It doesn’t happen often, but when it rains in Newport Beach, the options for escaping the wet weather are endless. Of course, a day of splashing in the waves is less appealing, but there is plenty more to see and do in this city-sized playground.

Stay Dry & Have Fun with the Whole Family

If the weather has you stuck indoors with squirrely, energetic kids, introduce them to the unique and exciting indoor activities in and around Newport Beach. Check out Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park close to Disneyland, or head over to Sky High Sports, an indoor trampoline park. Teens (or kids at least 4 feet tall) will love K1 Speed, an indoor go-kart speed track with junior cars that go up to 20 mph. (Adult carts reach 45 mph!).

Blend entertainment with science and explore the immersive activities and installations at the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana (close to Disneyland). For rainy day activities with a twist, bowl at the neon, funky lanes at the Triangle or see a movie at the historic, single screen Lido movie theater and sit in the balcony seats. The Balboa Fun Zone has a sprawling arcade that would make for the perfect parents versus kids arcade game competition. Or, keep things mellow with an afternoon designing and painting pottery at Color Me Mine. 

The Discovery Cube – Santa Ana

Don’t Let the Rain Put a Damper on Kid-Free Fun

For some kid-free fun during a storm, start your day by getting wet indoors – with a sassy and sweaty workout at The Peach, a studio that focuses on cardio and glutes.

Wash up and get cultured with a visit to one of the many nearby museums, like Lyon Air Museum, Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society, or the Orange County Museum of Art. There’s even the Segerstrom Center for the Arts that hosts symphonies, plays, and dance performances at their multi-venue campus.

If art and theater aren’t your cup of tea on a rainy day, perhaps shopping is. At Lido Marina Village, you’ll find favorite luxury and coastal brands as well as chic options for grabbing lunch, like Malibu Farms. There’s even a picture-perfect hole-in-the-wall bookstore, Lido Village Books, that is perfect for perusing on a dreary afternoon. 

Once happy hour hits, there are plenty of options for enjoying the rain with libations in hand. Wine taste at the wonderful Orange Coast Winery, sip on mai tais at Billy’s by the Beach, or enjoy the lively ambiance at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. Then, end the day with some great live music at The Blue Beet, a small music venue right at the Newport Pier. 

Lido Marina Village 

Tip #3: Live Like a Local & Stay at a Cozy Newport Beach Vacation Rental

Stay at an oceanfront vacation rental and watch the storm roll in while you and the family cozy up to a fireplace and play board games or binge watch movies until the storm blows over! However you spend your rainy day, make sure to brave the outdoors the following morning to enjoy the clear skies and puffy clouds that surely await!

Check out these cozy home away from homes that are perfect for every season in Newport Beach!

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