool, Seattle

The Rainier Beach pool has two indoor pools: a leisure pool with a balmy, tropical temperature that won’t leave you shivering, and a 25-yard lap pool with a diving board. The leisure pool featured a giant spiraling slide, lazy river and water vortex. You will also find a sauna and hot tub onsite. The splash area with spray features is great for little swimmers. Be on the lookout for dumping water buckets.

Location: 8825 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
Cost: $6.50 for adults; $4.50 for children younger than 17 years old; children younger than 1 are free.

Indoor mini golf near Seattle and the Eastside

Par1 Mini Golf, Bellevue

If you are looking for a traditional mini golf course, this place might not be for you. If you want to ride atop a unicorn, putt into a UFO, dodge soccer balls while trying to get a hole-in-one, or pretend to be a queen or king on a giant iron throne, then I have a recommendation for your next mini golf outing. Par1 Mini Golf is an imaginative experience perfect for all ages. All the holes are masterfully themed, and it’s not your average putt-putt course. Grab a bite and play a round. Selfies are encouraged.

Plus, Par1 Mini Golf is located at Lincoln Square. You can extend your trip by visiting Cinemark movie theater or Lucky Strike Lanes, which are just steps away.

Location: North Tower, Lincoln Square, 700 Bellevue Wy. N.E. Suite 300, Bellevue
Cost: $15 per person.

Monster Mini Golf, Bellevue

Don’t be afraid, the monsters won’t bite at Monster Mini Golf — but they will glow! The glow-in-the-dark 18-hole course will delight your little ones with neon monsters and interactive creatures of all shapes and sizes. It’s guaranteed to be a spooktacular good time, as you make your way through the course.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Swing by the arcade, bowl a round or two, or take a turn through the laser maze where you can navigate through a labyrinth of lasers.

Insider tip: the combo deals are worth it. You can mix and match attractions and spend the day tiring out your mini monsters with an array of activities.

Location: 4080 Factoria Square Mall S.E., Bellevue
Cost: Mini golf costs $12 per child and $14 per adult. Bowling costs $6 for five frames and the laser maze is $3. Discounted combination packages are available.

Flatstick Pub, multiple locations

Although Flatstick offers locations around Seattle, Flatstick Pub located in South Lake Union is our favorite. Whenever we go, we always take a selfie with the towering Sasquatch. The nine-hole mini golf course is wonderful for kids. It’s bright, inviting and challenging enough for a broad range of kids. We like to play board games and order pizza after a round of golf. For parents, they have an extensive tap list. Just plan to go early — after 7 p.m., it’s 21 and older.

South Lake Union location: 609 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle
Cost: Mini golf is $10 per person.

Museums and other engaging Seattle attractions for kids

The Museum of Flight, Seattle

Take your child’s imagination to new heights at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Our family loves this museum because it’s huge, interactive and educational. Our favorite areas include the Kids Flight Zone, where kids can explore a flight-themed play area, the Great Gallery, where planes of all shapes, sizes and colors are displayed in awe-inspiring ways (and a few cockpits are open for little flyers to sit in the captain’s seat), and the Tower at Boeing Field where you get an unbelievable vantage point to watch planes land and take to the sky.

Insider tip: If you go, check out the museum’s newest exhibit, “Home Beyond Earth,” which is open through Jan. 20, 2025.

Location: 9404 East Marginal Wy. S., Seattle
Cost: Admission costs $26 per adult; $18 for youth ages 5–17; children 4 and younger are free.

KidsQuest Museum, Bellevue

KidsQuest Museum located in Bellevue is a gem on the Eastside. I adore this museum because of the variety of exhibits encouraging play while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math, but what I think they do the best is their themed events and programs. If you haven’t checked out their spooktacular events around Halloween or their gingerbread workshops, head over to their website to learn more. They won’t disappoint!

Location: 1116 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue
Cost: Tickets start at $16 for children and adults. Admission is free for infants younger than 1.

Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett

Imagine Children’s Museum is a gigantic three-story play space full of exciting and interactive exhibits. My kids love the enormous treetop canopy that wows visitors upon entry. Climb the lookouts, cross the rope bridges and watch out for Bigfoot. The adventure doesn’t stop there (this place is huge!). From planes to waterways, restaurants to logistical endeavors, and everything in between, you will spend hours at this museum learning, laughing, climbing and delighting in all there is to discover.

Location: 1502 Wall St., Everett
Cost: Tickets are $22 for adults and children. Babies 12 months and younger enter free.

Seattle Aquarium, Seattle

The much-anticipated Ocean Pavilion has officially opened at the Seattle Aquarium, which means you’ll find even more amazing wildlife and undersea exhibits to explore and learn about. Dive beneath the waves and get a front-row seat to watch rays glide majestically through the water and meet the new star of the aquarium, a leopard shark. The new building is not only gorgeous, but it’s an immersive experience filled with interactive displays.

Don’t worry, all your tried-and-true favorites are still there — we personally love the otters and getting our hands wet in the tide pools.

Know before you go: Parking can be a bit of a pain. There are public parking garages located across the street from the Seattle Waterfront.

Location: 1483 Alaskan Wy. Pier 59, Seattle
Cost: Tickets cost $27.95–$52.95 for ages 13 and older; $16.77–$31.77 for children ages 4–12; and children ages 3 and younger are free.

Places to paint pottery and have messy fun

Paint Away, Redmond

Paint Away offers a welcoming space for kids to create their very own work of art — and maybe get a bit messy. You can paint in the studio or take a piece of pottery to paint in the comfort of your home with their pottery-to-go program.

Location: 7345 164th Ave. N.E. Suite I130, Redmond
Cost: Pricing varies depending on the pottery piece you choose.

Glazed and Amazed, Edmonds

Located in the heart of Edmonds is a small walk-in pottery shop we love to frequent. They offer a huge selection of pottery to paint, including seasonal treasures like giant pumpkins and spooky spiders. Simply pick your pottery, grab a set and paint away.

We love the events the studio offers, including preschool storytime and kids night out. Reservations are required for kids night out (and the cost is $61 per child). Drop off your little ones and enjoy a night out on the town in Edmonds while your kids have fun creating a pottery masterpiece. The studio provides pizza, snacks, a movie and activities from 6–9 p.m.

Location: 514 Main St., Edmonds
Cost: Pricing varies depending on the pottery piece you choose.

The Slime Factory, Bellevue

If your kids love slime, this is the place for you. Get your lab coat ready, and step into The Slime Factory where you can create your own slime. This hands-on experience lets kids get messy, allowing them to immerse themselves in goop while having a good time. Choose from a variety of colorful slimes, and add your own scents, beads and charms to the mix. It’s a sensory experience kids won’t forget.

Good to know: Your admission is valid for up to 90 minutes. This activity is recommended for children ages 4 and older. There are also no public bathrooms.

Location: 3929 Factoria Square Mall S.E., Bellevue
Cost: The full experience costs $25 on weekdays and $34 on weekends, and includes single admission and the making of two slimes. Book online to reserve a space and time.

Indoor trampoline parks and places to bounce

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, multiple locations

A new attraction just opened in Mountlake Terrace, and we had to bounce our way over to check it out. Sky Zone Mountlake Terrace is a large indoor trampoline park with more than 32,300 square feet of attractions. My kids loved the unique and diverse array of activities. There’s something for every age and thrill level.

From the kids soft play area, perfect for smaller jumpers, to the high-flying zip line geared toward older kids (if you can reach the bar, you’re cleared for takeoff), everyone will have fun soaring, jumping and bouncing around. There’s also the iWall, a place where kids can enjoy immersive, interactive activities. My littlest jumper loved throwing balls at the wall.

Sky Zone has a café and designated party rooms. Some of the attractions have height or age requirements.

Sky Zone has locations across the region including Mountlake Terrace, Silverdale and Tacoma. At each location, you’ll find a mix of Sky Zone’s 60 attractions like the warrior course, air court, trapeze and swing, and more.

Mountlake Terrace location: 24000 Van Ry Blvd., Mountlake Terrace
Cost: Tickets start at $28.99 per person.

Arena Sports, multiple locations

With locations throughout the Seattle area, our family loves checking out the various Arena Sports Family Entertainment Centers. From arcades to mini golf, laser tag to inflatable playgrounds, escape rooms to mini bowling, there’s so much to do. Our favorite Arena Sports location is in Mill Creek, which also happens to be the largest. Home to a two-story, Seattle-themed laser tag area, it’s a great place to expend some energy.

