When it is raining, I would choose one indoor stop instead of driving across town to several places. The right choice depends on whether the group wants quiet, play or a short change of scene. These are planning suggestions, not claims that I have personally tried every activity.
For a quiet afternoon: Hallie Ford
Hallie Ford Museum of Art is at 700 State Street. It lists hours of noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. General admission is $8, and Tuesday admission is free for everyone. Sunday and Monday are closed, so it is not a seven-day rainy-day fallback.
I would check current exhibitions before choosing it for a group. For anyone who needs a particular entrance, seating or other accommodation, confirm those needs with the museum rather than treating an indoor venue as automatically accessible.
For children's play: Gilbert House
Gilbert House lists general admission at $16 and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gate closes at 4:30 p.m. It has outdoor play as well as indoor exhibits, so I would check what is available in wet weather and bring suitable clothes if the children want to go outside.
Members and infants under one have different admission terms. Check the operator's full list before calculating a family total.
For a shorter stop: the carousel
The Riverfront Carousel offers free entry to its building and $2 individual rides. It can fit a shorter plan without committing to museum admission. Travel from your parking spot may still mean time in the rain.
The operator lists a $5 minimum for card transactions. For one ride, I would bring cash or decide in advance whether a larger purchase is wanted.
If the group wants a film instead
Use a cinema's own current listings to pick a screening. A directory listing is not proof that a film is showing today. Check the address too: the old Northern Lights address in our directory needed correction. Its published contact address is 3893 Commercial St SE.
Sources and limits
Hallie Ford, Gilbert House and carousel rates and hours were checked October 24, 2026. The Northern Lights contact page address was available in search results, but direct access was blocked, so current screenings and prices were not reverified.