Rain in Boston is real. The city gets about 130 rainy days a year, which means if you're visiting for a week, you'll probably have at least one. Good news: the indoor activity scene here is genuinely strong. Between escape rooms, adventure parks, trampoline parks, indoor playgrounds, and a butterfly conservatory, a rainy day in Boston doesn't have to derail your trip.
Best Rainy Day Picks by Age
For All Ages
Space Zero ⭐ 4.9 — $60–$90 for 4 Creative indoor play space with themed zones that feel genuinely imaginative. Good for toddlers through early elementary. Bring socks — required. Morning weekday sessions are the least crowded.
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory ⭐ 4.8 — $65–$85 for 4 A greenhouse with 4,000 free-flying butterflies from 25+ species. Adults ~$17, kids ~$11. No restaurant — bring snacks. Wear bright colors and the butterflies will land on your kids. This is an experience that genuinely surprises everyone.
Tropical Forest ⭐ 4.9 — Free Small tropical forest exhibit with live plants and wildlife. Free access. Call ahead for current hours before making the trip.
For Ages 6 and Up
Trapology Boston ⭐ 5.0 — $100–$130 for 4 The highest-rated family activity in Boston, and it's all indoors. Themed escape rooms with genuine tension and satisfying puzzles. Book a private room for your family. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for the story briefing. First-timers under 13 should start with a beginner room.
Activate Games ⭐ 4.9 — $100–$140 for 4 Physical video game challenges in rooms that react to movement. Wear athletic clothes. Teams of 2–6. Younger kids (7–9) may need help from a parent on some challenges.
Museum of Illusions Boston ⭐ 4.7 — $75–$95 for 4 Optical illusions, holograms, immersive photo rooms. Near Faneuil Hall. Adults $22–$25, kids $16–$18. Buy online at moiboston.com — walk-up lines on rainy weekends are particularly bad.
LEGO Discovery Center Boston ⭐ 4.0 — $80–$100 for 4 Huge LEGO builds, 4D cinema, and MINILAND Boston. Adults $25, kids $20. Rainy days mean heavy demand — book timed entry online before you arrive.
Adventure Parks and Trampoline Parks
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park ⭐ 4.5 — $100–$150 for 4 Trampolines, zipline, ropes course, climbing walls — one of the most complete indoor adventure venues near Boston. Get the Ultimate Pass, not the cheap base package. Serves food on-site.
Launch Family Entertainment Park — Methuen ⭐ 4.5 — $90–$120 for 4 Laser tag, ropes course, rock climbing, bumper cars, arcade. Open 7 days a week. Limited food — plan a meal nearby. 45 minutes from downtown Boston.
Launch Family Entertainment Park — Woburn ⭐ 4.4 — $100–$140 for 4 Same concept as Methuen, closer to Boston, with a restaurant on-site. Closed Mondays.
Launch Family Entertainment Park — Norwood ⭐ 4.2 — $100–$135 for 4 Same proven combination, south of Boston. Closed Mondays. On-site restaurant.
Launch Family Entertainment Park — Westboro ⭐ 4.2 — $95–$130 for 4 West of Boston. Closed Mondays. On-site restaurant.
XtremeCraze — Woburn ⭐ 4.4 — $90–$120 for 4 Laser tag, indoor playground, video arcade. Closed Mondays.
Nova Adventure Park — Lynnfield ⭐ 4.4 — $90–$120 for 4 Climbing, jumping, physical challenges. Check the website — activities change seasonally.
Altitude Trampoline Park — Marlboro ⭐ 4.4 — $75–$105 for 4 Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, basketball. Open 7 days from 10am. Good for school vacation week planning.
Sky Zone — Everett ⭐ 4.0 — $80–$110 for 4 Trampolines, ninja warrior course, dodgeball. Buy 90-minute sessions minimum.
Jump On In ⭐ 4.2 — $70–$100 for 4 Trampoline park and adventure center. Arrive early in the session.
Indoor Playgrounds
Kidztopia — West Roxbury ⭐ 4.7 — $55–$75 for 4 Multi-level climbing structures, toddler soft play area, arcade. Good for mixed-age families. Kids $14–$18.
VinKari Safari ⭐ 4.7 — $60–$90 for 4 Safari-themed indoor playground. Kids $15–$22, parents free or minimal. Arrive near session start.
Cowabunga's — North Reading ⭐ 4.5 — $55–$80 for 4 Classic multi-level tube structure with slides and tunnels. Kids $12–$15. Snack bar on-site. Closed Mondays.
J7 Adventureland — Burlington ⭐ 4.4 — $50–$75 for 4 Indoor playground in Burlington's Middlesex Turnpike complex. Limited food — eat nearby. Burlington Mall is steps away.
Play Union — Somerville ⭐ 4.7 — $30–$45 for 4 Calm, thoughtfully designed indoor play for infants and very young kids. Purpose-built for small children. Modest admission. Nearby food on Somerville Ave.
Little Lovage Club ⭐ 4.4 — $40–$60 for 4 Sensory play and learning space for babies through early elementary ages. Drop-in around $15–$20. Beautifully designed.
Adventure Nest — Waltham ⭐ 4.1 — $30–$50 for 4 Specialized indoor soft play for infants and very young kids. Session-based — check adventurenest.org for current rates.
At the Zoo (When It's Not a Downpour)
Franklin Park Zoo ⭐ 4.4 — $80–$110 for 4 Has indoor exhibits that work fine in light rain. The Tropical Forest building and bird aviaries are roofed. Not ideal in a heavy downpour, but manageable in a drizzle.
Stone Zoo ⭐ 4.3 — $75–$100 for 4 Compact enough to do quickly if the weather turns — you're not stuck walking 100 acres. Good for light rain days.
Rainy Day Tactical Tips
Check open days before you go. Multiple venues are closed Mondays: Launch (all locations), XtremeCraze, Cowabunga's. A rainy Monday shows up constantly as a trap.
Book ahead on rainy days. Escape rooms and LEGO Discovery Center fill up fast when everyone in Boston pivots indoors at the same time. Don't just show up.
Rainy = indoor peak traffic. If it's raining and you don't have a reservation, skip the popular downtown venues and head to a suburban indoor playground (Kidztopia, Cowabunga's, J7). They're less likely to be packed.
For toddlers on rainy days: Play Union ($30–$45) and Adventure Nest ($30–$50) are the most purpose-built options. The big adventure parks are too intense for under-4s.
KidPort at Logan Airport — If you're flying out on a rainy day, this free airport play area turns the wait into something useful.