Charleston is the place to go if you want to see exquisite pastel-colored houses and brave bay waves. Charleston’s downtown parks, beaches, and even the locations of the opening shots of the American Civil War are available to the public to recreate the historic occasion. It is, nonetheless, known for its gloomy heavy downpours. These are the best things to do in Charleston when it rains.
So, what do you do if you’ve planned a day of exploration and it suddenly begins raining? Will you cancel, reschedule, or stay at the hotel for the day? Certainly not! We’ve compiled a list of the best 10 indoor fun things in Charleston for you, ranging from discovering marine life underwater to dancing your heart out. The best activities to do inside in Charleston, South Carolina, while it rains are listed below.
1. Visit Candlefish and try your hand at manufacturing candles.
This paragraph explores the unique candle-making class hosted by Candlefish. With their schedule easily accessible online, it's simple to carve out time for this enlightening experience. Every week, expert chandlers lead seminars, purveying the age-old craft of candle-making. The class begins with the delightful scent of exotic elements like citrus and gourmand lingering in the air, immediately setting an enchanting atmosphere. The workshop equips you with all the needed glassware, and seasoned chandlers guide you through the process. The experience reaches its prime as you witness the "Be Your Own Boss" mantra in action, a philosophy signifying the freedom to creatively dictate your candle design. Unlike other activities featured in this article, the Candlefish class offers a hands-on experience where each participant births their own unique, scented masterpiece. It's more than just a class - it's an immersive journey in artisan-craftsmanship, culminating in your very own customized candle. So, take a delve into the sublime world of Candlefish candle-making, and create something uniquely yours.
At Candlefish, engaging candle-making classes await you. Mix and blend your favorite smells to create a customized candle. This hands-on experience is a highlight of the visit. Take a unique selfie at the Candlefish library with your candle, a symbol of your creativity and a keepsake from your visit. The candle you create is yours to bring home. Rekindle it to remember the workshop, filling your indoors with its pleasant aroma on rainy days.
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2. Take your kids to the Lowcountry Children’s Museum.
When unexpected showers dampen your kids' spirits, lift their mood with a visit to the Lowcountry Children's Museum. Perfect for a rainy day, this sanctuary of fun and education allows children to learn through interactive exhibits and activities. The standout features include puzzle games to enhance their problem-solving abilities and three-dimensional tools to improve spatial awareness. For a nominal entrance fee, this indoor retreat, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is as entertaining as any outdoor adventure. Open all year round, it's a convenient option for parents looking to engage their children productively. So, consider bringing your kids to explore and grow in a space dedicated to their creativity and development.
3. Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park will bring out your inner kid.
Introducing the Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park, a perfect venue for wholesome family entertainment. Here, you and your kids can burn off excess calories while having exciting indoor fun on trampolines. Dive into a thrilling round of trampoline dodgeball and test your agility on a distinct version of Wipeout tailored specifically for trampolines. When the sun goes down, our park becomes a glow-in-the-dark trampoline party. Expect an amplified experience, complete with lasers, bumping music, and blacklight. You never have to worry about time here. Non-stop entertainment awaits you!
4. Laugh out loud at Theatre 99 with comedians.
Theatre 99, nestled in Charleston, is a beacon of laughter and amusement, boasting a myriad of riveting performances. This theater group, noted for its significant contributions to the comedy scene, regularly showcases stand-up, music, and cabaret. For a refreshing escape from the gloom of a rainy day, indulge in the exhilarating humor of their improv comedy shows. Remember, these are unscripted performances - a testament to the spontaneity and creativity of improv comedy. For specifics on purchasing tickets and show schedules, please visit Theatre 99's website. So, when the mood strikes for an evening full of spontaneous laughter, don't skip Theatre 99!
5. See an IMAX film at Citadel Mall Stadium 16
If you're in the mood for a big screen adventure, Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX is your rainy day paradise. Enjoy a 3D movie and buttery popcorn with your partner as you escape the dreary weather. This theater caters to a wide range of movie enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse range of films, be it a gripping horror film or an intriguing independent cinema. The theater's state-of-the-art IMAX experience ensures you're not just watching the movie, but living it, with unmatched picture and sound quality. Whatever film you chose to enjoy, Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX promises a fun and entertaining getaway from the monotony of a rainy day.
6. Complete the riddles at Escape in 60 minutes.
"Escape in 60 offers a real-life adventure game experience akin to solving mysteries like Sherlock Holmes. Designed for small groups, this game is meant to challenge your problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. In this game, you'll find tips and clues scattered across the room to help you escape. Depending on your agility and experience, you can choose your own level of challenge. Feel your heart race during this 60-minute rush of adrenaline as you unravel mysteries, crack ciphers, and need to think on your feet. This game is an excellent choice for friends, families, or coworkers, allowing for unforgettable shared memories and improved team dynamics. Grab your team, and test your wits and agility at Escape in 60, and make your rainy day in Charleston a memorable one."
