Let’s tackle a very important topic today, especially at this time of year when the weather is playing little jokes on us. If you follow me on Instagram you know that we go from blue skies, to snow, to rain in the span of an hour. We’re going to talk about 25 things to do in Toronto when it rains. There’s something for everyone. For people who prefer solo date, small group or family activities.
Don’t forget to join me on Instagram and Youtube to discover more content about life in Toronto.
Museums
Well, we’re not starting the list of things to do when it rains in Toronto with the most original suggestion, I grant you. Because we often think of museums when it rains. But that’s where we’ll start, to put the obvious activities out and offer you other options later on. With a bit of luck, it’ll be raining on the day when museums are free. To check that out, I refer you to my blog post on free museums in Toronto.
Ontario Science Centre
A must for rainy days. The Ontario Science Centre has something for everyone, from children to adults. You can check out the permanent and temporary activities and exhibitions on their website. Each activity has an age code to help you prepare for your visit.
Jumping on a trampoline
You think this is just for kids? I’ll stop you right there. I’ve been there before and it’s so good to bounce around for a few hours without thinking about anything else. It’s also a great stress reliever. You can even try out trampoline basketball at Sky Zone!
Arcade games
A change of scenary as we continue our list of things to do in Toronto when it’s raining. Looking for a little flashback to enjoy this rainy day in Toronto? I’ve got just the thing. There are several places in the city where you can play arcade games.
Some suggestions:
- The Rec Room, for a modern space
- Tilt Arcade Bar, for a vintage space
- Octozone for a very bright space
Reading at a café
Indoor roller skating
I tried out this activity a few weeks ago to celebrate Tim Hortons’ 60th anniversary. It’s so cool! I didn’t want to leave my skates. And yet we weren’t off to a very good start. The moment I stand up and realize how smooth the floor is … and how slippery the skates are. I told myself: this isn’t going to be as easy as the idea I had in my head. You can go to Rollerpony, they even give beginners’ lessons if you need a little help. You can also rent skates on site.
Play Ping Pong
In 2019, I celebrated my birthday at Spin on King West with my work colleagues. If you’re a bit competitive, you’ll have a great time and you’ll be dry! And they’ve got a bar, so you can have a drink there too.
Bowling
We continue with the things to do in Toronto when it rains, and we continue with the competitive activities. The best-known downtown venue is The Ballroom, and they’ve just opened another location at Yonge and Bloor. But you can also find slightly cheaper options around downtown, for example at Playtime Bowl.
Virtual reality games
So I didn’t test it in Toronto, but I did outside of the city. A little story time: the first year we were together, we were supposed to go hot-air ballooning, but that was cancelled because of the wind. In a hurry, I had to find an activity around our hotel. I found this, and it was not bad, and quite a surprising experience! While researching for this article, I found something similar in Toronto. At Levelup Reality Virtual Arcade in downtown Toronto. They have lots of options. It’s a pretty cool experience, but you have to be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Axe-throwing fun
Such a fun activity to try! And much more difficult than it looks. But still a great competitive group activity! I recommend BATL Axe Throwing, which has several locations across the city. They help you get to grips with the tool at first, and you can even organize tournaments if you feel up to the challenge. I tried it out and loved it!
Singing along to karaoke
Do you like singing in the shower? Maybe it’s time to take your singing to the next level and give yourself a moment of glory. I’ve already tried it, and it’s so much fun! You have small private rooms you can book, you choose your music, you have several microphones and even a small stage. Everything you need to live your best popstar life. I’ve tested Su Karaoke Bar on Yonge and Bloor and heard there are several nice ones on Spadina and Dundas. Depending on the location, they’ll have more or less French options, so be prepared to add to the difficulty of the rhythm… the language!
Board game cafés
We are adding one more option to the list of things to do indoors when it’s raining in Toronto: hang out in a board game café. There are several throughout the city. The best known is Snake and Latte, because they have several cafés in Toronto. It’s a good activity for a rainy day, but also a good way to try out new games you don’t know.
Visit the aquarium
At the bottom of the CN Tower is the Toronto Ripleys Aquarium. I wouldn’t recommend visiting the CN Tower when it’s raining in Toronto… simply because the view won’t be clear if it’s raining. But the aquarium is pretty cool, and if you’ve got kids they’ll love it!
Practice some sport
As I’ve already mentioned several times in my Youtube videos, sport is a big part of life in Toronto. You can take advantage of a rainy day to try yoga, spin, pilates or even relaxation sessions with sound therapy. Here are a few examples of studios:
Going to the pool
Yes, I know, I’m giving you an activity that won’t keep you dry. But there are several free indoor pools throughout the city. I invite you to check the information about community centres on the City of Toronto website. A great way to keep fit or practice your breaststroke before the vacations.
Going to the movies
I mentioned the cinema in my blog post on how to save on activities in Toronto. I mentioned it then because it’s cheaper on Tuesday nights, but we’re not going to choose when Mother Nature sends us rain right! It’s not necessarily easy at first when you arrive to follow the films, but it’s a good activity under shelter and in the warmth. You also have several options besides the giant Cineplex. You’ve got local cinemas that may have different programming. Or certain cinemas that also have documentaries or more specific offerings like HotDocs or the TIFF cinema on King West.
Rage room
Is the thought of a rainy day getting to you? Need to vent your anger? Was my recommendation above to go trampolining to relieve stress not effective enough? This new activity should help you release the tension. Enter a rage room. This concept has become very popular in recent years. You enter a room with a hammer in hand and you can destroy EVERYTHING!
Indoor obstacle course
I had the opportunity to try it out for a friend’s birthday party. Well, it’s very physical. So don’t expect a calm, relaxing activity. Wear running shoes and comfortable clothes. You’re going to jump, you’re going to cross, you’re going to climb. In short, you’re here to sweat. I recommend Pursuit OCR, and good luck!
Paintball
Laser game
Go to a show
Explore the PATH
Monography
Expressing your artistic fibre
Explore independent galleries
This last activity will require a little research on your part. It’s not the big names you see everywhere, yet small independent galleries often put on small exhibitions. It’s a way for them to showcase certain artists and drive people to their gallery. Don’t expect to spend all day there, but it’s a good reason to go to a neighbourhood you are not too familiar with. And to follow up with the other activities mentioned above.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list and that it’s given you some ideas for things to do in Toronto when it rains. Don’t hesitate to add your suggestions in the comments! If you’d like to discover other things to do in Toronto, there’s the version on what to do in winter in Toronto and what to do in summer in Toronto.
