Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, USA at dawn.

Rainy Day Fun: What to Do in Fort Lauderdale When the Weather Turns?

Fort Lauderdale, known for its sunny beaches and outdoor activities, occasionally experiences rainy days. While the sun might be hiding, there’s no need for your plans to be washed out! Whether you’re a local looking for indoor entertainment or a visitor seeking shelter from the storm, Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of exciting activities to keep you entertained when it rains.

Explore Cultural Gems

1. Museum Hopping: Fort Lauderdale boasts several excellent museums that are perfect for a rainy day. Visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale to admire its impressive collection of contemporary art, or head to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for a glimpse into the city’s history and beautiful gardens.
2. Historic Sites: Take shelter indoors while diving into Fort Lauderdale’s rich history. The Stranahan House Museum, one of the oldest structures in Broward County, offers guided tours showcasing the city’s past and its notable inhabitants.
3. Catch a piece of the moon at the Main Library: We have an actual piece of the moon on permanent display! The moon rock was officially dedicated to Broward County Library on Tuesday, October 23, 2007. Mrs. Eisele Black, a longtime member of the Broward Public Library Foundation, attended the ceremony with Apollo 7 Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham.

Indulge in Retail Therapy

1. Shop ’til You Drop: Rainy days are ideal for exploring Fort Lauderdale’s shopping scene. Las Olas Boulevard features a variety of boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs or treating yourself to a rainy-day splurge.
2. Indoor Malls: Seek refuge from the rain in one of Fort Lauderdale’s indoor shopping malls. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale offers a mix of upscale retailers and dining options, while Sawgrass Mills, a short drive away, is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States, ensuring you’ll find something special even on a rainy day.

Embrace Culinary Delights

1. The Elbow Room: Experience local nightlife and live music at the Elbow Room. Even our own Hockey champions visit this site often!
2. Cooking Classes: Channel your inner chef by taking a cooking class. Several venues in Fort Lauderdale offer hands-on experiences where you can learn to prepare everything from gourmet meals to sweet treats, making for a fun and educational indoor activity. Make your own pizza napoletana at Pumarola, a true Napoli experience (chef’s kiss). “Make your Nonna Proud”
3. Catch a mermaid show at The Wreck Bar: Did you know Marilyn Monroe engraved her name on the wood slab of The Wreck Bar, as well as a part of the movie “Analyze this” with Robert De Niro was filmed here? Famous since its inception in the 1950s, this historic destination is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the beauty of living mermaids from a porthole view while enjoying a tropical cocktail and dining on fresh seafood.

What to Do When It Rains with Kids

Fort Lauderdale provides plenty of family-friendly options to keep kids entertained on rainy days:

• Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science: Explore interactive exhibits and catch an IMAX movie at this educational hotspot.
• Indoor Play Centers: Check out places like The Main Fort Lauderdale Library, Funderdome or Monkey Joe’s for indoor playgrounds and activities.
• Aquariums and Zoos: Head to places like the Museum of Discovery and Science or Butterfly World, where kids can learn about local wildlife in a sheltered environment.

Plan Your Rainy Day Adventure

Next time the weather forecast calls for rain in Fort Lauderdale, don’t fret! With these diverse activities, you can turn a rainy day into an opportunity to explore, indulge, and relax in this vibrant city. Whether you’re discovering cultural gems, shopping indoors, savoring delicious meals, or unwinding with a spa day, Fort Lauderdale ensures there’s always something exciting to do, rain or shine.