Top 10 Things To Do Indoors When It Rains In Charleston, South Carolina - Updated 2024

things to do when it rains in charleston
Shweta
Shweta 
Updated
| 5 min read

If you are looking for some dainty pastel-colored dwellings and daring harbor waves, Charleston is the stop for you. For the outdoorsy folks, Charleston opens its city parks, beaches, and even sites of the first shots of the American Civil War to relive the historic moment. Yet it is also infamous for its moody torrential downpours. So, what do you do if you have already scheduled a day of exploring and it starts raining unexpectedly? Will you cancel, reschedule or spend the day back in the hotel? Absolutely not! From exploring the marine life underwater to dancing your heart off, we have narrowed down the top 10 indoor fun activities in Charleston for you. Scroll below for the top things to do indoors when it rains in Charleston, South Carolina.

1. Explore the Gibbes Museum of Art (from USD 110.0)

Not everyone understands art yet everyone enjoys beautiful color spilled over a blank canvas. Whether you are a fan of contemporary art or not, a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art will not just leave you inspired but make you want more. Home to the first-ever American miniatures, the Gibbes has one of the most prestigious American portrait miniature collections in the country. These paintings are the only source offering a unique insight into the private lives of American individuals and families before the cameras came in to capture moments.

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Charleston TourPass - Includes 40 Top Tours

Duration: 1 to 2 days

41 reviews

2. Discover marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium (from USD 30.0)

While it pours outside, hold your breath and dive into the world of sea horses, crabs, and tiger sharks. Housing over 5,000 animal species, South Carolina Aquarium will amaze you with the rarest of the rare species of fishes - from brook trout to Spanish hogfish and herons to puffer fish. Engage your tactile sensors at The Touch Tank that allows you to not only touch but also feel little purple urchins, Atlantic stingrays, hermit crabs, whelk and starfish. Another captivating experience is watching all your favorite sea creatures in their natural habitat through a two-story 385,000-gallon (1,457,383.5 liters) glass tank called the Great Ocean Tank.

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South Carolina Aquarium Admission in Charleston Harbor

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

9 reviews

3. Try your hand at some candle making at Candlefish


Do not hesitate to enter Candlefish’s candle-making class where exotic aromas like citrus or gourmand fill the air. With workshops conducted every week by their expert chandlers, you can check their schedule online in advance to make time for this unique experience. “Be Your Own Boss” as you explore the intricacies of this age-old candle-making skill. All glassware that you may need during the workshop is taken care of and their experienced chandlers guide you through every step. Mix and match your favorite scents or capture your best selfie in the library with your handcrafted candle. The candle you make is yours to take home and relight, illuminating the workshop memories while it pours outside your window.

Candlefish

Address: 270 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Website: Candlefish

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Price: 65 USD

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4. Take your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry


Unexpected showers can lead to unwanted crankiness in kids. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is just the place to change the mood. At a small admission fee, your kids are going to discover, learn and grow without missing out on any outdoor fun. Designed to let your children learn problem-solving and spatial awareness skills using their creativity, this Children’s Museum is open to all age groups.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Address: 25 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Website: Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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5. Bring out your inner child at Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park


Jump away those extra calories with your kids at the Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park. Spend your time indoors participating in the wall-to-wall aerial action including a game of dodgeball and a never seen before version of Wipeout. Well, time does not stand still here, so why should you? And when it gets dark outside, this trampoline park turns into a crazy jumping dance club with lasers, music, and blacklight.

Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park

Address: 411 Wando Park Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Website: Sky Zone Charleston Trampoline Park

Opening hours: 3pm - 7pm (daily)

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6. Laugh out loud with comedians at Theatre 99


A one-stop site to find comedy with a pinch of satire is Theatre 99. This world-renowned theatre company encourages stand-up comedy, music, and even cabaret. Join the riot of improv comedy at Theatre 99 and kill the boredom of rainy days. With tickets starting at 5 USD, your time here is going to be an unscripted experience.

Laugh out loud with comedians at Theatre 99

Address: 280 Meeting St # B, Charleston, SC 29401

Website: Theatre 99

Price: 5-14 USD

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7. Watch a movie at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX


What can get better than a 3D movie experience, buttery popcorn, and your partner on a rainy day? Pick your favorite movie and head to Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX to skip the rain. You are free to choose from a wide range of categories depending on the genre or age group. For the horror movie lovers, the House of Screams is a must visit while those who are fond of unconventional cinema can try some indie movies.

Watch a movie at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX

Address: 2181 Northwoods Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29406

Website: Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX

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8. Solve puzzles at Escape in 60


Ever wondered how Sherlock does it all under 60 seconds? Well, Escape 60 is the answer. This real-life adventure game is designed for small groups to stimulate your nerve cells and keep you thinking on your feet. Make your way out of the escape rooms using hints and clues across the room. Choose your own adventure wisely depending on your agility and experience. Crack ciphers while building a rapport with your partner or family during this 60-minute adrenaline rush.

Solve puzzles at Escape in 60

Address: 45 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Website: Escape in 60

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 9pm; Fri: 1pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 10am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm

Price: 28 USD per person

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9. Shop till you drop at the Citadel Mall

JCPenney - Citadel Mall
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mike Kalasnik used under CC BY-SA 2.0

What to do while it pours outside? Well, the most obvious choice - shop till you drop. Citadel Mall is the best go-to place for all shoppers. And while you might not be the only one seeking refuge here on a rainy day, this spacious mall is spread over 1,138,527 square feet (105,773 square meters) allowing a variety of activities and shopping options. Featuring more than 100 stores, including world-famous brand stores like Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Belk, LOFT, Target and more, you will be spoilt for choice. Munch on some sesame burgers or ace up your oomph factor at VKSI Salon. The Citadel Mall also has a play area to keep the kids busy while you enjoy some “me” time.

Citadel Mall

Address: 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA

Website: Citadel Mall

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm

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10. Make eye contact with your favourite musician at the Music Farm

LESLIE - CD Release Show!
Source: Photo by Flickr user Stephanie M used under CC BY 2.0

Hosting over two hundred events per year, it is not unusual to spot your favorite musician at the Music Farm. Artists from genres like rock, hip hop, EDM, bluegrass, country, jam, and alternative rock are welcome to showcase their talent and gain the much-deserved attention of the local crowd. While it pours outside, stay indoors and discover some new tunes to add to your jukebox.

Music Farm

Address: 32 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Website: Music Farm

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Staying indoors does not always have to be boring

While unexpected showers can wipe out your plans, staying indoors lets you discover the undiscovered and allows you to experiment with your interests and choices. Take some time to try out off beat things while in Charleston. Who knows you might figure out something new about your own self!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shweta is a vagabonding millennial waiting competing with AI to take over this little planet. Often found talking about shooting stars and safaris or chasing rainbows, she likes her travel plans to...Read more

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