How to spend a rainy summer day in Canberra
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Rainy summer day got you stuck inside? Good news – Canberra has plenty of indoor adventures waiting.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, get creative, or simply relax with a good book, here are eight ways to turn a grey day into a great one.
Browse a local bookstore
There’s nothing like curling up with a book on a rainy day, so why not choose your next read from one of Canberra’s independent bookstores? Paperchain Bookstore, The Book Cow , Book Lore, Book Face and Pulp BookCafé all have extensive collections of children’s and adult books, perfect for readers of all ages.
Book Lover’s Lane is also worth wandering through, with shelves filled with books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and more. All funds raised from your purchase go to Lifeline Canberra – another good reason to go book shopping.
Play inside
When it’s too hot to send the kids outside, indoor activities will become your new best friend. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Canberra.
Depending on what kind of activity you’re looking for – think: laser tag, bowling, play areas and more – this guide has 20+ suggestions for all ages.
Have young kids and would prefer to play in a space curated just for them? Here are six places for them to play indoors this summer.
Explore the national institutions
Summer means blockbuster exhibition time in Canberra, so why not make the most of the dreary weather and go explore the national institutions? Here are 10 blockbuster exhibitions to see – from riding The Korean Wave to exploring the colourful world of Kaylene Whiskey.
Hit the arcade
Set a new high score this summer at one of Canberra’s fun-filled arcades. Timezone Woden and Kingpin in the city both have PIXEL, the viral TikTok floor game that turns the ground beneath your feet into a dynamic playing field. iPlay in Belconnen has four bowling lanes, an arcade and laser tag, while Token Arcade & Kitchen will take you back in time with retro arcade games, and pinball. Whether you’d prefer classic or modern, there’s sure to be something for you.
Go to the movies
It’s not a groundbreaking idea, but it’s a great one. The cult movie nights at the National Sound and Film Archive are a fun experience for all ages, while Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight offer that more classic choc-top experience. Into international cinema and arthouse? Palace Electric Cinemas is the place to go.
Battle it out over Padel and Pickleball
Want to move your body but don’t have a gym membership? Head along to the Canberra Racquet Club (right across from the Fyshwick Markets) to shake up your fitness routine.
So enjoyable that you’ll forget you’re exercising, the 4,000-square-metre complex is home to six padel courts and four pickleball courts, offering a premium playing experience unlike anything else in Canberra.
And if that doesn’t inspire you to book a court inside, the clubhouse serves Redbrick coffee from 6 am until 8 pm every day and also has a fully stocked bar!
Cook up a storm
Test your skills in the kitchen when the day turns grey. Make sure to check out our extensive selection of recipes here – you’ll be sure to find something. From summer salads to kid-friendly meals, you can thank us later.
Get crafty at Instala DIY Studio
Perfume-making, candle-crafting, fluid bear creation, jewellery-making, and more. Instala DIY Studio is a great place to spend a rainy day. Perfect for doing something hands on and releasing your creative side, make sure you book in advance, so you don’t miss out on a spot!
