Maine is a state that thrives on outdoor adventures, from summers spent on the ocean to skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in the winter. It’s a simple fact: we love being outside, and the state’s pristine nature is one of the biggest draws for visitors (though the incredible food and vibrant culture helps, too). But when rainy weather hits, everyone forgets that there’s a whole other side to Portland—the inside. Check out these indoor activities that are perfect for the next rainy day.
Photo: Chris Bennett (@chrisbennettphoto)
Find your zen at Health Resonates
Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and healing at Health Resonates, a boutique wellness spa in Portland’s West End where owners Tara and Anna take a unique approach to therapeutics by pairing holistic methods with modern techniques. The Spa Day package—perfect for a rainy day—includes your choice of two treatments: an aromatherapy massage, foot soak, facial, energy healing, or Gua Sha session.
773 Congress St.
Photo: X-Golf (@xgolfportland)
Practice your swing at X-Golf
Who needs sunshine when you can sharpen your skills on state-of-the-art simulators? At X-Golf Portland, an all-ages indoor golf experience and sports bar, you can enjoy virtual golf lessons from PGA pros, play on the world’s top courses, or just enjoy a leisurely game without walking all eighteen holes. Book your tee time in advance to secure your spot, and don’t worry about working up an appetite—X-Golf has a menu of shareable dishes like pizza and artichoke dip, plus a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.
101 York St.
Photo: Terrarium (@terrarium_portlandme)
Play in the dirt at Terrarium
Whether you have a green thumb or you’re a certified plant killer, spending a rainy day building a living art piece while surrounded by lush greenery is certain to make you smile. Terrarium offers weekly workshops, but you can also pop in and build your own creation from moss, dirt, and small plants whenever you please. While you’re visiting, enjoy a snack and some beer or wine and do your best not to leave with an armful of new houseplants from the owners’ curated botanic collection.
98 Cross St. Suite A
Photo: University of Southern Maine
Scour the sky at Southworth Planetarium
As a former space kid (read: nerd), I’m a sucker for anything that teaches me about the vast night sky. The University of Southern Maine’s Southworth Planetarium offers matinees at 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, which means you’ll find me in the basement of the Science Building oohing and ahhing at the daily presentation. With cartoon shows like Larry the Cat in Space and Dinosaurs at Dusk! and options for older kids (and kids at heart) like Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds, visiting the planetarium is an affordable, rainy day-approved activity for all ages.
70 Falmouth St.
Photo: Factory 3 (@factory3)
Learn a new skill at Factory3
If you’ve ever wondered how to work with wood, fiber, metal, or words, Factory3 is the place for you. At this Portland makerspace, classes are targeted toward complete beginners as well as those looking to revive old skills. From lathe turning and paper marbling to welding, weaving, 3D printing, creative writing, and more, Factory3 offers informative sessions that will ignite your creative spark. Get full access to the makerspace outside of class hours (and get 25% off classes) by becoming a member—you know it’ll rain again soon.
105 St. James St
Photo: Leslie Swan (@leslietheswan)
Catch a show at One Longfellow Square
Head to the Arts District and enjoy live music or a community event at “Portland’s listening room.” One Longfellow Square is a non-profit performing arts venue that welcomes a range of acts from local artists and regionally and nationally touring acts to take the stage. Catch the Portland Jazz Orchestra, who regularly performs at OLS, or grab tickets to see neofolk artist Kat Wright. The full calendar of events is available here.
181 State St.
Photo: Victoria Mansion (@victoriamansion)
Step back in time at Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion is currently closed, and will open on May 1st for the season.
Built in 1858 as a summer home for a wealthy couple from New Orleans, Victoria Mansion is one of America’s greatest examples of Italian Villa architecture. Decorated by the influential designer Gustave Herter, the lavish interior features gilded surfaces, intricate plasterwork, and original wall paintings. One of the first homes in town to have the convenience of running water, flush toilets, and gas lighting, Victoria Mansion was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Now a museum, the mansion is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with guided tours running every 20 minutes. Reservations in advance are encouraged due to tour size limits.
109 Danforth St.
Photo: The Escape Room (@escaperoomme)
Become a detective at the Escape Room
Nothing beats a classic escape room on a rainy day. Put your skills to the test solving puzzles, finding clues, and working with your team to escape one of the themed rooms on Congress Street. Assemble a group of friends, family, or coworkers and do your best to escape the basement of the notorious serial killer from the North Maine Woods, find the coordinates to the famed Lost City of the Jaguar King, or travel back in time to the Prohibition Era or the Cold War with World on Edge.
492 Congress St.
Looking for more activities and things to do in Portland? Check out Best Things to Do This Spring in Portland, Maine
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