Springdale, Utah sees an average of just 14 inches of rain each year. And at 252 days of sunshine each year,, it experiences nearly 50 more days of sun than the national average.

However, from time to time Springdale experiences a rainy, snowy, or windy day. This can make hiking and other outdoor activities a drag. Luckily, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to enjoy.

Keep reading to learn a few indoor activities you’ll find in Springdale, Hurricane, and St. George.

Springdale 

You don’t always need a rainy day as an excuse to take a break from hiking and exploring. When you stay at Watchman Villas, the town of Springdale is right outside your door. Shops, restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops are just a short walk or drive away, making it easy to take a break — or several — during your next visit to Zion National Park.

Art Galleries

Besides the breathtaking views of red rock cliffs and towering peaks, another thing that Springdale is known for is its many art galleries. The town has attracted artists from around the world and specializing in a variety of art forms. From paintings to jewelry to sculptures, you can browse their work in the many galleries located throughout Springdale. Spend your day wandering from one gallery to the next, and perhaps pick out a special souvenir or two to remember your trip.

Zion Human History Museum

The Zion Human History Museum is another must-see, whether you have a rainy day during your visit or not. The museum is a wonderful way to learn more about not just Zion, but also the area’s first inhabitants and the pioneers who settled here.

There are a number of permanent exhibits that tell the history of the Southern Paiute people, pioneers, and the foundation of Zion National Park. Temporary exhibits also come and go at the museum. Past exhibits have showcased the history of the Union Pacific Railroad, which once brought visitors to their own lodge in the park, the Civilian Conservation Corp, or CC, and even an exhibit showcasing photography taken by park employees.

Note: As of August 2021, the Zion Human History Museum remains closed due to COVID-19.

Hurricane 

Just half an hour from Springdale is the small city of Hurricane, Utah. Here you’ll find more restaurant options, as well as grocery and convenience stores, coffee shops, and a movie theater if you’re looking for a relaxing evening out. There are also a handful of indoor activities perfect for a rainy half-day outing.

Hurricane Valley Heritage Park & Museum

If you’re looking to spend a couple of hours relaxing away from the crowds of Zion and Springdale, head to the Hurricane Valley Heritage Park & Museum. This museum may be small, but it offers an in-depth look at the rich history of pioneers in the region, and the struggles they faced when they first settled here.

Among the displays featuring artifacts and photographs from pioneer times, there are a few unique relics. This includes two surprising items; a piece of bacon cooked in the 1940s, and a wedding cake that’s more than 100 years old. While you won’t need more than an hour or two to explore the museum or let your little ones play on the playground and splash pad located at the park on-site, both the museum and park are free to visitors.

Mercantile Antiques

You can’t take home a historic piece of wedding cake from the Heritage Museum. But you can visit Mercantile Antiques in search of a unique and interesting souvenir. This antique store offers a wide range of antiques, including a variety of locally made jewelry and antique souvenirs from Zion and other local attractions.

St. George

While St. George might be a bit of a drive away (about an hour’s drive from Springdale), it’s home to a variety of indoor activities perfect for spending a rainy or chilly day, or even for relaxing in between outdoor adventures. 

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

Perhaps the best rainy day destination in the region is the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. This unique and interesting museum features hands-on, interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, and specifically the Early Jurassic period. You can even see real fossils and dinosaur tracks found on the site that date back more than 200 million years. Depending on when you visit, you might even see volunteers working on real fossils. While there is a dino play park and plenty of interactive things to do, this museum is enjoyable for visitors of all ages, not just kids.

St. George Children’s Museum

Another great indoor activity that families will love is the St. George Children’s Museum. This fun museum features 12 exhibit rooms, each packed with interactive activities. Kids of all ages will love playing, learning, discovering, and exploring. While it’s great for a rainy day out of the park, don’t assume that it will be relaxing — you might just wind up walking as much as you did during a day in Zion!

Spend a Rainy Day In

Of course, another great way to spend a rainy day or evening is by staying in at your Watchman Villas Vacation rental. Cook a fun family meal, pop some popcorn and watch a movie, or host a family game night — you’ll have an instantly memorable night without having to go out!

Planning for a Rainy, Cold, or Relaxing Day

Whether you just need to spend a day relaxing off the trails or are looking for something for when it rains, any of these indoor activities are a great choice. 

Ready to plan your next visit to Southern Utah? Book your stay at Watchman Villas today to guarantee you get your top choice of villa!