Indoor activities in Metro Manila - rainy skies philippines

What to do when it rains: Indoor activities in Metro Manila

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Rainy season is creeping in on Metro Manila, this deluge of stormy skies and torrential rains and wet socks. This eardrum-shattering thunder which we used to say was an angel scoring a strike in heavenly bowling or God clearing His throat while the lightning was some cherubim taking a picture with flash.

In the Philippines, we like to say we have two seasons—summer and rainy. Meteorologists probably have more accurate terms for that, but summer and rain, wet and dry—that’s how it feels for an average person who sees the weather just as it is. And rainy weather means finding indoor activities in Metro Manila to keep us occupied for a while.

When is rainy season in the Philippines?

Rainy season in the Philippines usually runs from May or June to November. July, August, September are when the Philippines gets hit the hardest. Approximately 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) every year, with around half of those actually crossing or making direct landfall in the country.

When a typhoon does come, we experience heavy downpours and strong winds and even floods in some areas.

Note: If you are traveling around the provinces, you need to be careful of landslides and extreme floods that can reach up to the roof of a house.

What is it like in Metro Manila when it rains?

Cue in Lola Amour’s Raining in Manila. (Listen to the song here.)

Metropolitan areas like Metro Manila are also at risk of flash floods when the rain falls a little too heavily. Some areas are lower than the others and some drainage systems aren’t up to par, which usually leads to flooding and traffic congestion. (Trust me, you do not want to be stuck outside during rush hour when a thunderstorm passes over. You’ll likely end up going home three hours or so later because of all the traffic and everyone scrambling to get a ride. At worst, you might end up having to walk.)

One time when I was in college, I came a little early for class. It was raining then, but it wasn’t windy. And what I thought was a seasonal rainy bit became the most torrential downpour, releasing one month’s volume of rain in just 12 hours. We ended up having to camp out at the school because we couldn’t get home that night, relying on snacks and other junk food so we wouldn’t go hungry and watching The Day After Tomorrow before bed (wouldn’t recommend when you’re in a somewhat similar situation when nature is against you, by the way).

But when the rain falls gently and cools down the air, I must say that it’s pretty pleasant. I’m a rainy day girlie—unfortunately, the only one among my friends who all prefer scorching weather because, in their own words, at least it’s sunny—so I love it when it rains and I get all inspired to write.

While the rainy season in Metro Manila means you may have to put your outdoor activities on hold for a while, you can still find many fun indoor activities in Metro Manila to chase the rainy blues away. (Note: these can also serve as indoor date ideas!)

Art and culture indoor activities in Metro Manila

From roaming around halls filled with art to watching shows and jamming to your favorite artists, here are some art and cultural indoor activities in Metro Manila.

Tour museums around Metro Manila.

Museums make lovely rainy-day visits or indoor date ideas in Metro Manila. Thankfully, Metro Manila has quite a few that you can visit, as well as other museums that are close by.

Museums in Metro Manila and nearby:

You can also find other museums near Metro Manila, such as:

Read about my National Museum experience next.
National Museum of Fine Arts — The Spolarium

Watch theatrical plays in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila has a lot of theaters that are constantly putting on shows. Theatrical plays are one of the interesting indoor activities in Metro Manila—especially if you’re looking for some entertainment to keep you occupied. It’s best to check with the various theater groups or organizations for what they’ve got on at the moment.

Here are some of the Philippine theater groups to check out:

Sometimes, theater troupes from abroad come for performances in the Philippines. Some of those I’ve seen are Les Misérables and Dear Evan Hansen. You can also follow platforms like TheaterFansManila.com for updates.

Jam at your favorite artists’ concerts.

Metro Manila isn’t just a place for theatrical plays—it’s also home to the very exciting scene of concerts, from local OPM bands like Cup of Joe to K-Pop sensations, Seventeen, BTS, and more.

To stay updated with the latest announcements, you can follow the concert organizers themselves, as they often release the latest news on their pages:

Indoor hobbies in Metro Manila

Add a bit of fun in your life by trying out something you haven’t done before or getting into a new hobby you’ve always been curious about. You’ll find lots of workshop and spaces offering diverse kinds of hobbies / indoor activities in Metro Manila.

Attend an indoor arts class.

I love how arts are beautifully alive in the Philippines through various mediums like pottery, painting, flower-arranging, and more. The good news about indoor activities like this is that you don’t have to worry about your plans getting destroyed on rainy days.

Some indoor artsy / hobbyist stuff to try out if you’re looking for indoor activities in Metro Manila with workshops:

Express yourself at a journal hangout.

Journals, stickers, stamps, and other analog ephemera are here to stay—as evidenced by the foot traffic every PlannerCon. And what’s even more fun is that a lot of these artists and journal aficionados often send out invites for journal hangouts where participants come together (usually at a coffee shop) to work on their journals together. It’s one of the ultimate indoor activities in Metro Manila for stationery and journal lovers who love coffee too.

