Things to Do in Middleton on a Rainy Day
Don’t let a rainy day slow down the fun. Head to one of these Middleton indoor spaces for entertainment and activities while staying dry.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to put a damper on a day in Middleton. With a warm cup of coffee, one-of-a-kind museums and family-friendly entertainment, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city indoors. Here are a few places to explore when rain moves through.
Get creative
A rainy day is the perfect time to slow down and try something new. Get creative, learn a new skill or spend a few hours exploring a new hobby at one of these Middleton businesses offering classes and hands-on experiences.
Miggy’s Bakes hosts themed cake-decorating classes that teach bakers of all levels new techniques. In addition to newfound skills, attendees receive a cake from Miggy’s Bakes to decorate and bring home. View upcoming classes here.
Set to open in the fall of 2026, Vanilla Bean in Downtown Middleton (7535 Hubbard Avenue) will offer decorating classes for baked goods.
Rock Paper Scissors Studio provides a crafting space for children, with classes, workshops and kids' camps available. Check out upcoming art classes here.
Get creative with stained-glass and fused-glass classes at Stained Glass Grotto. Expert instructors guide participants through the techniques and skills needed to create a one-of-a-kind piece, with classes available for all skill levels and open studio time.
Middleton is home to a variety of weekly bingo and trivia nights, providing a rain-free indoor oasis for entertainment. Whether you're in the mood for a competitive game of bingo or challenging trivia, there's a way to challenge your knowledge (or luck) every day of the week. Check out this list to find the best local spots where you can join in on the action and win some prizes!
Dongzhu Pottery Studio is a cozy place to channel your inner artist on a rainy day. Try your hand at the pottery wheel or hand building with classes for all skill levels, from one-time drop-in sessions to weekly wheel-throwing classes. Youth classes, private lessons and events are also available. View a list of courses at the Middleton location here.
The Middleton Parks and Recreation Department and the Middleton Public Library often host public events for adults and children, from arts-and-crafts classes to creative writing workshops to mindful yoga practices.
Explore local museums and attractions
Learn about the spicy history of one of the world’s most beloved condiments at the National Mustard Museum. Be wowed by the more than 7,000 jars, tubes and cans of mustards on display and 200 bottles or jars for sale in the upstairs gift shop; many mustard varieties are available for taste-testing at the sampling bar.
Step into Middleton’s history at the Rowley House Museum, a historic 1868 landmark filled with artifacts, photographs and collections from the city’s early settlers. Explore the exhibits and learn about the people who helped shape Middleton. Open mid-April through mid-October on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The best part? Both of these Middleton museums are completely free.
Just a drive away (Museums & Attractions)
Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds, 29 minutes)
Rainy days don't matter when you're underground. Explore a hidden world at Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark filled with colorful rock formations, crystal-clear pools and fascinating geological features. Guided educational tours take visitors through some of the oldest cave formations in the Midwest and the cave maintains a temperature of 50 degrees year-round, providing a cool respite on hot, muggy rain days.
Taliesin (Spring Green, 42 minutes)
Step inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Taliesin, his famed home and studio in Spring Green, for a fascinating look at his architecture, life and legacy. Tours are available, or simply soak up the beautiful architecture in the Riverview Terrace Cafe.
House on the Rock (Spring Green, 48 minutes)
Explore one of Wisconsin’s most unique attractions at House on the Rock, a sprawling collection of rooms, exhibits and unusual treasures set atop a scenic rock outcropping in Spring Green. For guests visiting all areas of three sections, House on the Rock recommends at least three hours to experience it all, making it the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Big Top Circus at Circus World (Baraboo, 44 minutes)
Step inside the Big Top for an unforgettable circus experience at Circus World in Baraboo. While much of the Circus World Historical Site is outdoors, the museum also offers indoor exhibits, and the Big Top Circus performances take place under the iconic big top tent.
Madison Museums
- Geology Museum
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Chazen Museum of Art
- Madison Children's Museum
- Coming Soon: Wisconsin Historical Museum set to open in 2027
Get active
When rain puts outdoor sports on hold, take the competition inside.
- Ice Skating is available indoors at Bob Suter’s LEGACY20 Arena; public skate times can be found here.
