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The Main Line area has so much to offer for rainy day fun, from ice skating and shopping to fascinating museums and more.
With the weather cooling down and winds and rains speeding up, now’s a great time to experience all the indoor fun the Main Line area has to offer. From axe throwing to ice skating, museums and more, check out these rainy day activities for fun-seeking Main Liners.
Indoor Exercise
For those looking to get in shape or stay fit, there are tons of exciting ways to exercise around the Main Line. Haverford Skatium hosts 90-minute public skate sessions every day of the week. Be sure to check the schedule though, since times frequently change. Ice Line Quad Rinks in West Chester also hosts public skate sessions for only $13, or $10 if you already own skates.
Rock climbing is more of a workout than you might expect. In just a few sessions you’ll already be feeling stronger. The smaller and more intimate Downingtown Rock Gym is a great place to get your feet of the ground, but more experienced climbers might prefer the 22,000 square feet of walls at Reach Climbing and Fitness in Bridgeport. For more rock climbing options, check out our comprehensive guide here.
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For a more laidback activity that will still get you moving, why not try axe throwing? Great with a couple friends and a couple more drinks on a rainy day, axe throwing has blossomed in popularity over the past several years. Bury the Hatchet in King of Prussia is BYOB, while Stumpy’s Hatchet House in West Chester has a pour-your-own-beer system. More axe throwing locations can be found here.
King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd., King of Prussia
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You might be surprised to learn that the King of Prussia mall, which opened in 1963, is the largest mall in Pennsylvania and the fifth largest in the entire United States. From luxury retailers to locally owned boutiques and national chains, you’ll find any just about product you can imagine here. With three distinct food courts, it’s easy to get lost in King of Prussia and spend a whole rainy day browsing products or window shopping.
Fairmount Park Horticultural Center
100 N Horticultural Dr., Philadelphia
Just across City Ave from Bala Cynwyd in Fairmount Park is the Horticultural Center. A criminally underrated stop on the tour of the Philadelphia area’s fine gardens, this greenhouse on the site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition Center is home to hundreds of tropical plants you won’t find anywhere in the region. Boasting everything from cacti to palm trees, this spot doesn’t just make for a beautiful tour, but a breathtaking event space, too.
Movies
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Though we’re transitioning to a society that views movies via streaming service rather than in-person at a movie theater, there’s no way to beat the atmosphere of the classic silver screen on a rainy day. Immerse yourself in the story underneath massive sound systems while munching on a huge bucket of buttered popcorn at theaters like the Regal UA Main Street in Manayunk, Reel Cinemas in Narberth, AMC Marple 10 in Springfield or Regal Edgemont Square in Newtown Square. For small-budget movies in a smaller-budget theater, check out Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a nonprofit with over 9,000 members.
Museums
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The Main Line area is home to some of the best small and boutique museums anywhere on the East Coast. The Michener Art Museum is an independent, nonprofit cultural institution that strives to preserve the cultural and artistic institutions of the Bucks County region. The Wharton Esherick Museum was once the home of the famed eponymous artist himself and now provides a transformative experience through engagements with his art. Bucks County Civil War Museum, Brandywine Battlefield Park and Valley Forge National Historic Park are all great ways to learn about both our nation’s early history and the local history of our region.
Related: Here’s What to Do Around the Main Line Area This Weekend