The mechanics vary per journal hangout and depending on who’s hosting it, but here are some people/organizations who have done journal hangouts in the past (they may or may not host one again in the future, but it’s worth following their pages for tips and annnouncements):

Need inspiration for your travel journal? Check this out this post.

Read with others at a silent reading club.

The first time I heard of a silent reading club, I felt so seen. I love the idea of book clubs, but the pressure of having to say something makes me a little nervous (as an introvert). But a silent reading club where everyone just picks their own book to read and hangs out together in delicious, delicious silence? Now that sounds like the stuff that introverted dreams are made of.

I’ve heard of only one “official” silent book club in Metro Manila that schedules regular get-togethers. (Please let me know if there are more, so I can include them on the list!)

Indoor sports activities in Metro Manila

If you love the outdoors, it can be frustrating when the rains force you to remain inside. But with the rise of paddle sports these days (think pickleball and tennis), you’ve got a wider range of indoor activities in Metro Manila that give you the exercise you need (other than the gym). That way, you can remain active even if you’re just indoors.

Play a fun game of pickleball with your friends.

Pickleball has been the new rage for some years now. Even the friends I didn’t expect to get into pickleball or any sport for that matter got into pickleball. I tried it a few times, and though I’m more of a tennis girlie, I think it’s quite fun. I wouldn’t mind learning how to play it.

Recently, I’ve been seeing the rise of indoor pickleball courts in Metro Manila, so if you play or you’d like to try it out, you can check them out.

Indoor pickleball courts in Metro Manila:

  • Hemady Sports Plaza (Quezon City)
  • Manila Pickleball Club (Manila) — Facebook
  • Kerry Sports Manila (BGC) — Website | Instagram
  • Pickleball Junction (Pasig) — Website | Facebook | Instagram
  • Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) Courts (Quezon City)
  • The Zone Makati (Makati) — Instagram

Note: Someone created a pickleball court finder app. You can download it on iOS or Android.

© Pickleball Junction

Try a game of tennis.

Tennis, too, has become more popular through the years, thanks to Alex Eala. I started playing tennis during the pandemic when I badly needed the exercise but couldn’t go to gyms. I discovered a tennis court near where I live and started swinging at balls. I’m nowhere near pro or even amateur, but it’s a fun sport and I enjoy it. Unfortunately, the court where I play is outdoors, so rainy season means no tennis for me.

Indoor tennis courts in Metro Manila:

Go ice skating.

I know of two ice skating rinks in Metro Manila: SM MegaMall and SM MOA. I tried both, but it’s been some time, and I’m more careful about my bones these days (haha!). It is a pretty popular indoor activity spot for students or people on dates. You can easily rent gear and skate for an hour or more, depending on how you like it.

Where to go ice skating in Metro Manila:

  • SM Megamall
  • SM Mall of Asia

An alternative to ice skating—indoor roller skating rink: I’ve only seen a few of this, so you’ll need to do more research. But if you’re looking for a less slippery (I think?) option and perhaps less-crowded too, you can check out roller skating rinks.

Roller skating rinks around Metro Manila:

  • Roller Disco (Quezon City — Facebook
  • Roller Fever (multiple locations, like Ayala Mall Manila Bay, Fairview Terraces, etc.) — Facebook | Instagram

Conquer greater heights by rock climbing.

Rock climbing is a fun activity you can try by yourself or with friends. It can feel a little intimidating especially if you’re iffy about heights, but once you decided to trust the rope (though that takes some time, too), you’ll find yourself enjoying the challenge.

One important note a coach told me during my first rock climbing experience: Use your legs also to climb up. Most people make the mistake of pulling themselves up with only their arms and hands, which will only make them tire faster.

Where to go rock climbing in Metro Manila:

Play a game of archery with your friends.

Unleash your inner Legolas or Katniss Everdeen with a game of archery. While it can be one of the many fun indoor activities in Metro Manila that you can do with friends, archery goes beyond all that. Archery serves as a physical workout, building strength in you arms, chest, shoulders, and core. But it also hones your focus and helps you relieve your stress.

Archery ranges in Metro Manila:

Alternative: Try sharpshooting.

Shooting ranges in Metro Manila:

Fun and entertainment indoor activities in Metro Manila

If you’re looking for something that isn’t too competitive but still lots of fun, there are a number of entertaining indoor activities in Metro Manila that you can enjoy by yourself or with family and friends.

Watch a movie.

Almost every mall has a movie theater where you can catch some of your favorite shows. Watching movies during rainy season is acYou can easily book tickets online or buy them onsite. Check with the cinemas for the showing schedules. Oh, and don’t forget your popcorn and drinks!

Attend a game / trivia night.

If you want to try your common knowledge or street smarts or challenge your inner geek, there are lots of individuals or groups hosting trivia or game nights. The topics vary. I’ve seen common knowledge quizzes, The Lord of the Rings trivia nights (this I like), Taylor Swift 101, and more. You can gather a group of friends and sign up.

Board game clubs and lounges in Metro Manila:

Trivia night groups in Metro Manila:

Challenge yourself to break out of escape rooms.

