We've found 18 fun indoor activities to keep you happy – and dry – on rainy days in Hong Kong.
We love the great outdoors in the city. From hiking trails to the best beaches, to outlying islands around Hong Kong, there’s so much to explore. However, when the rain hits (and it often does!), other plans need to be made swiftly to avoid disappointment. So, here are some great indoor activities for rainy days in Hong Kong.
Rain, rain, go away! Fun indoor activities in Hong Kong
1. Cuddle up with adorable felines at a cat cafe
Time to dramatically gaze out the window, coffee in hand, as you savour your main character moment… until it’s gently interrupted by a timid meow. Glance over your shoulder, and there they are – the cutest furballs darting playfully across the room! Rain or shine, this is our favourite way to unwind: visiting cat cafes in Hong Kong. These cosy havens aren’t just about coffee and cakes; they’re about the soothing ambience and, of course, the star residents. Settle into the comfort of the indoors, and let the magic of curious kitties brighten your day.
2. Jam together at Team Music
Looking for an indoor activity that lets you unleash your creativity? Team Music has you covered. Perfect for music lovers of any level (even those with zero musical experience!), the workshops and programmes held by this award-winning team building company ensure a fun and engaging time for everyone involved. Gather your friends or colleagues to join the Bandinc or Ukeleleinc programme, working together to play songs while relieving stress, learning a new skill and, of course, staying dry. You’ll even receive photos and videos of your session afterwards to preserve the memories.
Team Music has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
3. Hit the shopping mall
Why not check out one of Hong Kong’s many shopping malls? There could be an incredible sale going on somewhere and malls always have the sweetest discounts in store. Plus, shopping malls always have some cute restos and stores to check out, some of which you may not have tried before.
4. Get your culture fix at a museum
Hong Kong has a plethora of museums that’ll keep you engaged (and informed) on a rainy day. From art to history to science, there’s something around that will certainly fascinate you. At museums, not only can you get shelter from a storm, you’ll also learn something new or discover your next favourite art piece.
5. Go bowling
No matter the weather, a good bowling sesh is always fun! First, you’ll be in an entirely covered bowling alley. Secondly, you can show your friends your competitive side, which they may have been blissfully unaware of. Thirdly, how satisfying is it to get a strike, or even better – a spare despite a split?!
6. Play laser tag
With so little land in Hong Kong, it’s not easy to find a nice, spacious arena to have a good time indoors. Luckily, you can play a game of laser tag at ResaLaser, a 10,000-square-feet playground complete with a neon maze, neon war zone, cutting-edge laser technology, a myriad of game modes, and more.
ResaLaser has locations in Kwun Tong and Lai Chi Kok.
7. Attend a murder mystery party
Want to attend an unconventional dinner party? Harbour Secrets organises interesting murder mystery dinners for private and corporate clients. In groups, players will be assigned roles, in which one of them will be secretly playing the murderer and the rest will have to figure out who the criminal is. If you’re looking for indoor activities in Hong Kong on a rainy day (or even when it’s sunny), this is a great way to connect with your friends.
Learn more about Harbour Secrets online.
8. Battle zombies and skeletons in a VR game
Get away from the rain by staying indoors at Sandbox VR. This global VR experience company brings the fun with different missions for you and your friends to complete. Fight zombies and toxic rats in a rundown castle, or battle it out with mutants and skeletons on the high seas. Here’s tip from us: Whichever game you choose, make sure to choose your weapons wisely!
Sandbox VR has locations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.
9. Belt a tune at karaoke
If you’re loud and proud, sing a selection of cheesy (but amazing) Cantopop and English songs at a karaoke room with friends – one of the most beloved rainy day activities Hong Kong. There are a range of rooms all over the city that can be suited for either large or small groups. Some even serve some tasty bites to munch on before taking the mic!
Read more about karaoke bars in Hong Kong.
10. Break out of an escape room
Love solving puzzles? Fox in a Box offers a range of thrilling escape rooms for curious players to live out their spy fantasy in a variety of themed experiences. Decipher the clues and puzzles to work your way out with your teammates – and when you get out of that locked room, it’ll definitely feel like an achievement. We enjoyed finding the exit at the Life Sentence room, and you bet we’ll return for the infamously scary Zodiac Killer challenge soon!
Fox in a Box, Flat 5, 9/F, Eastcore, 398 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, p. 9854 6664
11. Test your wits at a board game cafe
In the mood to rack your brains? One of the best indoor activities in Hong Kong when it rains is to hit up a board game cafe. Whether you want to battle friends in a mean game of Scrabble with some coffee, or have a rousing round of Settlers of Catan while nursing an ice-cold beer, find your nearest board game cafes and get ready for friends to turn into enemies when the Uno cards are out!
