Staying at home is really not an option！10 handpicked “rainy day fun ideas” in Taipei

▲ Hot spring hotel. (Illustration / Provided by Beitou Lihpao Hot Spring Hotel)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Rainy days can really be a downer—is staying on the couch all day really your only choice? In fact, besides going to the movies or singing karaoke, there are plenty of other options！ETNEWS has put together 10 “rainy day entertainment ideas” to keep your mood bright even when it’s raining！

1. Soaking & Dining
Compared to the crowds in winter, the slightly cooler autumn lets you avoid the hot spring rush！In the Greater Taipei area, spots like Beitou, Yangmingshan, Wulai, and Jinshan all offer hot springs. After soaking, enjoy a nice meal—how relaxing！Pick a convenient location and enjoy a leisurely holiday.

2. Flip Out Trampoline Park
Trampolines have been getting more and more popular lately. Near Zhongshan MRT Station, there's a trampoline park where the whole space is designed with black trampolines and soft mats. Whether you're bouncing up and down or trying out different moves, it's a fun and calorie-burning activity that won’t let bad weather ruin your mood.

Flip Out Trampoline Park
Address: No. 45, Lane 59, Section 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City

▲ Illustration of a board game café. (Photo / Taken by Reporter Huashaofu)

3. Board Game Cafés
There are tons of board game cafés in Taipei—just ask your friendly Google and plenty will pop up. You can choose from all kinds of group games, and even if you’re a beginner, don’t worry—the staff will gladly teach you. Sipping drinks while playing and brainstorming with friends is way more meaningful than just rolling around at home！

4. Escape Rooms
Not sure where to go with a big group of friends? An escape room might be a great choice. Everyone can team up, solve puzzles, and experience the thrill of the challenge—it’s both brainy and exciting. There are all kinds of themes, so you’re bound to find one you like. You might even end up thankful for the rain for leading you to this fun activity.

5. Bowling
How long has it been since you went bowling? Back in your parents’ day, bowling alleys were the go-to for dates！Pair up with someone you like, not only to get your blood flowing but also to show off your skills and bond—time will fly before you know it.

6. Shooting Star Game Gun Shooting Range
Dream of becoming a sniper from a game or movie? A game gun shooting range might be right up your alley. They have all kinds of guns on display—pistols, rifles, sniper rifles—and you can even try different types all in one go. Don’t be a homebody on rainy days—invite a few friends over for some target practice.

Shooting Star Game Gun Shooting Range
Address: No. 124, Section 2, Wuchang St., Taipei City (near Ximen MRT Station)

7. E7PLAY
If you want to do ALL of the above, then an all-in-one entertainment center is your best bet. E7PLAY offers both “3-hour passes” and “5-hour passes,” where you can enjoy bowling, dart machines, fitness equipment, magazines & comics, massage areas, and more to your heart’s content—meeting all kinds of playtime needs.

E7PLAY
Sanchong Store Address: B1, No. 63, Zhongyang S. Rd., Sanchong District, New Taipei City
Xinzhuang Store Address: 7F, No. 5, Lane 188, Min’an Rd., Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City (Hongjinbao Maji Plaza)

▲ Taipei Arena Ice Rink (Photo / Screenshot from Taipei Arena website)

8. Major Sports Centers
Taipei Arena has an ice rink for skating, and if you’re into climbing, badminton, table tennis, squash, or pool, they’ve got all kinds of ball sports. Aside from the pool and gym, other activities require advance booking—don’t show up and find they’re full.

Taipei Arena Ice Rink
Address: No. 2, Section 4, Nanjing E. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei City
Taipei City Sports Center Reservation System　

▲ Linkou Mitsui Outlet Park. (Photo / Reporter Chang Yizhong)

9. Large Shopping Malls
Staying indoors to shop on a rainy day isn’t a bad idea either. Plus, with the recent openings of Linkou Mitsui, Huatai Premium Outlets, and Lihpao Outlets in Taichung, friends in Kaohsiung can check out E-DA World. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, eating and drinking there is still a lot of fun.

▲ Yipin Bookstore. (Photo / Provided by Yipin Bookstore)

10. Bookstores for a Literary Vibe
Not in the mood for sports or shopping? How about becoming a literary type at a bookstore? Taipei has so many bookstores to explore. Aside from Eslite, there’s Yipin Bookstore opened by Dai Shengyi, Tsutaya Books in Xinyi District, independent bookstore Floating Light, and Bleu&Book — all recently opened — where you can enjoy food while reading.