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When the rain is coming down in buckets it’s easy to want to spend the day posted up on the couch for a movie marathon with an extra-large pizza. The promise of comfort and warmth seems too good to pass up. Still, there are only so many hours you can spend in front of the television before you start to feel a little restless. 

Here’s the good news: Even in the stormy weather, our city is full of fun things to do that will get you up off the couch and out of the house. 

This list of rainy day activites is sure to keep you busy and, most importantly, dry.

1. Visit a Museum
(Out-of-towners or anyone staying in a participating hotel in the month of February should take advantage of Seattle Museum Month, in which you’ll get half-off museum admission during your stay.)

From Saturday, February 13 to Sunday, February 21, the Seattle Aquarium presents Octopus Week, a whole nine days devoted to the giant Pacific octopus. Expect hands-on activities for kids, octopus feedings and a live octopus release, when Kong, the aquarium’s male giant Pacific octopus, will be returned to the Puget Sound at noon on February 15.

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a Rainy Day Building Hop that enables zoo-goers to navigate different covered and indoor animal habitats without getting wet. Rainy Day Discounts are also available on select days, depending upon weather forecasts and projected attendance. 

Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty, is still on display through May 15 at the Experience Music Project (EMP). Organized as part of Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Hello! showcases rare and unique HK-inspired pieces alongside mixed media works from contemporary artists around the globe. Admission to the exhibit is included in the EMP ticket price.

Through March 27 at the Frye Art Museum, Seattle artist Cris Bruch showcases his sculpture in Others Who Were Here, an exhibition of new works inspired by his investigation into his family’s roots as dryland farmers in eastern Colorado during the first half of the 20th century. Stay in the know on the Frye’s various events, such as storytelling with art for children and painting workshops with local instructors.

 

2. Attend a Reading

Capitol Hill’s Elliott Bay Book Company hosts events like story time, staged reading performances and author readings that are generally free of charge. On Sunday, February 14 at 6 p.m., the Seattle Playwrights’ Circle returns to present a staged reading of Angie Venturato’s new play, Penance, about a ship officer who is forced to work with an ex-con. Each new work-in-progress is performed in a lightly staged reading by local professional actors. All are welcome to attend and there is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

3. Pamper Yourself

A rainy day is as good a time as ever to catch up on treating yourself to a relaxing day of spa treatments. Looking for a perfect pedicure spot? Make an appointment at Polished, a boutique spa on Capitol Hill that will pour you a hot cup of tea to warm you up while they polish your toes. They also offer Happy Hour pricing on services Tuesday though Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discounts are offered on mani-pedi combos, including Shellac polishes.  

Schedule any treatment at one of the Gene Juarez Salon and Spa locations through February 17 and receive a love note when you leave. Several of these Valentine’s cards contain special surprises ranging from free samples to a complimentary half day at the spa. 

4. Catch a Flick 

Seattle boasts many movie theaters that are noteworthy not only for their architecture and ambiance but also in their programming choices. At volunteer-operated Grand Illusion Cinema in the University District, which only seats 70, catch one of its Saturday Secret Matinees on (you guessed it) Saturdays at 2 p.m. through March 26. While the films are kept secret, they follow a theme: February features flicks about serial heroes and heroines; in March expect fantasy and adventure movies.

If you’re looking for a theater with some architechtural charm, visit the 60-year-old Varsity Theatre in the U District, which has been operating as a theater since 1940. In addition to movies, Varsity shows live concerts and New York’s Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series. On Monday, February 15 at 5 p.m., Varsity will present a live broadcast of the opening night of the TED 2016 Conference.

5. Take a Stroll Through the Volunteer Park Conservatory

Exploring this beautiful greenhouse will give you the feeling that you’re taking a nice outdoor walk, even though you’re actually indoors and staying dry. Located on Capitol Hill, the Volunteer Park Conservatory is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., year-round, including all non-Monday holidays. On a rainy day you can take a leisurely walk by yourself through the five houses of the Conservatory (Bromeliad House, Palm House, Fern House, Seasonal Display House and Cactus House) or you can take a guided tour. Docents lead 30- to 60-minute tours, including information on Conservatory plant collections, architectural history, plant acquisition and production, physical facility operation, and behind-the-scenes news. Tickets are $4 for adults, but if you visit the Conservatory on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month, admission is free.

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your Valentine’s Day, join the Friends of the Conservatory for a wine and cocktail tasting in the starlit houses of the Conservatory. Enjoy cocktails from The Hardware Distillery, a Hoodsport, Wash.-based distiller of fine gins, whiskies and aquavit, plus and wine selections from Grand Vin Win Merchants. Tickets are $30; $20 with a Friends of the Conservatory membership and tasting times are at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.