The Sunshine State can get a little soggy in the summer months. If you’re visiting Florida’s Space Coast this season, you’ll thank yourself if you plan your days with a chance of rain. Thunderstorms come almost like clockwork, and can typically be expected in the afternoon between 2 and 4 p.m.

In the summer take advantage of the clear weather window and head to the beach early. You’ll get to see some turtle tracks and keep an eye on the storm as it rolls in!

• Sunrise Beach Walk – Enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s rare when the Space Coast has a rainy morning.
• Beach Time – Get out on the beach by 10 a.m. It provides the perfect sun coverage before the high-noon sun. When you start to see dark clouds, check your weather app for the latest news. It’s possible that it could break up before it reaches your spot on the beach. However, safety first! When in doubt, pack it up and head inside.

But, if you miss your weather window, or the skies are just not cooperating, here are a few of our favorite ways to stay dry and have the best rainy day on the Space Coast.

Explore the Museums of Brevard

There are more than 25 indoor museums located on the Space Coast. Each one perfect for a long, stormy afternoon. Learn about the beginning of the American Civil Rights Movement at the Harry T. & Harriet V. Moore Cultural Center in Mims. See astronaut and NASA artifacts and memorabilia at the American Space Museum, or tour a historic Space Coast home next time it’s not-so-sunny in the Sunshine State. Check out the Space Coast Museum Guide to learn more about every museum in the area.

Victory Casino Cruise – Port Canaveral

With two cruises taking place daily, these Vegas-style casino boats have over 600 slot machines and 27 casino games. Do they sail in the rain? Yes!

The Dinosaur Store – Cocoa Beach

The Dinosaur Store is the perfect place to enjoy a Space Coast rain storm. With life-size replicas of dinos and their skeletons, artifacts from ancient cultures, and a variety of science activities, living reptile displays, and arcade games in the Activity Zone and the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures,  is both educational and fun for the whole family.

The Escape Room – Cocoa Beach

Full of mystery and problem-solving, Escape Cocoa Beach is a perfect activity to do with the entire family. From searching for keys and hints to deciphering riddles, Escape Cocoa Beach gives an excuse to work together as a team and have fun while doing it.

Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse – Melbourne 

Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse is a premiere family entertainment center located in Florida’s iconic Space Coast. Our 60,000 square foot facility in the historic FLORIDA TODAY building was intricately curated with one thing in mind: total, absolute, and mind-blowing FUN. Go-karts, laser tag, e-sports arcade,  ninja warrior course, there’s so much fun to be had!

Barrier Island Sanctuary – Melbourne Beach

Although it’s quite a distance from Cocoa Beach, the Barrier Island Sanctuary offers nature enthusiasts a place to explore and learn about Florida’s Space Coast diverse habitats through interactive exhibits. Located on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge this education center teaches you everything you’d want to know about sea turtles and one of the most important nesting grounds in the world. When the rain clears up, boardwalk trails lead you through a coastal hammock to a pristine beach. It’s a great way to experience the after-storm cool-down.

Wizard of Oz Museum – The City of Cape Canaveral 

Boasting one of a kind collection of rare and unique artifacts from the story’s remarkable history, guests can journey down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy and her beloved comrades exploring Oz’s early days as a best-selling children’s book series first envisioned by the imagination of legendary author L. Frank Baum, to the iconic MGM film starring Judy Garland, to modern pop-culture sensations, such as THE WIZ and WICKED and beyond.

Painting with a Twist – Cocoa and Melbourne

Offering classes daily, Painting with a Twist is a great place to be creative and explore your artistic side. Receive step-by-step instruction from a skilled artist and paint a one-of-a-kind work of art to take home with you.

The Gathering Table – Melbourne

Whether you’re hoping to learn some new kitchen skills or pick up some fresh ideas, The Gathering Table is an interactive cooking experience. The classes are suitable for anyone who enjoys cooking, eating or has a passion for food.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House – Cocoa Village

Try your hand at hatchet throwing while you wait out the storm in Cocoa Village. This is great for adults and teens. You can order in food from any of the restaurants in Cocoa Village and enjoy a beer and wine bar in between turns. They also have other giant games when you’re finished throwing but not quite ready to leave yet.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an incredible Space Coast Attraction perfect for a rainy day. Most of the exhibits are all indoors and air-conditioned, with the exception of the Rocket Garden. Most dining areas are also indoors or nestled under covered patios.  And, believe it or not, they do sell some fun umbrellas and ponchos in the gift shop if you don’t want to wait out the rain between exhibits.  If you’re planning this trip already, you won’t ever be disappointed if it rains the day you go! Unless of course, a launch is scrubbed.

No matter what the weather may do while you’re on vacation, Florida’s Space Coast has many activities to keep you busy, happy, and dry. Rain or Shine, it’s always a great day on the Space Coast.