Good to know: The Inflatable FunZone is for ages 18 months to 12 years. Kids must wear socks in the inflatable zone.

Mill Creek location: 13500 Bothell Everett Hwy. Suite A, Mill Creek
Cost: Drop-in sessions cost $12–$27 depending on the activity. You can make reservations online for bowling, inflatables and laser tag.

Flying Squirrel, Everett

Flying Squirrel is one of our favorite places to bounce on rainy days. It’s a bit of a trek up north, but this gigantic indoor trampoline park is worth the trip. Toddler rates are available for children 6 years old and younger. Enjoy climbing walls, trampolines as far as the eye can see, inflatables, arcade games and more. Flying Squirrel also has a café and lockers.

Location: 1325 S.E. Everett Mall Wy. Suite A, Everett
Cost: Jump passes start at $19 for 60 minutes. Toddler passes start at $14 for 60 minutes

Seattle-area spots to bowl and skate

Lynnwood Bowl and Skate, Lynnwood

What we love about Lynnwood Bowl and Skate is the option to hit the roller-skating rink, grab a lane and bowl, or do both all in one fun-filled trip. The 24-lane bowling alley is connected to a roller-skating rink, so you’re only steps away from lacing up your skates and wheeling around the rink. The space also has a full restaurant, bar and an arcade.

Location: 6210 200th St. S.W., Lynnwood
Cost: Open-skate admission ranges from $12–$16 (including skate rental) depending on the day. Bowling is $10 per person (including shoe rental), per hour, Monday–Thursday. Reservations are recommended for Cosmic Bowling, Friday–Sunday, which costs $42 per lane, per hour, plus the price of shoe rentals.

West Seattle Bowl, Seattle

West Seattle Bowl has 32 bowling lanes, all equipped with bumpers for kids, and a full-service lounge and restaurant with a menu full of delicious comfort food. This West Seattle staple checks all the boxes.

Note: Three9 Lounge is 21 and older, so don’t head upstairs with kids.

Location: 4505 39th Ave. S.W., Seattle
Cost: Reservations can be booked online. Prices vary by time, ranging from $18–$42 per lane, per hour. Shoe rental is $5.

Spin Alley Bowling, Shoreline

We may be biased because Spin Alley Bowling is located right in our backyard in the quiet and quaint neighborhood of Richmond Beach, but it’s one of our favorite places to go on a rainy day. Spin Alley has ample lanes, an arcade full of vintage and modern games, and it’s connected to Vault 177, which delivers food and beverages right to your lane.

Location: 1430 N.W. Richmond Beach Rd., Shoreline
Cost: Bowling lanes cost $30–$40 per hour; pricing varies for peak and non-peak hours and days. Cosmic Bowling costs $40 per hour, per lane, Friday–Saturday nights. Shoe rental is $5 per person. 

Kenmore Lanes, Kenmore

Kenmore lanes is a massive bowling alley with 50 lanes. The bowling alley is also home to an arcade and the 11th Frame Restaurant and Bar. It’s recommended to call ahead to check lane availability and make a reservation. Are your kids avid bowlers? Kenmore Lanes offers a junior league on Saturdays for kids ages 4 to 19 years old. You can visit their website to learn more.

Location: 7638 N.E. Bothell Wy., Kenmore
Cost: Prices start at $6 per game. Shoe rentals are $4.

Kraken Community Iceplex, Seattle

Bundle up and head over to the Kraken Community Iceplex for fun on the ice. They offer public skates for all ages and skill levels and a tot play hour geared toward tinier skaters. Tot play hour allows little ones to skate, play with piles of snow and provides balls for added entertainment. They have an option to rent skates and skate-aid seals. You can also wear sneakers or boots if skates feel too intimidating. Helmets are highly recommended.

Insider tip: Grab hot cocoa after you skate. They have a Starbucks on the second floor of the Iceplex, and if you’re in need of more sustenance, grab a seat at 32 Bar & Grill. The restaurant overlooks the ice rinks, so your meal comes with free entertainment.

Check their website for hours for public skates and tot play hours.

Location: 10601 4th Ave. N.E., Seattle
Cost: Admission for tot play hour is $14 per adult; children 6 and under are free. Skate rentals are $6.50; skate-aid rentals are $9.50. Regular admission is $17.