Eight fun things to do on a rainy day

Don't worry! The Northern Beaches might be famous for its beach lifestyle, but you don't need the sun to have fun. Here are some popular rainy-day indoor activities:

Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the Manly Art Gallery and Museum is the oldest regional gallery in NSW and has hosted exhibitions by distinguished visual artists from Australia and abroad. The gallery boasts over 6,800 works and attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year. Check out the Gallery’s exhibition schedule here and book in a visit.

Libraries are much more than just books these days. They’re multi-media gateways to knowledge, entertainment and education. Research your family ancestry or relax in a comfortable spot with a favourite author at one of the Northern Beaches’ six libraries. See opening times and catalogues. 

While it’s pouring outside, settle in for a movie-thon via our library free Kanopy film streaming service The catalogue has over 30,000 titles include Australian classics, world movies and documentaries. All you need is your library membership. Check it here. 

Consider learning a new language or a new skill for leisure or professional development from the comfort of your own home. An amazing gateway to thousands of courses is only a click away with a library membership – and it’s all free via the Lydia.com portal. 

If the Manly Gallery and Museum has whetted your appetite for creativity, check out the Creative Space in North Curl Curl. Creative Space is a unique indoor/outdoor cultural space available for artists, collectives and collaborative groups to hire and exhibit and curate their work. Check out this diverse exhibition space featuring works by emerging and established artists.

It might be cold and wet outside, but you’ll be warm in the heated pools of either of Northern Beaches’ two indoor aquatic centres. Splash around with the kids, pound out the laps or even work out in the fitness centre.

Here’s a fun, easy and eco-friendly way to pass a wet afternoon making beeswax wrapping. View the instructions.

It’s true, worms are the ultimate pet! They’re super quiet, undemanding and LOVE all your food scraps. And you don’t need a lot of space to house an eco-friendly worm farm. Do your bit for the environment and learn how to set up a worm farm.