Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Portsmouth, NH & Kittery, ME
A little rain doesn't have to put a damper on your visit to the Seacoast. Whether you're spending the weekend in Portsmouth, exploring Kittery, or looking for indoor activities during your stay, there are plenty of museums, live music venues, shopping destinations, restaurants, and interactive experiences to enjoy regardless of the weather.
From local history and art to escape rooms, outlet shopping, and memorable meals, here are some of our favorite rainy-day activities in Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME.
Rainy Day Itineraries for Portsmouth & Kittery
Rain doesn't have to slow you down. Everything you need for a cozy Portsmouth afternoon is just steps away.
Suggested Afternoon:
Browse puzzles, games, and gifts at Diversions Puzzles & Games
Discover local art and handmade goods at Nahcotta
Warm up with coffee and pastries from La Maison Navarre
End the day with dinner at Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café or sushi and cocktails at Nichinan
Staying at The Sailmaker's House?
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to slow down and explore Portsmouth's history and downtown charm.
Suggested Afternoon:
Wander through the historic buildings and exhibits at Strawbery Banke Museum
Browse the independent shops along State Street and Daniel Street
Stop for a drink or small plates at Moxy
Make the most of a rainy day in Kittery with a little shopping, exploring, and barbecue.
Suggested Afternoon:
Browse your favorite stores at the Kittery Premium Outlets
Explore local shops and galleries in Kittery Foreside
Wrap up the day with smoked brisket, ribs, and house-made sides at Ore Nell's Barbecue
Museums, History & Culture
Portsmouth Historical Society & Discover Portsmouth
Explore rotating exhibits, local history, and one of Portsmouth's most important cultural institutions. Guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs make this a great stop during inclement weather.
Explore more than 300 years of Portsmouth history through preserved homes, exhibits, gardens, and seasonal programming.
Step aboard a historic Navy research submarine and learn about Portsmouth's important role in naval innovation. The museum and exhibits make for an engaging indoor activity for visitors of all ages.
Historic House Museums
Portsmouth is home to one of the highest concentrations of historic homes in New England, many of which are open seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-October. Step inside beautifully preserved houses, gardens, and estates that tell the story of Portsmouth's colonial, maritime, and early American history.
Explore:
John Paul Jones House – The only surviving home associated with the Revolutionary War naval hero and now a museum operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society.
Governor John Langdon House – The elegant Georgian mansion of New Hampshire's first governor and a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Wentworth-Gardner House – A beautifully restored waterfront home showcasing Portsmouth's maritime heritage.
Rundlet-May House – A grand Federal-style estate offering a glimpse into 19th-century life and architecture.
Warner House – Portsmouth's oldest surviving brick mansion and one of New England's finest examples of early Georgian architecture.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden – A National Historic Landmark known for its beautiful gardens and connections to the American Revolution.
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion – Located along Little Harbor Road, this waterfront estate was once home to New Hampshire's first royal governor.
Jackson House – The oldest surviving wood-frame house in New Hampshire, dating to the 1600s.
Many of these homes offer guided tours, special exhibits, and seasonal events. Be sure to check each property's website for current hours, admission information, and tour schedules.
Interactive Experiences
Let's Move Extreme! Family Entertainment Center
Located at the Kittery Premium Outlets, Let's Move Extreme! is Maine's newest family entertainment center, featuring active gaming, movement-based challenges, and interactive experiences for all ages. It's an ideal rainy-day destination for families, birthday parties, group outings, and team-building events near Portsmouth and Kittery. Check their website for current hours and availability.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test with immersive escape room adventures designed for families, friends, and groups. Open year-round and perfect for a rainy afternoon. Check their website for current hours and availability.
Explore Portsmouth through interactive scavenger hunts that combine sightseeing, puzzles, and teamwork. A fun activity for families, visitors, and groups looking to experience the city in a unique way.
Looking for something different? The Vent Room offers a unique stress-relief experience where guests can safely smash, break, and destroy items in a controlled environment.
A classic Seacoast destination for bowling, arcade games, food, and casual fun. Located in Portsmouth, Bowl-O-Rama is a great rainy-day option for couples, families, groups, and anyone looking for a little friendly competition indoors.
Live Music & Entertainment
One of New England's most celebrated historic theaters, The Music Hall hosts concerts, films, comedy shows, speakers, and live performances throughout the year.
Enjoy world-class musicians in an intimate setting just steps from Market Square.
A Portsmouth institution known for live music, local performers, and a lively atmosphere.
Part gallery, part performance venue, and part gathering place, 3S Artspace hosts concerts, comedy, film screenings, and art exhibitions.
Catch professional theater productions, musicals, and special performances throughout the year.
Shopping in Portsmouth & Kittery
Market Square & Downtown Portsmouth
Rainy days are perfect for exploring Portsmouth's walkable downtown. Browse locally owned bookstores, boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and specialty retailers throughout Market Square and the surrounding streets.
Downtown Kittery Foreside
Just across the bridge from Portsmouth, Kittery's Foreside neighborhood is home to independent shops, cafés, galleries, and local businesses worth exploring.
One of New England's most popular shopping destinations, the Kittery Outlets offer dozens of national brands and retailers spread throughout the community.
Cozy Places to Eat & Drink
After a day of exploring, there's no better way to wait out the rain than with a great meal.
Contemporary Japanese cuisine located inside Hotel Thaxter in downtown Portsmouth.
A Portsmouth favorite known for fresh seafood, oysters, and welcoming hospitality.
Creative small plates, craft cocktails, and a cozy dining room make Moxy a great rainy-day destination.
Modern Mexican cuisine, house-made margaritas, and vibrant flavors in Portsmouth's West End.
Globally inspired street food served in a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes, cocktails, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere just minutes from downtown Portsmouth.
Warm up with Central Texas-style barbecue, house-made sides, local beer, and comfort food that's especially satisfying on a rainy day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some of the most popular indoor activities in Portsmouth include exploring local museums, attending a performance at The Music Hall, visiting art galleries, trying an escape room, shopping in Market Square, or enjoying a meal at one of the city's many restaurants.
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Rainy-day activities in Kittery include shopping at the Kittery Premium Outlets, exploring Kittery Foreside, visiting Let's Move Extreme! Family Entertainment Center, enjoying local restaurants, and discovering nearby Portsmouth attractions just minutes away.
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Yes. Portsmouth is home to several museums and cultural attractions, including Portsmouth Historical Society, Strawbery Banke Museum, the USS Albacore Museum, and a collection of historic house museums that highlight the city's colonial and maritime history.
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Absolutely. Portsmouth offers live entertainment year-round at venues including The Music Hall, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, The Press Room, 3S Artspace, Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and The Players' Ring.
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History enthusiasts can explore Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth Historical Society, and Portsmouth's collection of historic homes, including the John Paul Jones House, Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, Warner House, and Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.
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A rainy day is the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a great meal. Local favorites include Nichinan, Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café, Moxy, Nisi Greek Kitchen + Bar, Vida Cantina, Street, and Ore Nell's Barbecue in Kittery.