7 Best Indoor Things to Do in the Poconos When It Rains
Updated October 24, 2026
Planning a trip to Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains but worried about rainy weather?
Don't cancel your getaway just because the forecast calls for rain! The Poconos offer plenty of indoor attractions, from massive waterparks and family entertainment centers to arcades, indoor go-kart racing, and live theater.
Whether you're visiting during a rainy summer weekend, a chilly fall afternoon, or a snowy winter vacation, there's something to enjoy year-round.
If you're staying in Arrowhead Lake or Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania, here are seven indoor activities worth considering.
1. Spend the Day at Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
One of the biggest indoor attractions in the Pocono Mountains is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor.
The resort features a 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark maintained at a comfortable 84°F.
Visitors can enjoy waterslides, wave pools, a lazy river, and attractions designed for different ages.
Kalahari also features an indoor arcade and additional entertainment options, making it possible to spend much of the day indoors.
Good to know: You don't have to stay at the resort to visit the waterpark. Limited day passes are available, although admission depends on the date and availability.
For current ticket prices and reservations, visit Kalahari's official day-pass page. Kalahari Resorts
Best for: Families, groups, and visitors looking for a full day of indoor entertainment.
2. Visit Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark
Another popular family destination is Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains in Scotrun.
The resort features a 120,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and splash areas for younger children.
Beyond the waterpark, families can explore additional entertainment such as arcade games and interactive activities.
Great Wolf Lodge is particularly appealing for families traveling with younger children because of its dedicated toddler and children's play areas.
The resort offers both full-day and half-day waterpark passes to visitors who aren't staying overnight.
Children ages two and younger receive free waterpark admission, and day passes are subject to availability.
Check Great Wolf Lodge's day-pass information before visiting. Great Wolf Resorts
Best for: Families with toddlers, younger children, and elementary-school-age kids.
3. Enjoy Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark at Camelback
Located in Tannersville, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is another excellent option for a rainy Pocono day.
Aquatopia features a transparent roof, indoor waterslides, a wave pool, and a relaxing adventure river.
The waterpark maintains a tropical 84°F environment throughout the year.
According to Camelback's October 2026 operating information, Aquatopia is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, including throughout October and November.
Day tickets and twilight tickets are available, with twilight admission beginning at 3 PM.
Visit Camelback's Aquatopia website for current prices and availability.
Best for: Families, couples, and visitors who want indoor water activities without booking an overnight resort stay.
4. Let the Kids Burn Energy at Pocono Rocks!
Not every rainy-day adventure needs to involve swimming.
Pocono Rocks! in Mount Pocono offers an indoor recreational center featuring climbing walls, bounce houses, inflatable slides, and a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.
It's a great place for children to stay active when outdoor playgrounds aren't an option.
The facility also has an on-site café serving meals, snacks, and drinks.
Current published hours: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM–8 PM. Closed Tuesdays.
Participants must complete a waiver, and socks are required for most activities.
Visit Pocono Rocks' official website for admission information and rules. Pocono Rocks!
Best for: Families with energetic children who enjoy climbing, jumping, and obstacle courses.
5. Play Classic Video Games at The Arcade Era
Remember Pac-Man, Tetris, and classic arcade racing games?
The Arcade Era, located inside Stroud Mall in Stroudsburg, brings back the nostalgia of traditional video arcades.
The attraction features classic and modern arcade games with an unlimited-play admission model.
As of October 2026, published admission prices are:
Adults ages 19 and older: $20
Children ages 4–18: $15
Seniors ages 65 and older: $10
Children younger than four must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Unlike traditional pay-per-game arcades, visitors can enjoy multiple games without repeatedly purchasing credits.
For current information, visit The Arcade Era's official website. The Arcade Era
Best for: Families with older children, teenagers, and adults who enjoy retro gaming.
6. Race Indoor Go-Karts at S&S Speedways
Looking for something a little more exciting?
