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Best Rainy Day Activities In Los Angeles

rain
(credit: istockphoto)

(credit: istock)

Armed with nearly perfect weather all year long, Angelenos spend so much time outdoors that it's often tough to figure out what do when the rain finally comes down. Don't despair. If you can't think of the ideal activity on these rare days, consider the following that should do the trick and then some.

Visit The Coolest Science Museum
california science center
(credit: california science center)

Explore the California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 724-3623
www.californiasciencecenter.org

When clouds form and rain falls from the sky, head to Exposition Park where you'll find The California Science Center. With astounding exhibits including their "Journey To Space" exhibition, as well as seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, "Mission 26: The Big Endeavor" and many other permanent installations, the Science Center is a great place to visit for people of all ages to spend their day. For children, it will expand their knowledge on the environment, while also exciting them on the possibilities of space, science and the world. Entrance to the museum is free, unless you want to go into some of the exhibits.

Get Your Inner Artist On
color me mine FB
(credit: Color Me Mine)

Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine
12080 Ventura Place
Studio City, California 91604
(818) 762-4434
www.colormemine.com

For a great indoor activity, Color Me Mine is the place to visit. With locations throughout Southern California, walk into any location, pick out your favorite ceramic piece and start painting away. It's a great activity for an afternoon for a few hours and while it's perfect for kids, adults love it as well. It'll certainly keep you out of the rain!

Take A Cooking Class
cooking
(credit: Shutterstock)

Eatz
Eatz
612 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 824-3586
www.eatzla.com

You don't need to be a true foodie to take a cooking class at Eatz. In fact, it's pretty simple to get going. At Eatz, you'll learn the art of cooking from the best instructors who will show you each and every detail. Each class includes a surprise pre-made appetizer to get you in the cooking mood, fresh and delicious seasonal ingredients, wine pairings or cocktails made from scratch and recipes and culinary tips.

Visit An Indoor Playspace Perfect For Kids
amys playground
(credit: Amy's Playground)

Amy's Indoor Playground
1115 Mission St
South Pasadena, CA
(626) 799-0304
www.amysindoorplayground.com

For kids, this one's for you! Owned and operated by South Pasadena mom Amy Shachory, Amy's Playground is a great place for kids and parents alike. Featuring toys to challenge kids' bodies and minds, playgrounds where kids can climb, crawl and slide around, it's fun for everyone involved. Amy's also has a kid-sized playhouse with a kitchen center and role-playing toys to stimulate your child's imagination, a 15×15 bouncer with double-wide slide and more are here.

Head To The Movies
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(credit: Eileen Escarda/iPic Theatres)

iPic Theatres
iPic Theatres
10840 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 307-7003
www.iPicTheaters.com

When it's cold outside and the rain is coming down, why not treat yourself to a truly luxurious movie experience at iPic theatres in Westwood? What's neat about this theatre is that it will not only offer a terrific place to see the movie of your choice, but you'll be pampered with premium and premium plus seating, both of which have large leather seats. Additionally, complimentary popcorn comes with premium plus seats, as well as food and beverage service. Just touch a button and a server will come by and bring you anything you want!

Do Some Fun Exercising
Rock Climbing
(credit: Thinkstock)

Rockreation
Rockreation
11866 La Grange Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 207-7199
www.rockreation.com

Westwood's Rockreation climbing centers offer various climbing terrains for kids, or adults. So, the next time you need an indoor activity, it's the perfect place to get some exercise while enjoying a fun experience at the same time. Rockreation jas some of the best designed climbing terrains for all ability levels. In addition, their helpful and friendly staff are more than willing to teach beginners the ways of the walls in their Fight Gravity class series or swap training techniques on where to go for your next outdoor trip. So, if you are looking for a new, healthy activity, or you just want to train hard for outdoor climbing trips, Rockreation Sport Climbing Center is the place to visit.

Dine Out
the london west hollywood high tea
(credit: The London West Hollywood)

Boxwood Cafe
London West Hollywood
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
W. Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 358-7788
www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

High tea is highly encouraged during that rare rainy day in our fair-weathered city. One of the best posts for this spot-on activity is at the London West Hollywood's Boxwood Cafe where certain brews are served in Japanese tea pots made of iron while hummus is on a menu that typically doesn't get quite so exotic. Want to stick with tradition? No problem. Tiny tea sandwiches like egg and watercress and fresh-baked scones like Devonshire cream and lemon curd are on the carte while cakes run the gamut from pineapple to macarons. Meanwhile, teas take you around the world with favorites like Mediterranean mandarin hinting at the place from which its leaves were imported. And yes, presentation is a plus at the Boxwood where everything you see looks so good you must eat it.

Fall In Love With Music
grammymuseum_ext
(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)

The Grammy Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 765-6800
www.grammymuseum.org

Music is everywhere in Los Angeles so why not learn as much as you can about the award-winning kinds observed at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live? This downtown interactive Mecca for music with its plethora of memorabilia is a tribute to the people who have led the charge into song history as well as the music makers who are in charge today. Be sure to stop by the recording studio on the premises to see if your chops hold up to those belonging to the professionals.

Visit One Of Hollywood's Gems
el capitan
(credit: Shelby Barone)

El Capitan Theater
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(818) 845-3110
www.elcapitan.go.com

This is Disney's flagship theater, a place where you not only get to see a flick from the Mouse House but you actually get to feel like you're part of that colorful masterpiece as well. Surprises are in store whenever you hit the El Capitan, whether that be by being privy to witnessing actual props from the movie you're about to watch or whether you'll be enchanted by a live concert courtesy of a rare Wurlitzer pipe organ that always takes center stage. The Disney Soda Fountain is right next door and accessible directly through the theater so when it's raining, you won't get wet when you have a hankering for a chocolate malt or a cherry phosphate.

TEST Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

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