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What to do in Groningen when it rains all day

Tuesday 19 May 2026 7 minutes reading time

What to do in Groningen when it rains all day
Photo: Target Lasergame

Even if it rains all day, there is plenty to do in Groningen. In fact, it offers the perfect opportunity to discover Groningen in a different way! Of course, we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to think of things to do.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 8 activities for all the fun things to do in Groningen when it rains all day. Some are within walking distance of the city center and others are a 10-minute drive away, but thanks to this blog, you’ll never be bored in the city of Groningen, regardless of the weather.

Artsy Avenue

Are you a true creative and do you enjoy working with your hands and colors? Then Artsy Avenue is the A place for you! At this ceramics café, you can get started painting pottery. Upon arrival, the staff will explain how everything works: Choose a piece of pottery yourself, such as mugs, bowls, vases, and more. Next, collect your glaze colors on a small plate and take it to your table. Get inspired by the Artsy Magazine on the table, choose your brushes, and start designing your unique piece.

While you are painting, you can enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate and a pastry, for example. Are you satisfied with your creation? Then hand it in to a member of staff. They will place your item in the kiln (oven) within a month, where the colors will be absorbed into the clay. When the piece is ready, you can pick it up or have it shipped to you.

This activity is perfect for all creative types who want to create their own artwork. Come to Artsy Avenue for a fun and relaxing experience!

Photo: Robin Kim Nijholt

Gamebox

In the heart of Groningen, you will find a fantastic gaming hall for enthusiastic gamers who love competition. Step inside The Game Box and let yourself be carried away into a world full of fun and excitement. With an extensive collection of the latest arcade and video games, your senses will be stimulated and your competitive spirit is guaranteed to be challenged. From classic arcade games to the most modern games, The Game Box has something for everyone.

This game hall is suitable for all ages. Invite your friends, siblings, or partners for an afternoon or evening of fun. Compete against each other or work together in various games such as Connect Four or Dance Dance Revolution to score as many points as possible. Discover and enjoy all the fun games that Gamebox has to offer!

Photo: The Game Box Almere

Karting

Just a 10-minute drive from Groningen city center, you’ll find the perfect activity for thrill seekers: Kartracing Groningen in Kardinge. Here, you can dive into a world of speed and excitement on a challenging karting track.

Challenge all your friends and take on the challenge! Put on your helmet and special suit, get into your own kart, and race around the corners like a real driver. Overtake your friends, show off your best driving skills, and compete to be the first to cross the finish line. After your ride, enjoy a delicious drink at the bar and don’t forget to mention at least 50 times how hard you beat everyone!

Kart racing in Groningen is a fun activity for larger groups. Whether you’re with friends, family, celebrating a birthday, or on a company outing, you can come here for a fun and fast-paced afternoon!

Photo: Kartracing & Bowling Groningen

Kardinge Sports Center

Fancy getting active? Then Kardinge Sports Center is the perfect place for a rainy day. This multifunctional sports center, which has something for everyone, is located on the same site as the go-kart track. Skate on the ice rink, dive into the subtropical swimming paradise, play a game of tennis or squash, and discover even more active possibilities.

Kardinge Sports Center is suitable for all ages, so bring your friends, family, or come alone and discover the various possibilities. This way, you can turn a rainy day into a day full of fun.

Photo: Sportcentrum Kardinge Groningen

Pool Café Allround

For a fun night out, Café Allround is the place to be. This café is a combination of a pool center, café, and venue rental spread over three floors. On the ground floor, you will find several pool tables, an air hockey table, foosball, and dartboards, surrounded by cozy seating areas. Order your favorite beer at the bar and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

On the first floor, there are another eight pool tables and music playing, and you also have a nice view of the ground floor. Since 2018, the basement has been transformed into a versatile room, which is regularly rented out for special occasions. Once a month, this space is transformed into “De kelder van Kopjek” (Kopjek’s basement), which provides a unique and surprising experience.

If you love a friendly game of pool, then Café Allround is definitely a place you should visit. Here you will find everything you need for a fun evening full of games, fun, and music.

Photo: Christian Wiediger

Groninger Museum

Groningen is home to a veritable treasure trove of art and culture: the Groninger Museum. This unique location offers a great mix of modern art, historical treasures, and creative exhibitions, all housed in a beautiful architectural setting. Whether you are a passionate art lover or simply looking for inspiration, the Groninger Museum has something to see for everyone.

The exhibitions are constantly changing, making every visit a new journey of discovery. The Groninger Museum never ceases to surprise: even those who have been there before will always discover something new. You can see it right away from the main station, and it’s only a five-minute walk from the city center. Its central location makes the museum easily accessible to everyone, making it a perfect destination for your day out in Groningen, even when it rains.

Photo: Wim van Essen

Escape Hunt

Do you love mystery, adventure, and challenging puzzles? Then Escape Hunt Groningen is the perfect destination for you. Discover a series of immersive themed rooms, each with unique puzzles and riddles. Search for FC Groningen’s KNVB Cup, travel back in time with pirates, or choose one of the other challenging games.

At Escape Hunt Groningen, you find yourself in an exciting story where you are locked in a room with one goal: to get out within the time limit. Work together with your friends, family, or others to escape the room by solving clever puzzles, finding secret hints, and cracking codes. This activity is ideal for a family outing, a day with friends, or a team-building activity.

Do you have an eye for detail, are you a good detective, and can you think outside the box? Then gather your team, book a room, and take on the challenge!

Photo: Escape Hunt Groningen

Laser tag

Discover an exciting adventure full of action and teamwork at Target Laser Gaming. In a spectacular, futuristic arena, you compete with friends, family, or colleagues for the highest score. The ideal setting for a laser tag adventure. Gather your family and friends and book your laser tag session at Target Groningen now!

Photo: Target Lasergame

Despite the rainy weather, you now know how to enjoy yourself in Groningen during these days. Whether you want to be creative, enjoy playing games, are traveling alone or with a group, or just want to soak up some culture. With this variety of activities, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun in our beautiful city of Groningen. Are you curious about even more activities? Then take a look at our activity overview.

Linde Nijboer

This article is written by Linde Nijboer

Linde is student Commerciële Economie in Groningen en altijd op zoek naar de leukste plekjes in de stad. Haar ontdekkingen, tips en ervaringen deelt ze hier met veel plezier.

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