Let’s Explore 10 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in San Diego
Rain? In San Diego? Yes, the city is known for its perfect sunshine, but it occasionally gets rain now and then. Rain or shine, there’s no better way to spend the day than discovering San Diego’s cultural treasures. From interactive children’s museums to world-class art collections and a 64,000 sq. ft. aquarium, here are some of the best places to visit on a rainy day in San Diego.
USS Midway Museum
Downtown San Diego
There’s plenty to discover on the The USS Midway Museum even on a rainy day. The immense aircraft carrier is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and a rainy day may be smart way to beat some of the crowds. It’s a family friendly museum and kids are encouraged to climb in planes, push buttons, and pull levers. Visitors will learn all about the history of this iconic craft and her 50-year service, which spanned several wars and multiple campaigns.
Discover the Midway’s newest exhibits “Midway’s Engineers:Service, Sacrifice and Everyday Life,” which is focuses on the aircraft carrier’s engineering department. And, become engulfed in the sensory overload of a shipboard fire scenario when you step into the “Fire! Fire! Fire!” Midway’s most immersive experience yet.Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are outdoors, so be prepared for a little bit of weather.
San Diego Museum of Art
Balboa Park
A rainy day in San Diego is the perfect excuse to step inside the timeless beauty of The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. As raindrops patter outside, immerse yourself in the Museum’s world-class collection, from the grandeur of Spanish and Italian old masters to the intricate details of South Asian manuscript illustrations. Strolling through the galleries, you’ll discover European, Asian, and American masterpieces, each telling a story that transcends time and culture.
The museum’s rotating international exhibitions bring fresh perspectives, while the sculpture court and garden offer a tranquil retreat when the skies clear. With bilingual exhibition texts in English and Spanish, this cultural haven ensures that every visitor can fully engage with the art. Let the rain set the mood for a day of artistic exploration in America’s Finest City.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Balboa Park
Don’t let the rain dampen your day—head to the San Diego Air & Space Museum for an unforgettable indoor experience! Explore the wonders of aviation and space travel through interactive exhibits including the world premier of Da Vinci’s First Flight. Plus, now through March 16, San Diego Air & Space Museum and Birch Aquarium are teaming up so you can enjoy two incredible experiences at no extra cost! Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Show your receipt at Birch Aquarium’s ticket booth and get FREE admission.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the best of its kind in the country. It’s family friendly and – most of all – FUN! There’s so much to explore inside the Air & Space Museum that you’ll forget all about the weather outdoors.
Fleet Science Center
Balboa Park
Come in out of the the rain and explore the “Super Kid Friendly” Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 fun and interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity. Take a dip in our Ball Pool and let your imagination roam. Or become immersed in an IMAX film adventure and join Qian Qian on her exciting new adventures into the mountains of Sichuan as she experiences nature for the first time and discovers the freedom—and perils—of the wild side in the IMAX® original film Pandas—at the Giant Dome Theater.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Escondido
Looking for a FUN indoor space to burn off some energy?
A little rain is the perfect reason to head to the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido, where kids can explore, play, and learn—all indoors! Designed for children ages 0-10, this hands-on museum features over 15 interactive exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity. From science and engineering to art and storytelling, every activity encourages early STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning in a fun and engaging way.
Whether your little one is building, experimenting, or diving into imaginative play, SDCDM offers endless opportunities for discovery. Rain or shine, it’s the perfect spot for families looking to turn a gray day into a colorful adventure! Discover more here.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
La Jolla
Animal lovers who can’t take advantage of the San Diego Zoo on a rainy day should go online now and reserve a spot at the Birch Aquarium for a chance to encounter some pretty fascinating wildlife even in bad weather. Explore the fun with a side of science through interactive exhibits and new experiences including Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen, Riveropolis and Coral Classroom.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Balboa Park
Rain or shine the trains have to run on time, even at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. Come explore the 27,000 sq. feet of model trains, tracks and exhibits.
Big news! Kids 12 and under now get in FREE to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
At every twist, turn and tunnel, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum powers curiosity with re-creations of beautiful train routes, lively exhibitions and educational programming that encourages critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and you can find tickets here.
Museum of Making Music
Carlsbad
Rain or shine, there’s nothing better than spending the day indoors exploring the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. See hundreds of instruments on display from the last 150 years, hear a vast sampling of musical styles from yesterday and today, experience an immersive panoramic multimedia display and multiple hands-on opportunities, and reflect on what it means to make music in your life and in the world today. Find out more at here
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Balboa Park
The San Diego Natural History Museum is celebrarting its sesquicentennial—150 years of contributions to science and the community. From fossils and dinosaurs to live animals and immersive exhibitions, get to know the natural history of Southern California—from past to present—at The Nat. The Nat has four floors of FUN to explore with your kids plus a giant screen in their 300-seat, stadium-style theater now showing three films including Titanosaur. Plus you and the kids can find out what animals are up to at night in the all-new Caught on Camera exhibit.
WNDR Museum
Downtown an Diego
Art can feel magical. It can uplift, educate and even inspire. But in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, artists have reimagined that traditional art museum experience and created an interactive art gallery that is a must-see if you’re in San Diego. Find Tickets Here.
What makes the WNDR Museum San Diego completely unique is that it is purely immersive. Visitors can engage in more than 20 multi-sensory installations through sight, sound, touch and movement. And each visitor can make it their own. The museum has curated world-class art by provocative artists and continues to lean into cutting-edge technologies to enhance the experience.
San Diego Automotive Museum
Balboa Park
Rainy days are perfect for a trip to the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park. Cruise into the San Diego Automotive Museum for an experience that will take you on an amazing journey of design, styling, and horsepower! Plus, The San Diego Automotive Museum is thrilled to announce an exclusive exhibition showcasing some of the most iconic supercars of the 1980s and 1990s. This one-of-a-kind event will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to admire and learn about these legendary vehicles, which have defined the supercar era and continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Find your tickets to the FUN here.
Rainy Day Fun in San Diego (or any day for that matter)
This little list proves a little rain doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your visit to San Diego. These are just some FUN museum ideas for a rainy day in Americas Finest City. Get more ideas and explore the fun at more than 100 San Diego County regional, historic sites, gardens, parks, zoos, aquariums and more on the San Diego Museum Council Museum page here.
Explore the Savings & Fun of a Museum Membership!
Discover Year-Round Savings and Fun with San Diego Museum Memberships
A museum membership is your key to unlimited exploration, exclusive perks, and incredible savings all year long! Enjoy free admission, digital guest passes, discounts on ticketed events, and special savings at museum gift shops. Many museums also offer member-only programs, early registration for classes and summer camps, and other exciting benefits that make every visit even more special.
Plus, a museum membership makes a thoughtful and unique gift! Whether for yourself or someone special, it’s a perfect way to share the love of art, history, science, and culture while supporting San Diego’s vibrant museum community. With year-round access and exclusive discounts, a membership is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Explore the amazing museums in San Diego County and start enjoying the benefits today!
– Explore the Fun Here! –
Your Ultimate Spring Fun Guide: New Exhibits, Events, and Camps for the Whole Family!
Spring is here, and so is our Spring Fun Guide, packed with exciting new exhibits and events happening across San Diego! Whether you’re an art lover, science enthusiast, or history buff, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. From fresh exhibits at your favorite museums to special events and interactive experiences, this guide will keep your calendar full of family-friendly fun.
Plus, we’ve included a bonus guide to upcoming Spring and Summer Camps for kids, so you can plan ahead for an enriching season of hands-on learning and adventure. Don’t miss out on all the exciting things to do—check out the Spring Fun Guide today and start making the most of the season! Explore the FUN here.