A rainy day in Vermont can feel like a curveball. You planned first chair at Mount Snow or a long hike with views. The kids already had their gear on. Then the clouds roll in and plans pause. The good news is that a rainy day around West Dover and Wilmington does not have to feel like a lost day. In fact, some of our favorite family memories have come from leaning into a slower, cozier pace and discovering what this area does best indoors.
Here are five tried-and-true rainy day ideas that keep everyone happy, from little kids to grandparents, and still feel very Vermont.
🎳 Bowl, Play, and Eat at North Star Bowl
If the weather forecast says steady rain, North Star Bowl is usually our first recommendation for families. It is much more than bowling. Inside you will find classic lanes, an arcade with redemption games, mini golf for when the rain lightens up, and a full restaurant.
What families love most is that everyone can do something they enjoy at the same time. Younger kids gravitate toward the arcade, teens actually enjoy bowling, and adults appreciate having food and drinks without needing to leave the building. It is casual, lively, and forgiving if attention spans run short.
Tip: This is a popular spot on rainy weekends, so heading there earlier in the day can mean less waiting.
🎬 Catch a Movie at Mountain Park Cinema
There is something special about seeing a movie at a small-town theater, especially when the rain is coming down outside. Mountain Park Cinema is just minutes from West Dover and feels refreshingly old school in the best way.
This is an easy win if everyone needs a break, especially after a busy ski or hiking schedule. Grab popcorn, settle in, and let the kids reset. It is also a great late-afternoon option before heading out to dinner.
Pair this with takeout afterward and you have a no-stress evening that still feels like vacation.
🛍️ Wander Downtown Wilmington
Rainy days are perfect for strolling through downtown Wilmington. The shops, cafes, and bookstores are close together, so you are never outside for long, and everything moves at a relaxed pace.
Kids usually enjoy popping into gift shops and candy spots, while adults appreciate the coffee, local goods, and art. This is also a good opportunity to pick up souvenirs that are not ski themed, which is nice if you are visiting outside peak winter conditions.
If the rain eases up even a little, walking along the Deerfield River adds to the experience.
🍁 Take a Day Trip to the Vermont Country Store
If you do not mind a scenic drive, the Vermont Country Store in Weston is one of the best rainy day destinations around. It is indoors, nostalgic, and surprisingly entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Families love exploring the aisles filled with old-fashioned toys, puzzles, candy, and Vermont-made goods. The food counters are excellent, and it is easy to turn this into a lunch outing that feels like an experience rather than an errand.
This is also a great backup plan if weather wipes out an entire day of outdoor activities.
🏡 Lean Into a Cozy Day Back at the House
Sometimes the best rainy day plan is staying put. One of the advantages of traveling with family is having space to spread out, and this is where Valley View Villa really shines.
Rainy days are perfect for:
🎲 Board games and card tournaments
🎱 Pool or foosball challenges
🎶 Music on the Sonos while kids play
🔥 A fire going in the fireplace
🍝 A relaxed group dinner that turns into a long evening
Parents often tell us these end up being the moments their kids talk about later. No rushing, no driving, just everyone together with nowhere else to be.
Pro tip: Save one special dessert or movie night specifically for a rainy day. It turns disappointment into excitement fast.
Making the Most of Unexpected Weather
Rain happens in Vermont, even on ski and hiking trips. The key is knowing your options before the clouds roll in. With bowling, movies, small-town exploring, classic Vermont stops, and a comfortable home base, a rainy day can feel like part of the adventure rather than a disruption.
If you are staying with us and want more ideas, our local guide is always a good place to start, and we are happy to share what works best for families depending on ages and interests.
Sometimes the best vacation memories are the ones you did not plan.
