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If you’ve ever had to cancel your family outing because of a rainy day, then this list is for you! Keeping a few weather-proof options in mind is always a good idea, just in case the forecast starts looking a little misty. From renowned Canadian museums to virtual reality centres, these are some of our favourite places to seek shelter when the clouds start gathering. There’s no better way of dialing into your sense of fun than by having a good day in spite of the weather report.

Chilliwack

• 1. Project Climbing

Chalk up your hands and pick a wall! This bouldering gym is a fantastic way to test your grip and mental agility in equal measure. Figuring out the best way to conquer the climbing walls here is often a group effort in problem-solving, and kids of any age will love the trial and error of getting to the top. For any new climbers in your group, the staff is always on hand to give safety lessons and technique tips. The bouldering walls aren’t high enough to require ropes, so getting to the bottom again is as easy as a small hop!

• 2. Chilliwack Museum

If you’re curious about what stories Chilliwack has to tell, then look no further! There’s a good reason why this local museum is a frequent field trip destination. Home to walk through exhibits and historical photos, visitors to the museum take a trip back in time to when Chilliwack was just a fledgling community. See how far things have come and trace back all the steps along the way.

Abbotsford

• 3. Castle Fun Park

Why stay cooped up inside when you could be playing underwater mini-golf? Castle Fun Park is a paradise for anyone who still takes pride in getting a high score. Their sprawling arcade has everything from pinball to whack-a-mole, so you’re sure to stumble upon an old favourite that you haven’t played in years. Then there are bumper cars, a bowling alley, a laser maze, and go-karts — we’ll run out of space if we list all the fun things to do here. Simply put, this is the pinnacle of local indoor play.

• 4. VRCORE

Level up your game with an immersive, family-friendly virtual reality experience! With hi-tech headsets on, get ready to step into a new world of playing, learning, or just straight battling. Kids interested in space can get an awe-inspiring tour of the galaxy, while more competitive types can challenge each other to a futuristic turf war. Check out their full list of programs; you might be surprised by some of the ways VR can be used!

Langley

• 5. Canadian Museum of Flight

For anyone curious about planes, this fascinating museum is dedicated solely to beautiful flying machines. Little ones will marvel at the impressive size and design of each plane—the perfect chance for a memorable photo. The impressive collection has aircraft from various times through history, including a Handley Page Hampden, a WW2 bomber that is the only one of its kind on display in the world!   

• 6. Vancouver Giants

Head to the Langley Events Centre for the fastest action in Langley! As you watch the hockey stars of tomorrow face off against each other, it won’t be long before you’re caught up in the excitement of play. With weekly tickets as cheap as $23, there’s always a reason to cheer this season. Visit the in-arena White Spot for dinner so you don’t miss a minute of the game!

Harrison

• 7. Agassiz Harrison Museum

Celebrating local, regional and national history, this museum shows how changes across the country impacted smaller communities over the years. Housed in one of Canada’s oldest wood Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) stations, the building itself is something to behold. With a collection spanning local biographies, antique maps, and newspapers dating back to 1923, this is an impressive archive of the past and an excellent spot to unplug and reflect on the eclectic stories of a community.

• 8, Harrison Hot Springs Indoor Public Mineral Pool

What better way to wait out the weather than in the healing, hot mineral waters of the Harrison Hot Springs Indoor Public Mineral Pool? It really is the ultimate form of relaxation after a long day. If you’ve never taken a dip in these famous natural springs, getting out of the rain is an ideal reason to experience how genuinely rejuvenating they can be.

Mission

• 9. Mission Museum

Mission Museum is a wonderful place to get a full scope of the area’s history and its place within the surrounding Fraser Valley communities. Housed in a historic 1907 building, the museum is right in the downtown core of Mission. Inside, you’ll learn all about the city, how it came to be, and of the area’s first people, The Stó:lō, “People of the River.” 

• 10. Clarke Theatre

Live theatre, film festivals, touring musicians— just a taste of what you can expect to see at this local theatre. With an upcoming calendar of events that spans a quartet of classic rock tribute acts, to a roster of films documenting mountain life’s beauty and adrenaline, you’re bound to find a good reason for a night out at the theatre.

Hope, Cascades & Canyons

• 11. Tashme Museum

A former Japanese Canadian internment camp during the Second World War, the site is now a historical museum dedicated to telling the stories from that harrowing time. A tribute to the prisoners who suffered there, Tashme has since become a symbol of our Japanese community’s heritage and pride. With its expansive exhibits, the museum hopes to create a dialogue with visitors about resilience and reconciliation.

• 12. Hope Arts Gallery & Gallery Gift Shop

A devoted hub of expression for the local art community, there are countless rainy day activities to explore at Hope Arts Gallery! The Gallery is the place to follow all manner of local artistic events, from live concerts, to pop-up art shows. And the gift shop will keep you well-stocked with vibrant pieces to give your home a bit of local flair. Whether you’re taking in an exhibition, attending a class, or further exploring with the gallery’s arts and culture map, you’ll find countless ways to be inspired here.