Not every rainy day has to mean staying home. If the kids are climbing the walls, these are some of our favorite indoor destinations.
🎾 The Picklr
📍 2140 Fashion Center Boulevard, Newark, DE 19702
🕒 Hours (subject to change)
- Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
🎟️ Reservations required for most court times.
Why we love it:
- Indoor pickleball courts
- Beginner-friendly atmosphere
- Lessons and clinics
- Great activity for older kids and teens
⭐ Dad Tip: Reserve your court in advance because weekend times fill quickly.
⛳ Birdie’s Links & Drinks
📍 581 West Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709
🕒 Hours (subject to change)
- Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to midnight
Why we love it:
- Two neon-themed miniature golf courses
- Arcade games
- Food and drinks
- Great atmosphere for families
⭐ Dad Tip: Try to visit earlier in the day if you’re bringing younger children.
🎳 Lefty’s Alley & Eats
📍 36450 Plaza Boulevard, Newark, DE 19702
🕒 Hours (subject to change)
- Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Why we love it:
- Traditional bowling
- Duckpin bowling
- Arcade games
- Food and drinks
⭐ Dad Tip: This is a fantastic choice if you’re entertaining children of different ages.
🛝 Indoor Playgrounds
Kids Empire
📍 1450 Pulaski Highway, Bear, DE 19701
🕒 Hours
- Daily: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Why we love it:
- Large climbing structures
- Slides
- Ball pits
- Dedicated toddler areas
⭐ Best for ages: 2 to 10
Fun City Adventure Park
📍 30 Aleph Drive, Newark, DE 19702
🕒 Hours vary seasonally.
Activities include:
- Trampolines
- Climbing attractions
- Play structures
- Arcade games
⭐ Best for ages: 4 to 14
Sky Zone
📍 3700 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808
🕒 Hours vary by day.
Highlights:
- Wall-to-wall trampolines
- Foam pits
- Dodgeball
- Ninja courses
⭐ Best for ages: 5 and older
Urban Air Adventure Park
📍 5317 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
🕒 Hours vary by day.
Highlights:
- Trampolines
- Climbing walls
- Warrior courses
- Indoor playgrounds
⭐ Best for ages: 5 and older
☕ Dad’s Bonus Tip
Turn the rainy day into an adventure.
Try this itinerary:
Morning
🎳 Bowling at Lefty’s
Lunch
🍔 Crooked Hammock Brewery
Afternoon
⛳ Birdie’s Links & Drinks
Dessert
🍦 Ice cream on the way home
I would also consider adding a “Rainy Day Rating” system:
☔ Great for toddlers
⚡ Great for older kids
💰 Budget-friendly
🔥 Dad favorite
⏱️ Great for spending several hours
That would make your page feel much more like a guide and less like a directory.
Visit an Arcade
Arcades combine games, prizes, and family fun under one roof.
Popular choices include:
- Main Event
- Round1
- Dave & Buster’s
See a Movie
A family movie can be the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Many local theaters offer:
- Discount days
- Reclining seats
- Family-friendly showings
Indoor Swimming
Many local YMCAs and recreation centers offer family swim times throughout the year.
Why families love it:
- Burns energy
- Weather-proof activity
- Great for all ages
Create a Home Adventure Day
Sometimes the best rainy day activity is staying home.
Ideas include:
- Fort building
- Family board games
- Indoor scavenger hunts
- Baking together
- Movie marathon
- LEGO building challenges
Rainy Day Activity Checklist
When the forecast calls for rain, consider:
✅ Indoor playgrounds
✅ Children’s museums
✅ Libraries
✅ Bowling alleys
✅ Arcades
✅ Movie theaters
✅ Indoor pools
✅ Home activities
A rainy day doesn’t have to ruin your plans. Delaware offers plenty of family-friendly options that can turn a gloomy day into a memorable adventure.