Museums & Art Galleries
Back to Top of ListRhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum
The RISD Museum is home to more than 100,000 works of art spanning centuries of history, from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. This isn't your typical stuffy museum experience. You'll find fascinating exhibits around every corner, such as Egyptian mummies or modern installations, which challenge how you think about art. The museum is spacious enough to explore for hours, and you'll stay completely dry while discovering incredible art from around the world. (Insider tip: Sunday admission is free for everyone, and children under 18 are always free!)
WaterFire Arts Center
This contemporary gallery showcases rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists. The WaterFire Arts Center also features a unique gift shop with exclusive WaterFire merchandise and local gift items you won't find anywhere else, perfect for picking up something special while staying out of the rain.
Family-Friendly Indoor Activities
Back to Top of ListProvidence Children's Museum
Consistently ranked as one of Providence's top family attractions, the Providence Children's Museum keeps kids engaged for hours. The exhibits cover everything from local history to hands-on science activities, building areas and a special treehouse environment designed for the youngest visitors. The museum is designed for active play, making it perfect for burning off energy on rainy days. (Insider tip: Allow at least two to three hours for your visit.)
Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
While the zoo might not be ideal in the rain, the Museum of Natural History at Roger Williams Park is perfect for indoor exploration. Current exhibits include "Circle of the Sea" and "Urban Wildlife," offering fascinating insights into the natural world. The planetarium shows (weekends at 2 p.m.) provide a unique way to explore the cosmos while staying warm and dry.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Step into New England's largest glasshouse display garden at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center and forget about the weather outside. Four distinct greenhouse areas offer different environments to explore, from tropical plants to seasonal displays. The center provides both guided tours and quiet spaces with benches for relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to check the calendar for art classes, book clubs, story time and the always popular Fairy Garden Days.
Educational Experiences & Classes
Back to Top of ListGather Glass Blowing Studio
Learn the ancient art of glassblowing at Gather Glass, where you'll create something uniquely yours. Make ornaments, vases, pint glasses or decorative pieces in this hands-on experience. If working with hot glass isn't for you, hop next door to The Cold Work Studio at Gather Café for an ice cream-making class that lets you craft your favorite flavor from scratch. Classes fill up quickly, especially on rainy days, so reservations are recommended.
Historic House Museums
Dive into Providence's rich history at the beautifully preserved Governor Henry Lippitt House and John Brown House museums. Both offer guided tours that bring early Providence history to life, showing how the city evolved from colonial times to the present day.
Guided Tours & Entertainment
Back to Top of ListExperience Rhode Island Tours
Stay comfortable while exploring with Experience Rhode Island's guided bus tours, which showcase the best of Providence and the surrounding areas. Popular options include the "Discover Providence" city tour and day-long tours for those wanting to see more of the state without dealing with parking and navigation in the rain.
Comedy Bus
The Comedy Bus is a unique Providence experience that combines sightseeing with comedy entertainment. Local comedians lead tours that include stops at Providence restaurants and breweries, creating a perfect blend of humor, food and local culture. The Comedy Brunch tour adds breakfast treats and drinks to the mix. (Note: Tours are 21+ due to R-rated content.)
Shopping & Dining Destinations
Back to Top of ListProvidence Place
When the weather turns nasty, do what every '80s kid would do. Head to the mall! Providence Place offers everything you need under one roof. Beyond traditional shopping, you'll find dining options like Panera Bread, P.F. Chang's and Fogo de Chão, plus arcade games and interactive fun at Dave & Buster's and Level 99. (Insider tip: For a more grown-up experience, take a walk across the skybridge to the Omni Providence for a cocktail at Fleur.)
Farm Fresh Rhode Island
The indoor marketplace at Farm Fresh brings together local vendors under one roof, featuring New Harvest Coffee + Spirits, Wright's Creamery and Robin Hollow Flowers. During the cooler months, the indoor farmers market and Providence Flea provide more shopping and browsing opportunities. Be sure to put up your umbrella and head next door to Buttonwoods Brewery or across the street to ISCO for more local beer and spirits.
Nearby Attractions Worth the Drive
Back to Top of ListRiddle Room
Escape rooms provide perfect rainy-day entertainment for groups. Riddle Room in Warwick offers multiple themed challenges that test problem-solving skills, while keeping you completely dry and entertained.
Topgolf Rhode Island
Practice your golf swing in heated, covered bays while enjoying food and drinks. Topgolf Rhode Island in Cranston works for all skill levels and provides entertainment value beyond just golf. It's social, active and completely weather-proof.
R1 Indoor Karting
When you need to burn off energy R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln delivers with go-kart racing, axe throwing and other active entertainment options. It's perfect for groups looking for excitement regardless of outside weather conditions.