7. Visit the Citadel Mall and shop till you drop.
When rain clouds roll in, Citadel Mall serves as the perfect retreat for a day of indoor fun. Jam-packed with a large selection of shops and entertainment options, it's a hive of activity in any weather. The mall is vast and spacious, offering much more than just shopping options. You'll find a more than ample supply of well over 100 retailers, with beloved brands such as Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Target. You can also demurely step into somewhere chic like Belk or LOFT. Additionally, don’t forget to treat yourself at the VKSI Salon. For a gastronomic retreat, drop by their food outlets and tantalize your taste buds with delectable sesame burgers and more. With an exclusive play area, the children will be gleefully entertained as well. Among the bustling shops and eateries, you'll also uncover extra surprises like a cinema and a games arcade. The mall scores high on cleanliness, efficient layout, and stellar customer service, making it a pleasant destination for its visitors. No doubt, Citadel Mall turns a rainy day into an enjoyable indoor adventure.
8. At the Music Farm LESLIE – CD Release Show, make eye contact with your favorite performer!
The Music Farm, a beloved music venue in Charleston, holds approximately 200 events yearly. As a result, there's a strong chance you'll see your favorite artist performing live. The stage is open to a variety of genres, including rock, hip hop, EDM, bluegrass, country, jam, and alternative rock, inviting all artists to perform and receive a warm welcome from the local crowd.
On a rainy day, instead of staying in, consider heading to the Music Farm. This indoor music venue provides the perfect escape from the wet weather, allowing you to enjoy live music and stay dry. Before attending, we encourage you to explore the artist's previous work to enhance your live performance experience.
Few things are as exciting as discovering a new song, so why not replace your standard playlist with fresh tracks from a recent performance? Make sure to check out the Music Farm's upcoming events or buy tickets online to ensure you don't miss out on the next big thing.
Famed for its unique energy and buzzing atmosphere, the Music Farm guarantees an immersive live music experience that allows you to forget about the gray skies outside.
9. Pay a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art
Established in Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art stands as a testament to American art and culture. Even if your interests are diverse, you'll surely appreciate the burst of colors and creative expressions on display. The museum is, particularly, renowned for its impressive collection of American portrait miniatures, the first of its kind in the nation. These tiny masterpieces offer an extraordinary peek into the intimate lives of early American people and families before photography came into play. Apart from this, the Gibbes also showcases other notable American art collections and exhibitions, promising an enriching and comprehensive cultural experience. So why wait? Dive into the world of art at the Gibbes Museum and awaken your senses to a spectrum of creativity, history, and beauty.
10. Go to the South Carolina Aquarium to learn about aquatic life.
Experience a whole new underwater world at the South Carolina Aquarium. Located in Charleston, this aquarium is a haven for over 5,000 species - from sea horses, crabs, and tiger sharks to brook trouts, Spanish hogfish, herons, and pufferfish. The Touch Tank offers an immersive experience where you can feel the textures of purple urchins, Atlantic stingrays, hermit crabs, whelks, and starfish. The main attraction, however, is the Great Ocean Tank. This impressive two-story tank holds a remarkable 385,000 gallons of water, equivalent to just over half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Watch your favorite marine animals coexist in their natural environment, offering a fascinating and highly educational visual treat. The South Carolina Aquarium is not just a place for viewing marine life; it's a sensory expedition into the underwater wild offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
11. Calhoun Mansion
Charleston boasts colorful historic mansions, with Rainbow Row often stealing the spotlight. On a rainy day, however, consider switching your plans to a tour of the Calhoun Mansion. Unlike Rainbow Row, this tour is indoors, offering a cozy escape from the bad weather. Known for its unique architectural flair, Calhoun Mansion represents a different side of Charleston's rich history. Visitors can enjoy informative guides, exclusive exhibits and a journey through exquisite artifacts. Guests often remark on the immersive experience as they step back in time, confirming that the Calhoun Mansion tour is an excellent choice for a rainy day in Charleston.
Embark on a fascinating tour of the Calhoun Mansion, entirely indoors and designed to keep you comfortable. The tour, lasting roughly an hour, provides a unique glimpse into the mansion's intriguing journey over the years. Though it doesn't mirror its late 1800s original aura, the mansion uncovers a fascinating transformation which history and antiquity enthusiasts will adore. If the captivating Gilded era intrigues you or you harbor a curiosity for antiques, then this mansion makes the perfect visit. Despite not remaining untouched from the way it was in late 1800s, Calhoun Mansion offers an engaging insight into a rich historical era. Check out more information on visiting hours here.
