20 Ways to Spend Rainy Days on The Central Coast

Rainy days on weekends can feel endless, especially when the rain is relentless. Keeping the kids (and ourselves) from climbing the walls and battling cabin fever becomes a real challenge.

But worry no more! We’ve doubled our rainy day activity list for you. Here are 20 of the very best indoor play centres and rainy day activities on the Central Coast for kids and adults alike.

Central Coast rainy day activities for kids

Indoor Ice Skating, Erina

When it comes to rainy day activities on the Central Coast, Erina Ice Arena is a top choice. Located at Erina Fair, it offers public skating sessions every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 2:30 pm, with complimentary skate hire and staff assistance for new skaters.

For evening fun, they host disco sessions every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are $18 and include skate hire. Ice hockey fans can catch the Central Coast Rhinos in action; check the arena’s website for game schedules. The onsite Cutting Edge Cafe offers a variety of snacks and drinks.

This July, the arena has exciting plans for the school holidays, including the international ice hockey cup tournament featuring Canada vs. USA, and figure skating shows and ice sports demonstrations during weekday public sessions.

Erina Ice Arena promises a memorable experience for all ages.

Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach

Avoca Beach Theatre, established in 1948 by brothers Mervyn and Norman Hunter, began in their front garden to raise funds for the Avoca Beach rock pool. With a projector in Norman’s garage and cushions on wooden benches, the community enjoyed films, seeking shelter on Mervyn’s verandah when it rained. The brothers built a permanent structure, housing a 500-seat cinema, a bank, and a real estate office.

Over the years, the Theatre has evolved, adding a Souvenir and Gift Shop, a Café, Alfresco Screenings, and a Wine Bar. Still owned by the Hunter family, the Theatre remains a beloved cultural hub, hosting movies, special events, film festivals, and top Australian musicians.

Clip N’Climb, Gosford

With 28 uniquely-themed climbing walls waiting to be scaled, Clip ‘N Climb is a winner on a rainy day. Suitable for school age kids from 5 and up. The automatic belay devices will gently lowering the climber to the ground once you’re done so mum anxiety is at a general low here.

Ninja Kids, Erina

Parents are buzzing about Erina’s Ninja Kids facility, offering thrilling “Ninja Warrior” obstacle courses, tumbling classes, and epic birthday parties. Owned by Frankie and Michael Lipman, the facility champions safety in sports, stemming from Michael’s personal journey battling concussion-related issues. Dedicated to accessibility, they accept Active & Creative Kids vouchers and are gearing up for exciting school holiday ninja camps.

With rave reviews since February, don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement firsthand with a free trial session!

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal

With displays including a Virtual Reality Dive, kids can say hello to marine creatures, watch the feeding, enter a colouring or guessing competition and even become a Junior Marine Scientist at Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.  Located right next to the ever-popular Park Life playground in Terrigal means if there is a break in the rain a coffee can be had by the parents while the kids have a run around and climb.

Monkey Mania, Gosford

You can find the biggest indoor playcentre Monkey Mania inside the Gosford League’s Club. There are three levels in total, with a dedicated toddler area, an inflatable jumping castle and a huge slide. But really, the biggest drawcard here is the cannon foam ball arena. Go on parents, you know you want to.

Flip Out, Gosford

Perhaps one of the top choices on a rainy day, Flip Out offers a warehouse filled with trampolines that suits all ages. There’s even a dedicated younger kids area as the main Flip Out gets flipping hectic with teens.

Inflatable World, Charmhaven

Inflatable World in Charmhaven is another great option. It is home to the biggest indoor inflatable playground in Australia and kids will while away the hours bouncing around the obstacles. Don’t forget the socks – they’re mandatory.

Bowling, Bateau Bay and Gosford

Okay, let’s not beat about the bush. The bowling scene on the Central Coast is a little like stepping back into the 1980s. But the aesthetic and vibe aside, it is a lot of fun. You have two location options – either Bateau Bay or Gosford.

KidsWorld, Erina

This multi-level indoor space is packed with climbing structures, tunnels, trampolines, an inflatable slide and a special dedicated under-fives area for little ones to explore safely. We like KidsWorld because you can actually get a decent cup of coffee here, which is free with entry if you’re a Coasties Card member.

Laser Tag Central Coast, Wyoming

Laser Tag Central Coast is the largest Laser Tag Centre on the Central Coast.  With the latest Laserforce Gen8 infinity equipment for the ultimate laser tag immersive experience.   Bookings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Players need to wear enclosed shoes and we suggest children be over 7 years of age (at parents’ discretion due to the dark arena).

