Fun Indoor things to do in the PNW during the long rainy season
When the Pacific Northwest's signature rain settles in, there's no need to let the weather dampen your spirits. Both Portland and Vancouver have plenty of indoor activities that showcase the region's creativity, culture, and family-friendly entertainment. Keep reading to learn how the locals survive the months of rainy gray weather and actually may even get excited about living in such a rainy climate with so many enjoyable activities to do all winter long.
Art Enthusiast's Paradise
Portland's art scene thrives regardless of weather. The Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum on the West Coast, houses an impressive collection of Native American art and contemporary works. With constantly changing visiting exhibits, there’s always something new and interesting to check out. For a more interactive experience, head to SCRAP PDX, where both adults and kids can participate in creative reuse art projects. In Vancouver, the Angst Gallery and Cave Gallery showcase local artists and frequently host workshops suitable for all ages. For example, Collage Laboratory and Open Mic Nights are long-standing hits on the calendar.
Family Fun and Entertainment
Families with children will love the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, featuring hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a submarine tour. Folks of any age can enjoy the mini-golf courses like Wonderwood and Glowing greens in Portland for some friendly competition with friends. The Vancouver Community Library not only offers books but hosts regular children's programs, story times, and teen events. For active entertainment, check out ClimbMax Climbing Center in Portland or The Source Climbing Center in Vancouver, both offering indoor climbing for all skill levels.
Indoor Soaking and Wellness
For a luxurious escape from the rain, Portland's wellness centers offer indoor soaking experiences. Knot Springs provides a social soaking circuit with hot, warm, and cold pools, along with saunas and steam rooms - all with views of the Willamette River. Cascada Springs Wellness Center offers a more intimate setting with private mineral soaks, infrared saunas, and therapeutic treatments. Both venues require advance reservations and provide a peaceful retreat during dreary weather.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in history at the Clark County Historical Museum in Vancouver, where interactive exhibits bring local history to life. Portland's Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education provides powerful educational experiences. Both venues offer student-friendly programs and rotating exhibitions. The Oregon Historical society is free to Multnomah County residents and also offers rotating exhibits focused on Oregon history, often with an emphasis on telling the untold stories of minority and marginalized voices. The immersive pop-up “Hopscotch” has become a mainstay in Portland and is the perfect rainy day activity. Enjoy their bar before or after for tasty an adventurous drinks and treats.
Culinary Adventures
Portland's famous food scene includes many indoor markets and food halls. The Portland Mercado offers a warm, dry space to sample Latin American cuisine, and includes a bar and small market. Transport to a warmer place by visiting tiki-themed Hale Pele with “thunder storms” and pyrotechnics on certain drinks, you’ll get that bit of winter escapism that true locals cherish. While Vancouver's Grains of Wrath Brewing provides a family-friendly brewpub atmosphere with activities for kids. Take a cooking class at Portland's Cookshop, with classes either geared toward adults or kids that focus on particularly exciting dishes or cuisines.
Creative Workshops and Classes
Both cities offer numerous opportunities for hands-on learning. Portland's ADX Makerspace provides workshops in woodworking and metal craft for teens and adults. WildCraft Studio brings in local artists to share their expertise from topics ranging from jewelry making to tapestry weaving and stained glass. Vancouver's Mint Tea offers various craft workshops, from tea blending to aromatherapy. The Portland Ceramic Lounge welcomes all ages to try their hand at pottery making.
For the Sports Fans
Sports fans can stay warm and dry while catching exciting indoor games throughout the rainy season. The Portland Trail Blazers play NBA basketball at the Moda Center, offering thrilling professional sports entertainment from October through April. The Portland Winterhawks bring high-energy hockey action to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Moda Center, while the Portland Indoor Soccer leagues provide fast-paced futsal matches at various indoor facilities.
Entertainment Venues
Catch a show at Portland's historic Hollywood Theatre or Vancouver's Kiggins Theatre, both offering screenings of alternative films and older classics with special matinees and family screenings. Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in Portland or Next level in Hillsboro features over an entire city block of current and retro gaming fun for all ages, while friends can collaborate at NW Escape Experience to use their wit to work their way out of an engaging escape room.
Remember to plan ahead for rainy day activities as they often become popular and booked out in advance. Check event calendars and make reservations where necessary. Now get out and enjoy all of the fun the Pacific Northwest has to offer!