Located in the heart of Charleston, the Calhoun Mansion stands as a symbol of grandeur and worldly connection. A visit to this opulent mansion is like stepping back into the Gilded Age, an era marked by elegance and wealth. This can be seen in its variety of beautiful antiques, each with its own story. As you walk through the mansion’s numerous rooms, you're greeted by a tapestry of global influences with pieces from every corner of the world.
The Calhoun Mansion not only tells the story of a bygone era, but also gives you a mini tour of the world, through its impressive international collection. Visitors will delight in the mansion's rich history and unique artifacts. This grand mansion with its global echoes is sure to be a memorable stop on your exploration of Charleston.
12. At Pounce Cafe, you may cuddle with cats.
Pounce Cafe, the only cat cafe in Charleston, is a quaint spot run by passionate female entrepreneurs. They partner with the Charleston Animal Society, assisting in the noble cause of helping cats become friendlier and adoptable. When you visit, you're not just indulging in a variety of refreshments in a relaxed ambiance, but also participating in fun indoor activities with the adorable resident cats. These cats are all up for adoption, presenting the perfect chance for you to bring home a new best friend on a gloomy day. Even if you can't adopt, your visit goes a long way in supporting animal welfare. Remember, every purr-fect break with these furballs can brighten up any day, raining or not.
Embark on a culinary tour in Charleston to brighten up a rainy day. Research online or ask locals to recommend the top restaurants in the city. Choose a group of these venues located close to each other for a convenient food crawl. Enjoy a diverse range of preparatory styles of shrimp and grits as an appetizer, followed by the city's renowned BBQ ribs as your main course, and end your tour on a sweet note with Charleston's iconic banana coconut cream pie. While indulging in these unique flavors and local specialties might require a larger wardrobe, the extraordinary culinary experience will prove it memorable. This indoor activity is an excellent way to explore the local culinary scene and stay dry, all while sampling some of Charleston's most authentic culinary offerings that should not be missed.
13. The Charleston Museum
Engage with Charleston's weather, come rain or shine, with a visit to the iconic Charleston Museum. This city is also packed full of distinct small-scale museums perfect for a rainy day. View Charleston's rich history in every museum corner. Expect insights into the city's cultural and historical heritage at the Charleston Museum. From Civil War artifacts to natural history exhibits, there's a lot to discover. Yet, the exploration doesn't stop there. Sprinkled throughout this historic city are smaller museums that offer more in-depth exploration. Keep in mind, every adventure within this city is a dive into Charleston's rich tapestry, a narrative that extends far beyond the confines of an "ancient city".
The Charleston Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Charleston's complex history. The museum hosts displays on a range of subjects including Native Americans, colonial settlers, and slaves. A challenging history is well-demonstrated, with a dedicated section commemorating Charleston's involvement in the Civil War. The museum appeals to history lovers with its wealth of engaging information to dive into. Aside from historical exhibits, the Charleston Museum showcases a wide array of natural history exhibits, beautifully curating the evolution of various species. An interesting highlight within these exhibits is a preserved mummy. Delve into the eventful history and nature’s marvels, under one roof in the Charleston Museum.
14. Visit Dock Street Theatre for a performance
Are you a fan of the captivating arts? Charleston, with its rich cultural tapestry, has much to offer, including the historic Dock Street Theatre nestled in the picturesque French Quarter. Known for its exceptional productions and historic charm, the theatre provides an immersive experience unlike any other. Whether it's a mesmerizing play or a riveting musical you're after, Dock Street Theatre is sure to deliver. Why not make the most of a rainy night in Charleston with a visit to this remarkable landmark? See for yourself why it's a must-visit destination on any cultural itinerary.
If you're planning a trip to Charleston, be sure to visit our majestic Charleston Theater. With more than 100 spectacular shows each season, you can catch a performance at any time. The size of the theater means you'll effortlessly find a seat that suits your budget. Its grand decor, full of local charm, is truly a sight to behold. The theater is renowned for fostering exceptional local talent who would appreciate your support. Furthermore, Charleston Theater offers more than just performances. From architectural tours to special events, there's always something extra to enjoy. Engaging in these offerings not only elevates your theater experience but also contributes to supporting the arts in Charleston.
Final words
These are the best things to do in Charleston when it rains. Keep these activities in mind and you will never hate rainy days in Charleston.
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