We compiled this helpful list so you don’t have to Google “best things to do in State College when it’s raining!”
Photo: Chris Taschner
State College has no shortage of great outdoor activities within a short walk, bike ride, or drive. When friends or family come to visit, we’ve always got at least one hike, stroll around the Arboretum, or afternoon kayak trip planned!
So what’s to be done when the weather is gray, rainy, or less than ideal for an outdoor adventure?
You could turn to Trip Advisor’s “10 Best State College Rainy Day Activities” list to give you some ideas.
But we think you deserve a list compiled by locals, not algorithms.
Instead, here’s our list of more than 30 fun ideas to get you out and about when the weather’s trying to keep you in.
“So it’s raining in State College? Maybe you could…”:
See a movie… or a show!
UEC State College 12 has those put-your-feet-up luxury recliners for the ultimate movie watching experience, Penn State student performances are top-notch, and the State Theatre has an ever-changing calendar full of screenings, shows, and live music.
Photo: State Theatre
Leisurely poke around downtown… or quickly test your knowledge!
Grab your umbrella and take your time perusing downtown’s collection of highly poke-around-able shops. Start with Comic Swap, Webster’s Used Bookstore and Café, Kitchen Kaboodle, Lock Boutique, Uncle Eli’s art supply store, Nittany Quill, or Squirrel & Acorn Bookshop and see where the afternoon takes you!
If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced, trivia at Zeno’s or Big Spring might be more your speed.
Photo: Squirrel & Acorn Bookshop
See some art… or have a good laugh!
The Palmer Museum of Art – reopening at the Arboretum in the spring of 2024 – has a growing collection of more than 10,500 works of art and the Blue Brick Theatre hosts weekly Friday night improv shows when you’re in the mood for some comedy.
Photo: Palmer Museum of Art’s rendered view of the new museum
Eat your way around the world… or grab a drink and a snack and sit a while!
In downtown State College alone, you can experience Venezuelan, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, French, and American cuisine! And Antifragile Brewing Co.’s beer and kombucha, The Tavern’s cozy fireplace nook, and Chumley’s welcoming, friendly atmosphere are great partners on a cold or rainy afternoon.
Photo: Antifragile Brewing Co.
Get active… or relax and make it a spa day!
Go ice skating at Pegula Ice Hockey Arena, take on the climbing walls at Climb Nittany, center yourself during a yoga class at Yoga Lab, or challenge yourself with a barre or cycling class at PYP.
Or, if you’re looking to unwind, head to Designer’s Denn to indulge in a facial, Artemis to relax with a massage, Looks Hair Design for a killer mani/pedi, or Simply Health Salt Spa to enjoy a Himalayan Salt Room session.
Photo: Climb Nittany
Find a game to watch… or play your own!
PSU Athletics hosts an ongoing series of sporting events if you’re in spectator mode, but if you want to start up your own friendly competition? Northland Bowl has got something right up your alley! (Or head down to the basement at downtown Champs for arcade games and pool tables if bowling doesn’t strike your fancy.) #bowlingjokes
Photo: Northland Bowl
Make something new… or discover something old!
Learn pottery or woodworking at The Rivet (a branch of the kid-friendly Discovery Space), get into an open studio or workshop at The Makery, or paint your own ceramic creation at 2000 Degrees Pottery.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a treasure hunt, an afternoon of thrifting and antiquing might be your activity of choice! Stay close to home and visit Arcadian. Take a short drive to wander through Big Valley Thrift & Gift Shop or Bellefonte’s many antique shops. Or, if you’re really on the hunt, a 2 hour road trip will get you to Adamstown, PA, the antique capital of the United States!
Photo: The Rivet
Take a little drive and visit a farm shop… or stay downtown to get your fix!
A trip to explore Tait Farm’s Harvest Shop – filled with yummy local foods and unique gifts of all kinds – is always worth the 15 minute drive from State College. But if you’re spending the day downtown and still want to partake in some local farm appreciation, Way Fruit Farm’s Calder Way location is a wonderful spot to grab lunch or a baked good and browse their two-level market.
Photo: Tait Farm
Either way, make sure to embrace the day, inside… or out!
You might be surprised how intimidating inclement weather is NOT when you’re actually out in it. Try bundling up or putting on your rain gear and getting out in nature! This is a great way to see your favorite hikes from a new perspective. Shingletown after a freshly fallen snow, with icicles building in the creek, is one of the most beautiful outdoor experiences around, in our opinion! And gray, drizzly days often make for quiet, private trails.
Photo: Rediscover State College
However you choose to spend your time, there’s clearly plenty to do on a dreary day in State College. (So much so that we might need to use some of our sunny days to get through all of the fun on this list!) We hope you’ll use this list to find some new favorite things to do, in any weather!
