Best Rainy Day Activities for Families in Jacksonville, NC

Don't let a little rain dampen your family fun! Jacksonville offers plenty of exciting indoor activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged, no matter what the weather brings. From interactive play centers to educational experiences, here's your complete guide to beating the rainy day blues.

🎯 Active Indoor Fun

Altitude Trampoline Park

Perfect for: Ages 3+ | Cost: $$ | Location: 1030 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC

Turn that rainy day energy into bouncing fun! Indoor adventure featuring interconnected trampoline surfaces, trampoline dodgeball, ninja warrior course with varying difficulty levels, and soft foam pit landing zones.

Activities:

• Open jump areas with trampolines for all skill levels
• Foam pit for safe jumping adventures
• Basketball hoops for aerial slam dunks
• Dodgeball courts for group fun
• Ninja warrior course challenges

Hours: Mon-Thu: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Fri: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sun: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bowlarena Lanes

Perfect for: Ages 4+ | Cost: $$ | Location: 433 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC

Features a snack bar, youth league, birthday parties, and a game room. Available lanes may be impacted by league play.

Features:

• Traditional bowling with bumper lanes available
• Game room with arcade entertainment
• Snack bar for refreshments
• Birthday party packages
• Youth league programs

Hours: Sun: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM - Midnight

🎨 Creative & Educational Activities

Zing Zumm Children's Museum

Perfect for: Ages 10 and under | Cost: $8 plus tax | Location: 625 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC

This non-profit children's museum features different sponsored exhibits aimed at children 10 and under. Admission is valid all day. The museum has different events, camps, and activities throughout the year and can be rented for parties.

Hours: Mon: Closed, Tue: 12pm – 5pm, Wed-Sat: 9am – 5pm, Sun: 12pm – 5pm

Onslow County Public Library - Main Branch

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: FREE | Location: 58 Doris Avenue East, Jacksonville, NC

The children's section features colorful, age-appropriate furnishings with an extensive collection of picture books, early readers, and juvenile fiction. Regularly scheduled story times, craft sessions, and educational programs.

Rainy Day Benefits:

• Free WiFi and computer access
• Comfortable seating areas throughout
• Climate controlled environment
• Educational programs and story times
• Community rooms for events

Hours: Mon-Thu: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sun: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

DIY Craft Adventures at Home

Perfect for: Ages 3+ | Cost: $ | Duration: 2-4 hours

Create your own indoor entertainment with supplies from local stores:

Easy Rainy Day Crafts:

• Paper plate masks - Let kids design their own characters
• Indoor treasure hunts - Hide items around the house
• Homemade play dough - Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring
• Coffee filter art - Create beautiful tie-dye effects
• Cardboard box creations - Build forts, cars, or robots

Where to Shop for Supplies:

• Dollar Tree (budget-friendly options)
• Walmart (variety and convenience)
• Local pharmacies (often have basic craft supplies)

🍽️ Cozy Dining Experiences

Family-Friendly Restaurants with Play Areas

Perfect spots to grab a meal while kids stay entertained - ideal for rainy day dining!

Blend Cafe

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: $$ | Location: 109 Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC

Locally owned waterfront destination with indoor seating and an outdoor covered patio. Features a dedicated kids' play area and kid-friendly menu options, making it perfect for rainy day dining.

Rainy Day Features:

• Indoor kids' play area to keep children entertained
• Kid-friendly menu with Belgian waffles, smoothies, and acai bowls
• Free WiFi for parents to relax comfortably
• Comfortable lounge seating with waterfront views
• Climate-controlled indoor environment

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sonic Drive-In - Western Boulevard

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: $ | Location: 471 Western Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC

Classic drive-in with an outdoor playground that has covered areas, plus the option to eat in your car during bad weather.

Rainy Day Options:

• Covered playground areas for light rain
• Car service - stay dry while kids eat in the car
• Quick service perfect for families with restless kids
• Famous slushes and kid-friendly menu items
• Sand play area under partial cover

Hours: Mon-Thu: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Sun: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Cici's Pizza

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: $ | Location: 1315 Western Blvd Ste 65A, Jacksonville, NC

All-you-can-eat pizza buffet with an arcade game room - perfect combination for entertaining kids during bad weather.

Rainy Day Benefits:

• Game room with arcade entertainment
• Unlimited food means no rushing kids to finish
• Climate-controlled comfortable environment
• Value pricing great for families on a budget
• Custom pizza requests to please picky eaters

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

🎮 Entertainment Centers

Glo Mania Lazer Tag

Perfect for: Ages 6+ | Cost: $$ | Location: 375 Western Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC (inside Jacksonville Mall)

Features lazer tag, arcade, and bookings for parties and events. Located inside the Jacksonville Mall with parking and food available nearby.

