Things to Do in Florida When It Rains

By
Dawn Henthorn
Dawn Henthorn
Dawn Henthorn is a lifelong Florida resident and travel expert, former editor of Wire to Wire and Horse Racing Digest, and a journalist for Orlando Family Magazine.
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Updated on 06/26/19

While the weather in Florida is nice much of the year, it does rain. Of course, it depends on the time of the year whether rain comes in nothing more than a short shower or an afternoon thunderstorm. Neither usually last very long. However, during hurricane season, a tropical system may cause it to rain steadily for an entire day or more. Steady rain can also happen as low pressure systems make their way through the state just about any time of the year.

If you're visiting of Florida's theme parks, it may be an inconvenience, but it's easy to duck inside an attraction, restaurant or shop during a short shower or grab an umbrella during an afternoon thunderstorm.

But, what if the weatherman says the next day or two will be filled with lots of rain? It often spells bad news when it rains during your vacation, but the good news is that there is still plenty of things to do in Florida... both inside and out. Here are some of my rainy day favorites:

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What to Do When It Rains in Florida

Tropical storm force winds from September 2004's Hurricane Frances blow through trees in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Jose Jimenez/Getty Images
  • Get inside! A visit to The Florida Aquarium is a great way to “sea” life… and hide from the weather! Or, you can easily spend most of the day at the Orlando Science Center which is filled with hands-on exhibits and features a domed theatre and planetarium.
  • And, while you might not be able to make it to the links this weekend, how about playing through exhibits laid out like a golf course at the World Golf Hall of Fame?

Looking for more rainy day ideas? If you're vacationing in Florida's #1 destination city, try one or more of these 25 things to do when it rains in Orlando. Or, scroll through the following pages for suggestions for indoor attractions, adventures, entertainment and more. Each page lists things to do on a rainy day throughout Florida.

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Florida Indoor Adventures

Family enjoying Universal Orlando's Cabana Bay Galaxy Bowling.

Universal Orlando

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Florida Indoor Attractions

SEA LIFE Orlando Observation Window
Compliments of SEA LIFE Orlando

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Florida Indoor Entertainment

Pirates Dinner Adventure
Courtesy of Pirates Dinner Adventure

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Continue to 5 of 5 below.
05 of 05

Florida Indoor Malls, Movies and Museums

World Golf Hall of Fame
Marc Serota/Getty Images for the World Golf Hall of Fame

Often when it rains we head to the mall to shop or see a movie. Florida has many wonderful shopping locales, but also don't forget about museums and science centers. They are not only interesting, but educational (and, the kids don't even realize they are learning).

Malls

There are certainly more malls than are listed, but these are certain to provide some of the best shopping experiences.

Central Florida Malls:

  • Artegon Marketplace is Florida's largest artisan marketplace featuring completely unique shopping and dining experiences.
    Location: 5250 International Dr, Orlando
  • It joins the popular Ellenton Premium Outlets located in the southern section of Tampa Bay.
  • Location: 5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton
  • International Plaza and Bay Street in Tampa offers upscale shopping and a variety of dining options.
    Location: 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa
  • Tampa Premium Outlets is Florida's newest discount mall and by all accounts, one of the best.
    Location: 2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz
  • The Florida Mall in Orlando has so many unique shopping opportunities, including Carlos Bakery, American Girl and the new Crayola Experience.
    Location: 8001 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
  • The Mall at Millenia - Luxury mall with high end fashion, jewelry and decor.
    Location: 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando
  • Volusia Mall - A super-regional shopping mall.
    Location: 1700 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach

North Florida Malls:

  • Cordova Mall - Largest shopping center on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
    Location: 5100 N 9th Ave, Pensacola
  • Governor's Square Mall - A super-regional shopping center located in Florida's capital city.
    Location: 1500 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee
  • Jacksonville Landing
    Location: 2 W Independent Dr, Jacksonville
  • Miles Antique Mall - With over 500 vendors this is the largest antique mall in Florida.
    Location: 5109 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola

South Florida Malls:

  • Clinton Square Market - An old Navy coal depot turned shopping mall with  a variety of shops to browse until the weather clears.
    Location: 291 Front St, Key West
  • Dolphin Mall - Not only can you shop, but you can see a movie or bowl.
    Location: 11401 NW 12th St., Miami
  • Sawgrass Mills - One of the largest value shopping destinations in the country features hundreds of budget-friendly shops.
    Location: 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise
  • Town Center at Boca Raton - Large super-regional shopping center.
    Location: 6000 Glades Rd, Boca Raton

Museums

There are many more museums scattered throughout Florida, but these are some of the most interesting and visitor friendly.

Central Florida Museums:

North Florida Museums:

South Florida Museums: