Support Us Button Widget

The best way to spend a rainy day in Lakeland

Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25 to Oct. 10 in West Central Florida. You don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come — keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.

Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL

Storm season is on the horizon.

Photo by @skymaro_009

Table of Contents

We’ve got our rainboots ready, because the rainy season is underway. The Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25 to Oct.10 in West Central Florida, bringing frequent storms our way. Thankfully, you don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come. Keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.

Stroll through a museum

Take advantage of time inside to learn something new. See the latest exhibit at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, bring the kids to the Florida Children’s Museum, or let your curiosity take flight at the Florida Air Museum.

Play it out

Parents and caregivers can kick up their heels while little ones can get their energy out at indoor gyms and play-spaces like Little Lake Play, Kid Cafe, Sky Zone, and Urban Air Adventure Park.

An exterior view of the Treehouse at Bonnet Springs Park, showing lights from the windows.

Visit the Treehouse for some indoor fun at Bonnet Springs Park.

Photo by @phachszotos

Have a park day

Bonnet Springs Park offers many covered and indoor areas, so you can still have fun when the rain comes. We love walking through the Nature Center or picnicking at the Boathouse. Just pack an umbrella for the walk from the parking lot.

Strike out boredom

Here’s a fun way to spend your spare time: Visit Orange Bowl Lanes in north Lakeland or Bowlero in south Lakeland for a few games of bowling. This is sure to be right up anyone’s alley.

An open graphic novel with a cup of coffee on a table by a window looking out at trees

Watch the rain from the windows at the library’s Main Branch.

Photo by LALtoday

Find a new read

Is there anything better than flipping open a book while thunder booms outside? Head to the Lakeland Public Library to check one out, or visit one of Lakeland’s independent book shops for the latest bestsellers, classics, or gently-used books. We recommend sipping a local coffee while you read.

Lace up your skates

When clouds roll in, so can you. Visit Skate World for a day of roller skating, or work on your figure skating at the Lakeland Ice Arena. Pro tip: If you’re not an Olympic-level skater, both businesses also offer lessons.

Get your game on

Head to Family Fun Center for a variety of indoor arcade games + attractions perfect for all ages. Adults can continue the fun after dark by stopping by for drinks and games at Rec Room downtown, or going ax-throwing at Ax-Caliber.

Do you have another fun way to avoid the rain this season? Make like the rain and drop us a line — we may share your suggestion.

More from LALtoday
This new arts hub will open on Saturday, Nov. 1 with an art-themed kickoff celebration.
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Keep an eye out and perhaps you’ll see one of these cryptid creatures in Lakeland — or maybe it will see you.
Could this be the real estate deal of the century? Learn how Publix is buying two downtown buildings for $10 each — and what you could get for that same price.
Find discounted clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods at this national retailer’s first Lakeland location.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lakeland, FL.
Due to the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, new I-4 express lanes are coming nine years in advance between I-75 and County Line Road.
Do you prefer to live in the past, or are you looking ahead to the future? Compare a 1925 home with a newly built house that just hit Lakeland’s real estate market.