Activities:

• Lazer tag games
• Arcade with various games
• Party and event bookings
• Mall food court nearby

Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am - 8pm, Fri: 11am - 9pm, Sat: 11am - 10pm, Sun: 12pm - 7pm

MEGAPLAY Jacksonville

Perfect for: Young children | Cost: $$ | Location: 1233 Hargett St, Jacksonville, NC

Indoor playground experience designed specifically for young children featuring colorful, climate-controlled play facility with engaging playground equipment and toys that encourage active play and physical development.

Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 - 7 PM, Fri & Sat: 10 - 9 PM, Sun: 11 - 6 PM

Movie Theaters

Perfect for: Ages 4+ | Cost: $$ | Duration: 2-3 hours

Catch the latest family-friendly movies:

Family Movie Tips:

• Check for matinee pricing (often cheaper)
• Look for sensory-friendly showings
• Bring quiet snacks if allowed
• Choose age-appropriate films
• Consider Tuesday discount days

🏠 At-Home Rainy Day Ideas

Indoor Obstacle Courses

Perfect for: Ages 3-12 | Cost: FREE | Duration: 1-2 hours

Use household items to create fun challenges:

Obstacle Ideas:

• Pillow jumping zones
• Under-table crawling sections
• Tape lines for balance walking
• Stuffed animal tossing targets
• Furniture fort tunnels

Educational Screen Time

Perfect for: Ages 4+ | Cost: FREE-$ | Duration: 1-3 hours

Make screen time educational and engaging:

Recommended Platforms:

• PBS Kids - Free educational games and videos
• National Geographic Kids - Nature documentaries and facts
• Cosmic Kids Yoga - Active indoor movement
• Brain Games - Age-appropriate puzzles and challenges

Cooking and Baking Together

Perfect for: Ages 4+ | Cost: $ | Duration: 2-4 hours

Turn meal prep into family fun:

Easy Rainy Day Recipes:

• No-bake cookies - Simple and safe for kids
• Homemade pizzas - Let everyone customize their own
• Fruit smoothies - Healthy and colorful
• Decorated cupcakes - Fun and creative
• Trail mix - Kids can measure and mix ingredients

🧩 Quiet Activities for Calmer Moments

Board Games and Puzzles

Perfect for: Ages 4+ | Cost: $ (one-time purchase) | Duration: 1-2 hours

Build family connections with classic games:

Age-Appropriate Options:

• Ages 4-6: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, simple puzzles
• Ages 7-10: Uno, Connect Four, 100-piece puzzles
• Ages 11+: Monopoly, Scrabble, 500+ piece puzzles
• All Ages: Memory games, card games, cooperative puzzles

Reading Adventures

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: FREE (library) | Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours

Create cozy reading experiences:

Reading Activities:

• Family story time with different voices for characters
• Silent reading time with hot chocolate
• Audio books for listening together
• Create your own stories and illustrate them

🛍️ Rainy Day Shopping Adventures

Indoor Malls and Shopping Centers

Perfect for: All ages | Cost: FREE to browse | Duration: 1-3 hours

When you need to get out but stay dry:

Family-Friendly Shopping:

• Window shopping and people watching
• Food court meals and treats
• Play areas (if available)
• Bookstore browsing
• Toy store exploration (even if not buying)

Budget-Friendly Approach:

• Set a small spending limit for each child
• Focus on browsing and exploring
• Use it as educational time (counting, colors, reading signs)

📅 Rainy Day Planning Tips

Morning Preparation

1. Check the weather the night before
2. Plan 2-3 backup activities in case one doesn't work out
3. Gather necessary supplies before kids get restless
4. Set realistic expectations for energy levels and attention spans

Flexible Scheduling

• Start with high-energy activities when kids are fresh
• Include quiet time for rest and recharging
• Have snacks prepared to avoid hunger meltdowns
• Build in transition time between activities

Budget Management

• Set a daily spending limit for spontaneous purchases
• Combine free and paid activities throughout the day
• Pack snacks and drinks to avoid impulse food buying
• Look for rainy day specials at local businesses

🌧️ Making the Most of Any Weather

Positive Attitude Tips

• Frame it as an adventure - "Special indoor fun day!"
• Let kids help choose activities from your prepared list
• Document the fun with photos and videos
• Focus on family time rather than the weather

Emergency Rainy Day Kit

Keep a box ready with:

• Craft supplies (paper, crayons, glue, scissors)
• Board games and puzzles
• Playing cards
• Activity books and coloring books
• Small toys for different ages
• Healthy snacks
• Hot chocolate mix

Remember: The best family memories often come from unexpected days spent together indoors, creating your own fun and adventures!

Want more family activity ideas across Eastern North Carolina? Visit PlayventureGuide.com for indoor and outdoor activities throughout the region!