Rain, sleet or snow putting a damper on your plans? Not around here!

While we love getting outside and enjoying the lakes, trails and wide-open spaces of the Willmar Lakes Area, sometimes the weather has other plans. And honestly? That’s a pretty good excuse to slow down, explore somewhere new and discover just how much there is to do indoors.

Whether you’re visiting the area or looking for something fun to do close to home, a little bad weather doesn’t have to mean a boring day. From bowling and axe throwing to shopping, museums, movies, coffee and chocolate, here are some of our favorite indoor activities for a rainy or snowy day in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Make It a Day of Family Fun

Traveling with kids? A rainy day can be the perfect opportunity to let them burn off some energy somewhere other than the hotel room!

The Village Children’s Museum in Willmar is designed for children ages 0–12 and combines hands-on play, learning and exploration. Kids can get curious, try new things and stay busy while parents and grandparents join in the fun. It’s a great option when little travelers need a place to play, explore and stay busy.

Need to burn off some energy? Head to Alley on Ash in New London for a little friendly competition. With eight bowling lanes, food and a fun atmosphere, it’s an easy way to turn a rainy afternoon into a family game night.

Looking for even more ways to play? Shining Light Entertainment in Willmar has something for everyone, with laser tag, blacklight mini golf, axe throwing and more. Challenge your family or friends to a game of laser tag, test your putting skills under the glow of blacklights, or see who has what it takes to hit the target with axe throwing. With so many activities to choose from, it’s easy to make a whole afternoon or evening out of it!

Get Competitive Indoors

You don’t have to wait for sunny skies to enjoy a round of golf at Willmar Indoor Golf & Cages.

With six golf simulator bays and two indoor batting cages featuring HitTrax technology, WIG gives golfers and baseball and softball players plenty of ways to stay active indoors. The simulators let you play hundreds of courses from around the world, while the batting cages provide real-time stats and performance data.

But golf and baseball aren’t the only reasons to stop by. Challenge your friends to darts, cornhole or pool, then grab some food and a drink from the full bar. Whether you’re working on your game, looking for some friendly competition or just want a fun place to hang out, WIG has a little bit of everything under one roof.

Get Creative

Sometimes the best rainy-day activity is one that lets you make something of your own.

At Artsy Fartsy, you can choose a ceramic piece and turn it into a personalized creation with your own colors and style. It’s a fun way to spend some time being creative—and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home when you’re finished.

Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events, too. Local organizations regularly host art classes, workshops, performances and other hands-on activities throughout the year, giving you even more ways to get creative when the weather keeps you indoors.

Explore Local History & Culture

A rainy day is also a great time to slow down and discover the stories that make the Willmar Lakes Area unique. It’s a chance to learn something new about the communities you’re exploring while staying warm and dry.

At the Kandiyohi County Historical Society & Museum in Willmar, explore exhibits and historic buildings that tell the story of the people, places and industries that shaped the county. History buffs can also check out the Raymond Area Museum and other museums throughout the area.

And don’t forget to check our Events Calendar before your visit. From live theatre and concerts to community programs and special events, there’s often something happening indoors.

Catch a Movie or a Show

Sometimes you just need to grab some popcorn, settle into a comfortable seat and let someone else do the entertaining.

Catch the latest movie at Spicer Cinema 4 or Golden Ticket Cinemas Kandi 6. Prefer live entertainment? Check out the area’s community theatres and performance venues for live theatre, music, comedy and other shows throughout the year. The Little Theatre Auditorium in New London is one local favorite, and our Events Calendar is the best place to see what’s happening during your visit.

A rainy afternoon can quickly turn into a great night out when you pair a movie or show with dinner at one of the area’s local restaurants.

Shop Somewhere New

A gloomy day is the perfect excuse to do a little local shopping.

The Willmar Lakes Area is home to so many unique shops and boutiques that you can easily turn a rainy afternoon into a shopping adventure. Browse for clothing, gifts, home décor, toys, accessories and other one-of-a-kind finds at places like Lucky Duck in New London, Urban Escape Boutique in Spicer, and Mainstream Boutique and Shoppe 14 in Willmar.

And shopping isn’t just about finding something to take home. It’s a chance to explore our communities, meet local business owners and discover places you might otherwise drive right past.

Grab a Coffee & Slow Down

Not every rainy-day adventure needs to be packed with activity.

Sometimes the perfect plan is finding a cozy coffee shop, ordering your favorite drink and giving yourself permission to slow down for a while. The Willmar Lakes Area has locally owned coffee shops in communities including Willmar, Spicer and New London, each with its own atmosphere and menu.

Grab a coffee and a pastry, meet up with a friend, bring a book or simply sit back and watch the rain come down. Add lunch or a sweet treat afterward, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great afternoon.

Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

And then there’s the most important question: Where’s the chocolate?

Stop at B’s Chocolates in Willmar for Belgian chocolates, truffles, caramels and other sweet treats. Whether you’re picking up something to enjoy during your getaway or taking a box home with you, it’s a delicious stop to add to your itinerary.

You can also explore the many local bakeries, cafés, dessert spots and restaurants throughout the area. Because let’s be honest—bad weather is a perfectly good reason to order dessert.

Make It a Night Out

Who says the fun has to stop when the sun goes down?

The Willmar Lakes Area’s breweries offer another way to spend a rainy evening. Foxhole Brewhouse, Goat Ridge Brewing Co. and Intuition Brewing each offer their own atmosphere, beverages and food options, and host live music, trivia and other events throughout the year.

Check our Calendar of Events to see what’s happening during your visit, then grab your favorite people and make a night of it.

Build Your Own Rainy-Day Itinerary

Not sure where to start? Pick a few activities that sound like your kind of fun and build your own indoor adventure. Start with breakfast and coffee in New London, spend the morning exploring a museum or shopping downtown Spicer, grab lunch, then spend the afternoon bowling, playing laser tag or getting creative at Artsy Fartsy. Finish the day with dinner, a movie, live entertainment or a stop at one of the area’s breweries.

Traveling with kids? Start with the Children’s Museum, bowling or Shining Light Entertainment. Looking for a couples’ getaway? Mix shopping, coffee, chocolate, dinner and live entertainment. Visiting friends for the weekend? Check the Events Calendar for something happening during your stay and build your plans around it.

Turn a Rainy Day Into an Adventure

The next time the forecast calls for rain, sleet or snow, don’t automatically cancel your plans. Change them!

Spend the morning browsing local shops, grab lunch and a cup of coffee, challenge your friends to a game, catch a movie or show, explore a museum, indulge in some chocolate and finish the day with dinner and a local brew.

The Willmar Lakes Area may be known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor adventures, but there’s plenty happening indoors, too. From family-friendly attractions and indoor recreation to local shopping, museums, coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill a rainy or snowy day. So let the weather do what it wants—and go find your own adventure.