Rainy day activities for adults and families on the Central Coast

RELATED: The Full List Central Coast Pubs and Cafes With Playgrounds

FOREplay Golf, Erina

FOREplay Golf is the Coast’s premier indoor golf venue. They aim to make golf accessible to all while also offering a venue where everyone from the aspiring golfer to genuine professionals can get a round in. Using state of the art golf simulator technology, FOREplay Golf provides an experience that feels truly real. So why not try out some of the best golf courses in the world with your mates while enjoying the indoor comforts of a licensed lounge bar. Golf and bevvies – how can you say no?

Smash You, Erina

Cabin fever anger set in from endless rainy days? Well, the top spot has to be Smash You in Erina where you book a room, grab a baseball bat and smash it all to pieces. If you want something a bit more kid-friendly and little less unhinged, then go for the splash option where you chuck some paint around.

Kincumber Indoor Sports, Kincumber 

Kincumber Indoor Sports is a family owned and operated business offering something for everyone, of every age. Established in 1992 these guys are best in the business offering a wide range of indoor sports as well as “Playtime” for the littlies who’re aged 7 and under. They’re open 7 days a week (except Public Holidays) from 9am to 3pm and best of all visits are not time limited.

Kartatak Raceway, Tuggerah  

Kartatak Raceway is the only Go-Karting track on the Central Coast. The indoor track is designed for drifting with a mix of super fast sweeping corners and hairpins making them the ONLY track in Australia with these features. Kartatak Raceway is fun for the whole family with karts for juniors and seniors as well as double karts.

Hit the Movies, Coastwide

From one of the oldest cinemas in Australia, the Avoca Beach Theatre, to the more modern duplex of Event Cinema in Tuggerah. Almost every major suburb of the Coast has a cinema awaiting your arrival on a rainy day, including Ettalong and Erina.

VRROOM Entertainment, Long Jetty

Located at the Diggers at the Entrance (Long Jetty) VRROOM is the ultimate experience when it comes to virtual reality gaming. With over 300 experiences and games to try out plus a car racing simulator, there are hours’ worth of fun to be had. VR is great for all ages even the elderly can go on a virtual experience all over the world while sitting comfortably in one spot.

House of Ellery Workshops, Wyong

Home of the most creative workshops and creative kits on the Central Coast.  House of Ellery has something for everyone from modern macrame to weaving, basketry, soy candle and natural soap making to knitting throws and tea blending.  Founded by Gemma, the name ‘Ellery’ is derived from meaning joyful and happy. Calling the space her house of happiness, she intends to share that same feeling with anyone who joins a workshop or stops by.  Their workshops and kits sell out regularly so make sure to get in quick.

Sloties, Charmhaven

Slot Car Racing is alive and well in Charmhaven. The Sloties family follows the mantra of “bringing back the fun’ and thrives on bringing together friends, family and hobbyists alike to race powered, miniature cars guided by slots placed in racing tracks.  With the cars and hand controllers supplied, there’s no excuse not to give this brilliant, hands-on experience a red hot go.

Bungee Fitness Australia, Tuggerah 

Bungee Fitness Australia is a fully-equipped Anti-Gravity fitness studio. The activities you can try range from bungee to trapeze, lyra, silks and aerial yoga, not to mention this makes the most unique venue to host your next event or party. All ages and abilities are catered for. Class numbers are strictly limited so please be sure to book online before class to reserve your hammock.

Hole in Fun, Lisarow

This year we welcomed an indoor mini golf centre to the Coast, Hole in Fun. Opening to rave reviews of local families rejoicing at the addition of another brilliant wet weather activity. All ages can enjoy a day out for less than $65!  The 18 hole course is colourful and fun. Split into two areas: Cliub Carinval and Tricshot Alley. There is a bar and a cafe on site too to keep the snack attacks at bay.

Coastal Archery, North Gosford

Take aim at the bull’s eye at the Coast’s own privately owned and independent indoor archery range. Coastal Archery is a practice range and competition venue for the seasoned pros but also a teaching facility so if you’ve always wanted to try archery drop in and have a go.  Suitable for kids aged 7 and up this doubles as a great school holiday activity or a team get together after work as they are open until 830pm Mondays through Fridays.  They open from 1pm during the school holidays.

Continue reading:

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