Bad weather can change your plans in a heartbeat. What may have been a beach day or a day at the park suddenly turns into rain that dampen your outdoor plans and leaves you scrambling for alternatives. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to sit inside all day twiddling your thumbs. There are a number of great Jersey Shre indoor activities that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy when mother nature doesn’t cooperate.

From painting to movies, arcade games, and so much more, no matter what age you are there are plenty of Jersey Shore indoor things to do. Let your kids get their energy out at any one of the play gyms or take some lessons to learn a new skill. There’s even fun for the adults (drinking and crafting is a thing and it’s awesome.)

So put on the rain boots and get out to go in. There will be plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beach so embrace the rain and have some fun!

Jersey Shore Indoor Activities for Kids and Adults

Take a stroll down the “indoor” Jersey Shore at iPlay America, one of the best places to hunker down when the weather just isn’t cooperating with your outdoor plans. Spend the day playing boardwalk games at the indoor boardwalk, driving along the iPA Speedway, hanging out in the 4D Theater, eating all of your boardwalk favorites and maybe catching a concert. Yeah, who needs the outdoors? 110 Schanck Road, Freehold (732) 577-8200  https://www.iplayamerica.com/

The temperature may be low, the rain may be pouring, or maybe it’s snowing – doesn’t matter at Lucky Leo’s! It’s always summer inside. Play all of your favorite games, pick out some winnings, and go home with a big smile. 311 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights 732-793-1323  http://luckyleos.com 

Have you ever blown your own glass before? Well thank the rain because Hot Sand AP tops the list at one of our favorite Jersey Shore indoor things to do. On any given day, walk into the studio and create a one-of-a-kind glass object with your very own breath. It’s time to put all that hot air to work! 550 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park (732) 927-5475 http://www.hotsandap.com/

Warning, Insectropolis may be the coolest place that you ever bring your kids, especially if they’re into slimy, hairy, winged, and multi legged insects. Not only can you get up close and personal with these sometimes cute and at other times a little scary insects, but your kids will also be learning in a bug-themed building of all places. 1761 Route 9, Toms River (732) 349-7090  https://www.facebook.com/Insectropolis/

If you know the weather is going to be a bit grim, why not schedule a lesson for yourself at Garden State Rocks? You could even get the kids involved with an 8-week climbing program that will teach them all the basics. 705 Ginesi Drive, Morganville 732-972-3003  http://www.gardenstaterocks.com

Spend a day at the theatre with Phoenix Productions where your child can feel like the star of the show themselves or catch one of their upcoming productions! 59 Chestnut Street, Red Bank (732) 747-0014 https://www.phoenixredbank.com/

Ditch the kids and grab some friends along with a bottle of wine as you find out that you actually are artistic! At Pinot’s Palette in Red Bank, you’ll go from a blank canvas to a beautiful piece of art, all while laughing, sipping, and getting a little covered in paint. 12 Broad Street, 1st Floor, Red Bank 732-219-9222 https://www.pinotspalette.com/redbank

Whether you’re checking out Pump It Up‘s Little Tike Jump, Bagel Bite Pizza Jump, or After School Jump – your kids can be bouncing around actual bounce houses – not your house! 1920 Swarthmore Avenue, Lakewood 732-409-4748  https://www.pumpitupparty.com/lakewood-nj/

Have the blues? Maybe throwing a hatchet at a wall – and being allowed and encouraged to do so – would put a smile on your face. If that’s not enough, Stumpy’s adds in beer, friends, and did we mention an actual hatchet, for a day or night out that will stay in the books. 22 Meridian Road, Unit 5, Eatontown 732-544-5069 https://stumpyshh.com

School break been a washout? Holidays around the corner, but it’s just too cold out? Or maybe, you just want chocolate to brighten your day. Chocolate Works has you covered (in chocolate) thanks to a calendar that’s packed with activities or just stop in when you’re in the mood for decorating some chocolate. 36 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-383-5915  https://www.chocolateworks.com/red-bank-nj/

At GoodSports USA, when school is closed, they’re open for a day of fun. Available for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade, you can choose from a full day or half day of fun. They’ll play some sports, do some arts and crafts, and some fun games – while you rest up.  2903 State Route 138, Wall 732-681-8898 https://www.goodsportsusa.com/

Give yourself an hour or two to reset at Kur Wellness Studio. The perfect anecdote to the rainy day blues, they have everything to lift your spirits. Try out one of their yoga classes, book a massage, or see what Ayurveda is all about. 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-8956 www.kurstudios.com 

Step back in time at the Silverball Pinball Museum Hall of Fame on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Play over 100 different pinball machines as you indulge in tasty boardwalk treats like pretzels and hot dogs. It’s one of those indoor Jersey Shore activities that will make you feel like a pinball wizard. 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park (732) 774-4994  http://silverballmuseum.com/

What’s not to love about donuts? At Kitch Organic, their homemade daily donut specials will feel like sunshine on your face (even underneath that umbrella). Their organic and healthy menu will also keep you feeling good inside and out so you can smile even when your beach day was pushed to the side. 75 Leighton Avenue, Red Bank 732-741-5400 http://kitchorganic.com/

Get the tan you’re hoping for without a trip to the beach or really any sunshine at all! With the help of Dr. Park Avenue’s organic spray tanning, you’ll at least look like it was sunny out! 74 Brick Blvd Bldg 3, Brick Township (732) 262-5476 http://drparkave.com/

Head to a Kinstretch or Current MOVE class to get you feeling your best even though the weather has you feeling down. Or get your freeze on with whole body cryotherapy, the solution to hot and muggy days! 827 Belmar Plaza, Belmar 732-428-7472 www.currentrecoverynj.com

(SEASONAL) Festivals to horses, a wet day will not keep the festivities at Monmouth Park Racetrack down! The horses usually keep racing, while you stay undercover in the bandstand or while you try your hand in sports betting at the all new William Hill Sportsbook. If the weather clears up, there’s always a reason to head outdoors (like their Foodtruck and BBQ festivals!) 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport 732-222-5100 http://www.monmouthpark.com/

We know, a museum might not get your family jumping into the car this weekend, however, Monmouth Museum is anything but ordinary. Featuring changing exhibitions in art, history and science, there’s something for everyone. Browse the main Gallery or bring the kids to the WonderWing or Children’s Wing for hands on learning for all ages. You’ll be surprised when you hear love and museum in the same sentence. 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft 732-747-2266 http://monmouthmuseum.org/

Take your kids above the clouds and into space at Robert J. Norvis Planetarium at the OCC Campus. With plenty of shows that will delight any kid at any age (even those who have a license), it’s a reason to hang out among the stars for a bit even if outside is covered in clouds. 1 College Drive, Toms River 732-255-0343  https://www.ocean.edu/planetarium

Lucy’s Bead Boutique is a great place for adults to go to socialize and make some beautiful jewelry! They have all the beads and patterns you could need, plus classes for beginners to advanced beaders. 3241 NJ-88 Suite 1, Point Pleasant (848) 232-3690 https://lucysbeadboutique.com/

This classic game really does make everyone smile. Spend the day indoors with the family getting strikes, spares, and well, gutter balls at the Bradley Beach Bowl and Recreation Center. And when the kids get hungry and the adults get thirsty, order up some cold ones (soda or beer). It’s a great way to spend some spare time (we couldn’t help ourselves) with your friends and family! 1217 Main Street, Bradley Beach (732) 774-4540 http://www.bradleybowling.com/