things to do on a rainy day

18 JANUARY 2023

Let’s face it, you won’t need to draw on these too regularly in sunny Brisbane, but it’s good to have some rainy day go-tos in the back pocket! From creative experiences for culture vultures to adrenaline-inducing activities and physical family fun, Brisbane offers a range of indoor experiences to suit all ages, interests and budgets.

People walking around inside QAGOMA

Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), South Bank

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) 

QAGOMA is Queensland’s premier destination for the visual arts and home to two neighbouring gallery buildings in the heart of Brisbane’s bustling cultural precinct. Browse ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary and historical Australian and international art, participate in free and ticketed programs and special events, indulge at GOMA’s award-winning restaurant or outdoor cafés, and pick up a memento at the famous QAGOMA Store. 

Brisbane Powerhouse 

A magnificent coal-fired power station of the 1920s reborn as a riverside arts centre, Brisbane Powerhouse presents a year-round program of more than 1250 performances, spanning live music, contemporary performance, theatre, dance, cabaret and more. It’s also home to heritage-listed graffiti, riverside bars and restaurants, visual arts exhibitions and the brand-new Powerhouse Store (P.S.) - home to a gorgeous selection of handmade objects and utilitarian design pieces from considered brands around the world. 

The Jungle Adventure Play  

Open seven days, Queensland’s largest indoor play centre is a world of fun and entertaining experiences for ages 1 to 100. The sprawling 800sqm indoor playground for intrepid explorers includes jungle-themed climbing walls, a ‘treetops’ high ropes course, a 16-hole Mini Golf Safari and Brisbane’s best Indoor Ninja Course, plus the Base Camp Café and Vines restaurant to recharge and refuel. 

Elizabeth Picture Theatre  

The Elizabeth Picture Theatre in Brisbane City is an ode to the golden age of cinema. Boasting five screens, two bars and ornate foyer spaces adorned with stained glass windows and leather couches, the inner-city picture house blends heritage charm with state-of-the-art technology, plus three ‘Royal Rooms’ with full food and beverage service and luxurious reclining armchairs.  

Iceworld Olympic Ice Rinks  

Rug up, lace up your skates and head to Iceworld – Brisbane's home of indoor ice skating. Providing exclusive access to Olympic-size ice rinks across two locations in Brisbane’s north and south, Iceworld is a winter wonderland for skaters of all ages and experience levels, offering 2hr skating sessions seven days per week.  

Slideways Go Karting  

Got the need for speed? Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at Slideways Go Karting – Brisbane's premier multi-level indoor go karting track. Catering to both first-timers and seasoned racers, Slideways Go Karting offers both ‘family’ sessions and ‘pro’ sessions, plus extended hours during school holidays for maximum fun. 

State Library of Queensland 

The State Library of Queensland presents an exciting and diverse public program of events, exhibitions and workshops, and almost everything is free. Visitors can let their imaginations soar at State Library’s crafty and creative workshops for ages 0 – 12, experience authentic First Nations workshops and performances or explore the state’s largest collection of Queensland stories.  

Urban Xtreme 

Run, leap, jump, climb and vault at Urban Xtreme; Brisbane’s home for adventure sports training and entertaining. Celebrating the fun in fitness, Urban Xtreme offers 10 awesome activities under one roof, from indoor trampolining and dodgeball to parkour and rock-climbing, plus Queensland’s only indoor simulated ski slopes

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium 

Located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-Tha, the Planetarium is home to the Cosmic Skydome – a 12.5m projection dome that presents a year-round program of entertaining and informative shows. With its interesting exhibits, interactive displays and ‘stargazing tours’ of Brisbane’s night sky, kids and adults alike are blown away by this unique Brisbane experience.   

Wintergarden 

The Wintergarden in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall is a one-stop-shop for indoor family fun. Lace up your retro bowling shoes for an afternoon of old-school fun at Strike Brisbane City and keep the party rolling with laser tag, private karaoke rooms and exciting escape rooms. Grab food and drinks from the bar or finish the experience with a Grill’d in the Wintergarden.

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