We might be in the Sunshine State, but we do get our fair share of rainy days. Or, more typically, afternoon thunderstorms that splash down and leave before you have a chance to get your umbrella. But don’t worry, Fort Lauderdale is full of fun and exciting indoor activities for a rainy day.
Artful Outing
Run for cover at the many art museums throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. In downtown Fort Lauderdale, the NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale boasts 25,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with sculptures, paintings, mixed media, photography, and more. The Coral Springs Museum of Art in Coral Springs also offers rotating exhibitions from local and internationally recognized artists. For a more hands-on activity, head to the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, where you can create your own masterpiece.
Chalk It Up To Science
If science gets your senses tingling, the sprawling Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale will keep you busy all day long. Spanning two floors, there are more than 200 interactive exhibits the whole family can enjoy. Get up close and personal with dinosaurs, experience Antarctica’s glaciers, or catch a movie at the five-story-tall IMAX theater. While you’re there, pay a visit to the museum’s resident otters as they swim and play in the Otter Habitat on the first floor.
Pick Your Favorite Beer
Breweries are popping up faster than a summer sun shower throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale; certainly too many to name in just a few sentences! Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park has plenty of beers on tap as well as a full kitchen, games, TV sets, and tours of the facility each weekend. Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale also has an extensive food menu and beers on tap to enjoy while you play cornhole with friends, and LauderAle is conveniently located right by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, so take a friend after scooping them up at arrivals. Gulf Stream Brewing Company in Fort Lauderdale has lots of events and games as well as a wide range of brews on tap – including the official Visit Lauderdale Everyone Under the Sun beer – paired with its delicious pizza. Each of these breweries offer indoor and outdoor options, so you can enjoy local brews rain or shine. For the full brewery experience, download the Ale Trail Passport to your phone to keep track of each brewery you visit and to indulge in discounts and savings at each participating location.
Catch A Movie
See your favorite stars on the big screen at movie theaters throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. There’s probably one just around the corner from you, but if you ask a local, they’ll point you to the classic Gateway Cinema in Fort Lauderdale. Open since 1951, it’s seen its share of blockbusters, film festivals, and indie flicks, and was the location of the premiere of “Where the Boys Are” in 1960.
Local Flair
Rainy days are also a good opportunity to check out those cultural sites that you haven’t had a chance to experience yet. Wreck Bar at B Ocean Resort is a must-see for its daily mermaid shows, entertaining visitors since it got its start in the ‘50s. Historical homes that can be enjoyed on rainy days include the Historic Stranahan House Museum and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, both located in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the Old Davie School Museum in Davie and the Sample-McDougald House in Pompano Beach.
Go Shopping
You’ve earned it, so treat yourself to a trip to one of the many many malls and shopping centers throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. The Sawgrass Mills outlet mall in Sunrise is the most impressive, with more than 350 stores, including 70 luxury brands. Nearby in Plantation is Broward Mall with department stores Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s, as well as your favorite brands. The mall also features Young at Art Museum and Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway is the two-story Galleria Fort Lauderdale, with department stores Macy’s and Dillards as well as H&M.
Enjoy A Show
Escape the rain and cozy up for some live theater at the endless venues throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Parker (formerly known as The Parker Playhouse) in Fort Lauderdale both offer jam-packed schedules of musicals, plays, comedy, music, and more. The Coral Springs Center for the Arts also celebrates the performing arts with more than 200,000 visitors per year. For concerts, the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise draws some of the biggest musical acts, from rappers and bands to orchestras and pop stars. LGBT theater takes center stage at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors.
Indoor Sports
With laser tag, go-karts, and other indoor games, staying inside has never been more fun. Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale will tap into your inner kid with a trampoline park, escape rooms, arcade games, laser tag, go-karts, and other high-energy games. Dave & Buster's in Hollywood also has loads of games, from arcade games and billiards to a thirst-quenching bar menu. The same fun can be found at Off the Wall, which has locations in Davie and Coconut Creek. If your little ones have energy to let loose, Rocket World in Pembroke Pines is the perfect place to let them run wild through the space-themed indoor playground. And if you’ve ever wanted a taste of skydiving, head into the wind tunnel at iFly in Davie for the indoor version of the extreme sport. Finally, channel your inner Spider-Man and climb the walls at projectROCK in Oakland Park. You can also try your hand at bouldering, rappelling, lead climbing, and other activities.
Out-Of-The-Ordinary Indoor Date Night Ideas
Running out of fun date night ideas for you and your honey in Greater Fort Lauderdale? Trust us when we say this vibrant destination has an abundance of exciting indoor activities to make your special day out on the town unforgettable.
Schedule a candle-making class at Candle Land on Las Olas Boulevard, where you can choose your vessel, scent, and decor for a candle to take home. While you’re waiting for it to set, keep the romance going with a walk down the street for a meal and something sweet.
Another artistic date night is getting messy with a glow-in-the-dark splatter room at Pinspiration in Davie. If you’re looking for something a little more active, there’s always ax throwing! Take your pick from Chops + Hops Axe Throwing Lodge in Flagler Village, Extreme Axe Throwing Hollywood, or Axe Throwing Society in Pompano Beach. And for the more traditional, reserve a lane at Bowlero, with three locations in Dania Beach Pointe, Tamarac, and Davie, for bowling and beers.