If you love solving mysteries, you may enjoy challenging yourself with escape rooms. While some of them are literally escape rooms where you have to solve puzzles to find the keys, some of them are centered around a specific mystery—finding a lost painting, finding and diffusing a bomb, etc. I’ve done this a couple of times with friends, and it’s one of the indoor activities in Metro Manila that I’d recommend.

Where to play escape rooms in Metro Manila:

Play laser tag with your friends.

Fancy a bit of excitement and fun on an otherwise sluggish day? Laser tag is one of those adrenaline-pumping, fun-filled indoor activities in Metro Manila that you can play with big or small groups. You’ll get to hone your tactical and sharpshooting skills while also learning how to hide well so your enemy won’t shoot you. Some laser tag arenas allow you to play for a minimum of 15-30 minutes for a taste of what it’s like and a maximum of over an hour or so.

TIP: Bring an extra shirt. Between the heavy vest and running around corners and jumping over obstacles, you’ll likely be dripping with sweat when you come out.

Where to play laser tag in Metro Manila:

Alternative: Check out Space Arcade, an immersive gameplay featuring VR experiences and futuristic technology: Facebook | Instagram

Get strikes and spares at a bowling alley.

Bowling is a fun activitity to play with family and friends. It isn’t as strenuous as other sports, so older people can play it, too. You can find bowling alleys in most SM malls and even some standalone establishments.

Where to go bowling in Metro Manila:

Sing your heart out at a karaoke room.

If you’ve always wanted to be a singer or try your hand at performing, KTV rooms are your best friend. What’s even better is that you can go solo or with a group of friends, and you can even order some food to make the experience more fun. For a lot of my friends, KTVs and karaoke rooms are their favorite among the different indoor activities in Metro Manila.

Karaoke rooms in Metro Manila:

Indoor food activities around Metro Manila

For some reason, my appetite gets even more stimulated when it rains. Cafe-, bakery-, restaurant-hopping are some fun indoor activities in Metro Manila. So many delicious dishes to try out!

Go on a coffee crawl.

Every day is a good day to have coffee, but rainy days are perfect for a nice cup of coffee, however you like to have it. Metro Manila has a lot of coffee shops springing up along main avenues and even the less-traversed sides streets.

TIP: I came across this delightful coffee app that highlights locally-grown beans and the coffee shops that use them. They have a lot of fun features that allow you to look for coffee shops nears your place or even filter options according to the kind of bean you want to drink or the vibe you’re going for. Plus, you get points the more you use the app and upload photos/reviews of coffee shop places.

Download the Where to Coffee app on iOS and Android.

Enjoy hotpot with family and friends.

Nothing tastes better than a delicious hotpot when it rains. While you can always assemble one on your own, it can be a bit of a hassle with all the ingredients to prepare. Thankfully, you’ll find a lot of hotpost restaurants in malls or stand-alone establishments. There are those that provide all-you-can-eat services and those that allow you to buy by the gram.

Hotpot restaurants in Metro Manila:

Leisurely indoor activities around Metro Manila

If you just want to relax, Metro Manila has its share of leisurely indoor activities.

Treat yourself to a massage.

Get rid of all that tension that’s keeping your body stiff with a relaxing spa date—by yourself, with a loved one, or with a small group of friends. Metro Manila has hundreds of spa centers in the Philippines, offering everything from full body massages to special foot spas, head/hair spas, and more.

Get a hydro-massage at Ace Water Spa.

If you’re looking for family-friendly indoor activities in Metro Manila where you can take your kids along, Ace Water Spa is a good alternative with their jet-spray massages. They also have saunas, hot and cold pools, and the spa in Pasig area has a hotel and a buffet so you can have a completely relaxing time.

Website | Facebook

Deciding which indoor activities in Metro Manila to do first

I know—it can be overwhelming, and honestly, while compiling this list, I saw that there was a lot more than what I started out with. But that’s the fun part: you’ll always have something to do. Start with what interests you, find if some friends want to join you (or you can always try it alone!), and take note of the ones you enjoyed a lot. You can do more or you can build a habit around any of the activities and set weekly or monthly schedules to do them.

Are there any other indoor activities in Metro Manila that you enjoy doing that aren’t listed here? Share them below!

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4 thoughts on “What to do when it rains: Indoor activities in Metro Manila”

  1. Mae | Trip ni Menggay 💃🏻

    Oh wow! Such a well-informed and diverse list, Lyz. We are a complete opposite type of bookie. I like to talk about the books/stories I read and usually just babble about it to whoever would listen hahaha but what got my attention here specifically is your list of trivia night spaces. I’ve always wanted to try one of those and would always reference the British pub quiz! Never knew we have those here in Metro also.

    Reply
    1. Alyssa Chua

      I don’t mind talking about book recos because I get to add to my to-read list, haha! I saw a trivia night event one time and thought it was fun. A friend of mine also went to one and enjoyed it a great deal. Thanks so much for reading!

      Reply

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