- Hitters SportsPlex’s pickleball courts are available seven days a week and open to the public. Hitters also offers tennis and baseball lessons, as well as court and batting-cage time for club members.
- KEVA Sports Center is home to premier indoor recreation facilities, including state-of-the-art turf fields and courts for volleyball and basketball. Adult leagues and youth programs are available year-round. An annual membership of $40/individual or $50/family is required for all players to participate in KEVA Sports Center leagues, classes and camps.
- Middleton Sport Bowl is a great place to bring the whole family for a few fun-filled hours of bowling. Middleton Sport Bowl is home to 10 bowling lanes and a multi-level sports bar.
- Sharpen your golf skills at Golf Galaxy, where you’ll find rentable golf simulators with hundreds of virtual courses.
- PlayN Wisconsin is known as a retailer of outdoor play equipment, but they also offer an on-site indoor play facility where kids and parents can test equipment before purchasing or just have fun. All ages are welcome to play from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Just a drive away
Boulders Climbing Gym (Madison, 20 minutes)
Grab a day pass and get ready to defy heights at Boulders Climbing Gym in Downtown Madison. Just a block away from the state Capitol building, a day pass allows full access to over 8,000 square feet of climbing space. Rental equipment available.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park (Madison, 10 Minutes)
Shop boutiques and name brands
Explore the unique, local shops downtown, or head to the Greenway Station outdoor shopping center for more franchises. Even though you’ll be outside when going in and out of stores, everything is located close by.
Settle in with a warm cup
Rainy days, a hot cup of coffee or tea and a good book are a classic pairing. Here are a few of Middleton’s coziest spots to settle in and stay awhile:
- Grace Coffee Co. offers a bright, inviting spot to spend a rainy morning or afternoon. Located downtown at the corner of Parmenter Street and Hubbard Avenue, the café features colorful murals, modern seating, a full espresso and coffee bar, plus a variety of breakfast and lunch options.
- Barriques offers coffee, espresso and a cozy place to escape the rain in Downtown Middleton. Settle in and enjoy a selection of bakery and lunch items. Barriques also offers a variety of wines to browse while you’re there.
- Prairie Café & Bakery is located on the northeast side of town and offers stunning architecture modeled after Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature prairie and organic styles. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch with a side of Collectivo coffee by the pump or a specialty drink.
- Vitruvius in Downtown Middleton pairs thoughtfully designed surroundings with great coffee and locally sourced pastries. The architect-owned café features a bright, beautifully designed interior and a cozy outdoor patio.
- Le C’s Patisserie & Tea House has plenty of tea options to choose from. Sip on a creamy matcha latte, refreshing fruit infusion or one of their signature house blends. With customizable sugar levels and milk alternatives, it’s easy to make your drink just the way you like it.
Let the games begin
Head to the Kickback Bar for some friendly indoor competition. With more than 50 pinball and arcade games, a full bar and snacks, there’s plenty to keep the fun going. Monthly league nights and beginner-friendly pinball workshops for kids and adults offer even more ways to play and sharpen your skills.
Spend a rainy day playing games at I’m Board! Games & Family Fun. Stop in for free open gaming when tables are available, choose a game from the free-to-use demo library or bring a favorite from home. With events happening throughout the week, there’s always something new to play.
Grab a drink
If looking for a locally brewed (and award-winning) beer or hard cider, Middleton has its own German-style brewery and locally sourced hard cidery. There is also a cozy and casual wine bar open in evenings.
- Enjoy award-winning German lagers, hard seltzers, and specialty brews inside Capital Brewery's cozy Bier Stube.
- Hidden Cave Cidery offers a variety of uniquely flavored hard ciders, all of which are made with Wisconsin apples. The cidery’s tasting room is a fun place to hang out and often hosts live music performances.
- Wine and more wine, that's what you'll find at the Grape Water Wine Bar downtown. It's a great spot to meet with friends and gather in one of the wine bar's cozy nooks. Pro tip, check out their pizza and charcuterie. Or, if you're looking for a spot to enjoy wine after shopping at Greenway Station, the newly opened Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant features more than 60 of their own wines, all available for sampling in their inviting front tasting room (no reservation required).