When rain settles over Surrey, BC, we know exactly where to send you. Central City Fun Park (11125 124 Street) offers 27,000 sq ft of electric go-karts, immersive VR experiences, and bowling lanes to keep the whole family busy. Across the hall, The Hive (10585 137 Street) gives you 10,000 sq ft of climbing terrain, complete with varied angles, auto-belay walls and expert coaching: Climbing Business Journal, Vancouver’s Best Places. For something more cultural, we recommend the Museum of Surrey and Surrey Art Gallery—both of which are free on select days—where interactive exhibits and rotating displays bring local stories to life. (Wikipedia) If you’d rather shop, Guildford Town Centre (10355 152 Street) hosts over 200 stores under one roof, according to Wikipedia. Our community centres and libraries also offer fitness programmes and workshops that’ll make you forget about the weather outside.

Fun for all ages

When the Pacific Northwest downpours hit Surrey, Central City Fun Park becomes our convenient indoor escape. This 27,000 sq ft facility keeps families entertained with electric go-karts racing around neon-lit tracks, VR arenas via the Hologate system, and classic bowling lanes. You’ll also find arcade games, roller skating and private party rooms for up to 175 guests—perfect for birthday celebrations or group outings. Nearby, The Hive rock climbing gym offers 10,000 sq ft of bouldering terrain, auto-belay walls and classes for all skill levels. Whether you’re 10 or 60, you’ll find something to challenge you indoors.

Arts, Culture, and Museums

When the rain keeps your family inside, Surrey’s arts scene has plenty to offer. We love visiting the Surrey Museum on its free-admission days. Its interactive displays highlight everything from local First Nations heritage to Surrey’s modern growth. At Surrey Art Gallery, you can explore contemporary works by local and international artists; exhibits change regularly, so there’s always something new to discover. For hands-on fun, Create-It Emporium runs drop-in art workshops for all ages—perfect for keeping kids engaged when the skies are grey. Surrey Civic Theatres also host family-friendly performances that showcase our multicultural community. Finally, Historic Stewart Farm’s indoor exhibits illustrate 19th-century rural life; it’s surprisingly engaging for younger visitors even on the wettest days.

Shopping Destinations and Retail Therapy

If you’d rather browse than climb, head to Guildford Town Centre, where over 200 stores await under one roof, according to Wikipedia. The Centre is easily accessible by [specific public transit options]. For a smaller-scale experience, Central City Shopping Centre (10153 City Pkwy) puts shopping, dining and entertainment in one spot. It is also easily accessible by [specific public transit options]. If you need a quick cover, Shops at Morgan Crossing (15715 Croydon Dr) blends outdoor boutiques with covered indoor walkways to keep you dry. It is accessible by [specific public transit options]. For bookworms, Cloverdale Branch Library offers a warm space to flick through the latest releases, and the Surrey Urban Farmers Market moves indoors during colder months, so you can still support local vendors no matter the weather.

Fitness, Indoor Pools, AND mORE 

When the forecast turns bleak, having reliable indoor fitness options makes all the difference. We’re lucky to have several excellent choices right in Surrey:

• The Hive – Surrey Rock climbing 10,000 sq ft of bouldering terrain, auto-belay walls, classes, Climbing Business Journal, Vancouver’s Best Places
• Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex Multi-sport 80,000 sq ft with ice rink, gymnasium, fitness studios
• Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre Swimming & fitness Olympic-size lap pool, leisure pool with lazy river, weight room, Wikipedia
• Project Climbing Cloverdale Bouldering 8,000 sq ft of auto-belay walls and bouldering terrain projectclimbing.ca
• Fleetwood Community Recreation Centre Community programmes Gym, fitness classes, sports courts, 55+ programmes

No matter what keeps you motivated—bouldering, swimming or skating—there’s always somewhere nearby to keep your fitness on track.

Libraries and Community Spaces

While fitness gets your body moving, Surrey’s libraries and community hubs feed your mind and bring neighbours together when the weather turns grey. Surrey Libraries offer warm refuges where you’ll find children’s storytimes, book clubs and cultural programmes. Cloverdale Branch welcomes families with free Wi-Fi and quiet study nooks. Strawberry Hill Library hosts tech-learning workshops that bridge generational gaps, while Semiahmoo Library brings the community together through gallery exhibits and cultural events. All these spaces are accessible by transit, making them ideal destinations on rainy days. Whether you want productivity or connection, these community hubs ensure nobody stays isolated when the skies open.

Q&A

Where should I take my kids on a rainy day in Surrey, BC?

We suggest Central City Fun Park (11125 124 Street) for electric go-karts, VR and bowling or The Hive (10585 137 Street) for rock climbing. If you prefer something cultural, consider visiting the Museum of Surrey on its free-admission days.

Are there affordable indoor activities for families?

Yes. Surrey Libraries offer free storytimes and DIY crafts at no cost. Community centres, such as Fleetwood (15996 84 Avenue), run drop-in gym sessions for just a few dollars. Create-It Emporium workshops often have nominal fees, and Historic Stewart Farm charges a low admission fee that includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

What about shopping options?

Guildford Town Centre (10355 152 Street) features over 200 shops under one roof. Central City Shopping Centre (10153 City Parkway) also keeps you dry with indoor walkways linking retailers and eateries. The Shops at Morgan Crossing (15715 Croydon Drive) feature covered paths between stores, making it easy to shop without getting wet.

Which Surrey libraries host special programmes on rainy days?

Cloverdale Branch (5643 176 Street) hosts storytimes and summer camps for kids. Strawberry Hill Library (121 59 Avenue) runs free tech workshops for seniors. Semiahmoo Library (1815 140 Street) organizes multicultural story hours and local-author readings. Each venue also offers free Wi-Fi and hosts community events suitable for all ages.