12. Treat yourself to a spa day
You know the full-body massage you’ve been wanting to go to for some time now? Yeah, now’s the time for that much needed zen in one of the amazing spas in Hong Kong. If you’re in the mood to splurge, hotel spas are totally worth the buck (though there are definitely some good affordable spas and foot massages in town, too!) And if your skin needs a quick fix to battle the weather, consider throwing in a facial treatment as well.
13. Hit the cinema for the latest releases
A great way to entertain yourself while staying dry? Go to the cinema. Watching the latest releases as well as a few film festival movies is one of the best indoor activities on a rainy day in Hong Kong. With cinemas all over the city, you’ll definitely find one to seek refuge in if you find yourself caught in a rainstorm.
14. Play some pool
Rally the troops and gather at a pool table when it’s raining outside. Grab a beer, nibble on some snacks, and make sure that everyone is on the same page about the rules before you break it down.
15. Whip up some sweet treats
Since it’s cold and dreary outside, why not create something sweet and tasty to brighten the mood? Grab your apron and make your way to one of the many baking studios across Hong Kong to whip up cupcakes, macarons, and croissants. You could even bring a pal and attend a baking class together – truly one of the sweetest indoor activities in Hong Kong when it rains!
16. Put on your indoor roller skates
Lace up your roller skates and hit the rink! Among the many roller skating rinks in Hong Kong, Bun’s2020 certainly takes the cake for being the most popular one. With free skating as well as lessons available, you have no excuse not to skate a few laps under the neon lights. The vibrant atmosphere here ensures you’ll be having the time of your life – while staying cool and dry, of course.
Buns2020 has locations in Quarry Bay and Lai Chi Kok.
17. Level up at a game arcade
If it’s too wet to venture outside, take the opportunity to reach a new high score at Dance Evolution or challenge your friend to a round of Taiko no Tatsujin. Game centres and arcades are great places to have some indoor fun whether you’re in the mood for darts or air hockey. Ditch your umbrella and embrace your inner child!
18. Stay home for Netflix and chill or a game of mahjong
Alright, we’re with you if you think one of the best indoor activities on rainy days is to snuggle up on your couch (or bed) and watch the latest true crime series, feel-good comedy shows, and cheesy romcoms. But, when we’re with a bigger group, we tend to opt for mahjong to idle away our afternoons, Hong Konger-style.
FAQs about indoor activities in Hong Kong
What are indoor activities?
Indoor activities are recreational or leisure pursuits that take place within enclosed, sheltered spaces. Thanks to the controlled and comfortable environment, they're ideal for relaxation, entertainment, or skill-building, especially when outdoor options are limited.
What is the most common indoor activity?
The most common indoor activity is often considered to be watching TV or streaming movies on digital devices. Other popular things to do indoors include reading, cooking, playing board games or video games, and practising hobbies like painting or playing musical instruments.
Why do people like indoor activities?
There are several reasons why people are drawn to indoor activities, such as protection from inclement weather, comfort and convenience, as well as safety and security (especially for children and the elderly). Many indoor activities, such as board games or group fitness classes, also facilitate social interaction and community building. Meanwhile, the dedicated, distraction-free environment indoors enhances focus and productivity when reading or studying.
What are some indoor physical activities?
Some indoor physical activities include yoga and pilates, dancing, home and gym workouts, jumping rope, indoor cycling or spinning, martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing (using indoor climbing walls), swimming (in an indoor pool), and playing active games like indoor bowling, badminton, or table tennis.
These activities allow people to stay active and engage in physical exercise while being protected from outdoor elements and taking advantage of specialised indoor facilities and equipment.
How do you get rid of boredom on a rainy day?
To beat boredom on a rainy day, try reading, watching movies, playing board or video games, cooking or baking, doing puzzles, crafting, exercising, learning something new online, organising your space, or following an online workout routine. The key is to have a variety of engaging indoor activities on hand to keep boredom at bay when it's raining outside.
Where to go if it rains in Hong Kong?
If it rains in Hong Kong, you can consider visiting indoor attractions like museums (e.g. M+ and Hong Kong Science Museum), shopping malls (e.g. Harbour City and IFC Mall), cinemas, and libraries. Indoor playgrounds, co-working spaces, cafes, and indoor sports facilities are good alternatives, too.
