Things to do

Top 15 rainy-day activities in Charlotte (other than going to a brewery)

Inner Peaks Climbing Gym South End.
Inner Peaks Climbing Gym South End. CharlotteFive archives

You were planning on having a great time but the weather is trying its very best to put a damper on your stellar day. Don’t let storms steal your thunder! You can still have a fun and memorable day thanks to these rainy day activities around Charlotte.

Channel your inner Katniss at Barefoot Archery

4410 Old Pineville Road

Barefoot Archery has a 20-yard, eight-lane, USA Archery-approved range. You can practice or learn to shoot in their indoor range. You do not have to have a bow of your own. They have several bows for rent including recurve and compound bows. It is open to the public during business hours but it is best to contact them ahead of time to book a slot.

Lose track of time exploring Blacklion or Sleepy Poet

10635 Park Road, 4450 South Blvd.

Discover unexpected treasures and finds at Blacklion and Sleepy Poet. There are endless booths and so much to see in both of these spots. Shop for that special piece you have been missing, or just for your home’s newest conversation piece.

Create a custom candle at The Candle Bar

1800 Camden Road #105

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Gather, pour, + shop this week with your besties ️

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Select a vessel, a fragrance, measure, mix and hand-pour your own custom candle at this new spot in South End. You will have your own creation to give as a gift or keep for yourself. You can walk in or reserve seats online.

Race the clock in a Charlotte escape room

Various Charlotte locations

Search for clues, solve puzzles and get out within 60 minutes. Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years for a reason. They deliver an adrenaline rush and they are thrilling. Experience something entertaining and fresh while you race the clock!

Feel like a lumberjack at Axe Club of America

933 Louise Ave. #108

Hurl some axes and feel much cooler than you probably are. This is also surprisingly, quite a workout. If you are new to it, there is always someone there guiding you on different ways to fling an axe.

Get creative at a Charlotte art class

Various locations in Charlotte

From glass blowing to woodworking, there are plenty of opportunities to feed your creativity in the Charlotte area at adult art classes. Whether you want to polish up your creative side or want to do something low key and crafts-related with your group, a rainy day is the perfect chance to take an art class.

Bowl and play at 10 Park Lanes, Queen Park Social or Strike City

1700 Montford Drive, 4125 Yancey Road, 210 E. Trade St., D-164

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Take your game to the next level at QPS tonight ️

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All these spots have great atmospheres and no shortage of food and drinks. They are a blast even if your bowling game is as questionable as mine. There are also countless other games to play at Queen Park Social.

Sing karaoke at Jeff’s Bucket Shop, Seoul Food Meat Co. or 8.2.0

Respectively: 1601 Montford Drive, 1400 S. Church St, 820 Hamilton St.

Do something out of the ordinary and get your go-to karaoke song ready. From private karaoke room rentals for just you and your crew to rowdy karaoke basements, these locations have you covered.

[RELATED: The top 10 karaoke spots in Charlotte for your next night out]

Race to the finish line at Victory Lane Karting

2330 Tipton Drive, Suite 100

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Victory is what we do.

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Blow off some steam and get competitive with your friends and family over some Go Karting. Their karts are purposely designed for competition. They have responsive handling and quick acceleration, making it an exhilarating experience. They also have a restaurant, Pit Road Bar & Grill, and a bowling alley, Gasoline Alley.

Shop ’til you drop at SouthPark Mall

4400 Sharon Road

SouthPark Mall never disappoints. But be careful, you will probably leave with far more than you anticipated.

Jump around at Kinetic Heights or Big Air Trampoline Park

5664 International Drive, 2408 Sardis Road N

Challenge yourself at Kinetic Heights over some of the same obstacles used on the American Ninja Warrior show. Some of these include the Quintuple Steps, the Cliffhanger, the Spider Wall and the Cargo Climb. As Charlotte’s indoor ropes and ninja warrior challenge center, Kinetic Heights is ideal for group outings. They offer two different high ropes challenge courses, a ninja warrior course, a Parkour training area, and a warped wall.

At Big Air, enjoy more than their trampolines! There are several other attractions including a Bullpen, which will test your core, a wall to climb and a laser maze to sneak through.

Climb at Inner Peaks

2220 S. Tryon St., 9535 Monroe Road #170

Get adventurous while you are indoors avoiding the rain! Whether you are a newcomer or climbing is the norm for you, Inner Peaks has something for everyone. Get exercise while you push yourself outside of your comfort zone and hone your rock-climbing skills.

Work on your golf game at Topgolf

8024 Savoy Corporate Drive

You can get your golf on at Topgolf, even when it is raining. Pure fun or more competitive, their climate-controlled playing bays are ideal in a wide range of weather. Have some food and a few drinks while your group takes a few swings.

Explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Bechtler, the Harvey B. Gantt Center, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Mint Museum (Uptown and Randolph) or the Billy Graham Library

Respectively: 400 E M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., 420 S. Tryon St., 551 S. Tryon St., 200 E. 7th St., 500 S. Tryon St., 2730 Randolph Road, 4330 Westmont Drive

Whatever your mood, there is a museum to explore. Visit the massive library dedicated to Billy Graham and tours of his original home at the Billy Graham Library. Or between the history and heritage of NASCAR, African American arts and culture, modern art, countless art collections and exhibitions, and the history of the New South, there is something to peak anyone’s interest.

Test your knowledge with some trivia

Various locations throughout Charlotte

From music trivia to “Family Feud”-style trivia, Charlotte has no shortage of options to test your knowledge if you are up for the challenge. There are multiple options for every night of the week. Good luck!

This story was originally published November 27, 2018 at 12:00 AM.

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