S&S Speedways in Stroudsburg offers indoor go-kart racing.
The facility features a track where visitors can race against friends or family members, making it an entertaining option for competitive groups.
Drivers must be at least 54 inches tall, wear closed-toe shoes, and follow the venue's safety requirements.
The facility also offers a small game area and spectator viewing.
Operating hours vary seasonally, so check before visiting.
See S&S Speedways' official website for current schedules, race packages, and safety rules. SS Speedways
Best for: Teenagers, adults, and families with older children.
7. Catch a Live Performance at Shawnee Playhouse
For a quieter indoor activity, consider an afternoon or evening at Shawnee Playhouse.
Located in Shawnee on Delaware, this historic theater presents plays, musicals, and family-oriented productions throughout the year.
It's an enjoyable alternative to the larger indoor attractions, especially for couples or families who appreciate live entertainment.
Performances take place on selected dates, so visitors should review the schedule before planning their trip.
Browse upcoming performances and purchase tickets through the Shawnee Playhouse website. TheShawneePlayhouse
Best for: Couples, theater enthusiasts, and families looking for an afternoon or evening activity.
How to Plan a Rainy-Day Pocono Getaway
The best rainy-day itinerary depends on your group's ages, interests, and budget.
For families with younger children, consider spending the morning at Pocono Rocks or choosing one of the indoor waterparks for a full-day outing.
Families with teenagers might prefer indoor go-kart racing, arcade games, or the more adventurous waterpark slides.
Couples can enjoy a slower day exploring local shops, having lunch, and attending a theater performance.
If you're staying in Arrowhead Lake, check driving directions before departing. Pocono attractions are spread across several towns, and travel times can increase during busy weekends or poor weather.
Also, check ticket availability in advance. Indoor attractions can become especially popular when rain disrupts outdoor vacation plans.
Where to Stay in the Poconos for a Rainy Weekend
A vacation doesn't have to stop when you return from sightseeing.
Poconos Vacations offers professionally managed vacation homes in Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania, providing a comfortable home base for exploring the Pocono Mountains.
Depending on the property, guests can enjoy private hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, smart TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and spacious living areas.
Instead of spending a rainy evening in a hotel room, families and friends can cook dinner together, watch movies, play games, or relax in a private hot tub.
Browse Arrowhead Lake vacation rentals and check availability at Poconos.Vacations.
Please note: Arrowhead Lake is a private gated community requiring advance guest registration and mandatory community fees. Some recreational amenities operate seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in the Poconos when it rains?
Popular indoor activities include visiting waterparks, playing arcade games, indoor climbing, go-kart racing, and attending live theater performances.
Are Pocono indoor waterparks open year-round?
Yes. Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, and Aquatopia operate indoor waterparks throughout the year. Individual attractions, schedules, and day-pass availability may vary.
What are the best indoor activities near Arrowhead Lake?
Pocono Rocks in Mount Pocono and Kalahari in Pocono Manor are convenient options to investigate. Other attractions in Tannersville, Scotrun, and Stroudsburg provide additional choices.
Are there indoor activities for adults in the Poconos?
Yes. Adults can enjoy indoor go-kart racing, arcade games, waterparks, and theater performances. Some vacation homes also feature private hot tubs and game rooms.
Where can I rent a Pocono cabin with indoor entertainment?
Vacation homes in Arrowhead Lake offer a variety of amenities, including game rooms, fireplaces, smart TVs, and private hot tubs.
Explore available accommodations at Poconos Vacations.
Don't Let Rain Ruin Your Pocono Vacation!
The Pocono Mountains offer much more than hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation.
With indoor waterparks, family entertainment centers, arcades, and theaters, there's plenty to enjoy regardless of the weather.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, a romantic getaway, or a trip with friends, a little flexibility can turn a rainy day into one of the highlights of your vacation.
Find your next mountain getaway at Poconos.Vacations.
Attraction details reviewed October 24, 2026. Hours, admission prices, and availability are subject to change.