On those gloomy, dreary days, when you feel lost but still crave something fun, we will lead you to the best spots in town! Whether you want to wander through museums that tell our city’s stories, or have some drinks and a laugh at a comedy show, or feel like something more active, like bouncing off the walls at Canada’s largest trampoline park. From the Quay to Sapperton, we’ve got options that don’t require crossing a bridge or battling mall crowds.
Fun for all ages
When the rain’s got us down, we pop into Extreme Air Park (109 Braid Street, New Westminster), it keeps the kids busy for hours and doesn’t disappoint! It’s 42,000 square feet of trampolines, foam pits, and ninja courses right here in the city. For something less sweaty, Capital City Arcade on East Columbia (Capital City Arcade | 832 East Columbia Street), is the ultimate retro fix for all of us Gen Xers! From the classic 80s machines, to old-school joysticks, and a flat-rate entry so you’re not repurchasing coins all afternoon. And yes, they also serve drinks, so this spot works for a family outing or a fun, interactive date!
Arts, Culture, and Museums
The Anvil Centre (777 Columbia Street) is our downtown cultural hub, offering a range of activities under one roof. Inside, you’ll find the New Westminster Museum and Archives, which tells the story of our days as the original capital of British Columbia. The New Media Gallery, which features contemporary art that rotates every few months. There’s also the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame dedicated to our national summer sport, and the Plaza Theatre, which hosts live performances and film screenings. You can easily spend a full rainy day at the Anvil Centre. Down at the Quay, the Fraser River Discovery Centre (788 Quayside Drive) offers hands-on exhibits on the river’s ecology and history, making it a great choice for curious kids or out-of-town guests.
Shopping destinations and retail therapy
Forget trekking to Burnaby in the downpour, we keep our shopping local, and our blowouts voluminous, starting at the River Market at Westminster Quay, where we grab fresh bread from the bakery, dig through vintage finds, and watch the Fraser churn while we stay warm inside. When we need basics we head to the Shops at New West Station which connect directly to the SkyTrain platform. With a latte in one hand and an umbrella in the other, we stay cozy and dry. Columbia Square and Royal City Centre round out the options with full mall coverage, from big chains to those tiny local shops tucked in the corners.
Fitness, Indoor Pools, AND mORE
When the rain hits, we don’t skip our workouts; we just move them indoors. Between the new aquatic centre downtown and the theatres right at the SkyTrain station, we’ve got ways to stay active, or happily inactive, without getting soaked. No need to drive through puddles or battle mall crowds; everything we need is right here in the city.
The new təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre on Royal Avenue opened in 2024, and it’s become our rainy-day exercise spot. It’s got an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a lazy river, hot pools, and two gymnasiums for basketball or pickleball. Plus, they have a fitness centre and steam rooms if you just want to warm up. Or if you’re in the mood for a movie night, Landmark Cinemas sits right at the New Westminster SkyTrain station.
So whether you’re swimming laps, shooting hoops with friends, or catching a film, you can stay dry and entertained when the weather turns.
Libraries and Community Spaces
While fitness moves your body, our libraries and community hubs stimulate your mind and connect neighbours when the weather turns. The New Westminster Public Library runs two locations that serve as warm shelters from the storm. At the main branch on Sixth Avenue, we settle into quiet corners with coffee and books, join storytimes with the little ones, or catch up on work using the free wi-fi. The Queensborough branch tucked inside the community centre on Ewen Avenue offers the same friendly refuge for that side of town, with parking right outside so you don’t have to dash through puddles. Both host tech help sessions, cultural activities, and reading groups that bring people together regardless of the forecast. Whether you want productivity or simply a dry place to flip through magazines while the rain hits the windows, these gathering spots ensure you stay connected and cosy until the skies clear.
Q&A
Where should I take my kids on a rainy day in New Westminster, BC?
We suggest Ladner Leisure Centre (4605 Clarence Taylor Crescent) for swimming, skating and sports. If you prefer something cultural, consider visiting the Museum of New Westminster on its complimentary-admission days.
Are there affordable indoor activities for families?
We suggest Extreme Air Park (109 Braid Street) for burning off energy on 42,000 square feet of trampolines and ninja courses. For something calmer, the Fraser River Discovery Centre (788 Quayside Drive) offers hands-on exhibits about the river’s ecology, or head to the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia Street) where the museum and art gallery keep young minds busy.
Are there affordable indoor activities for families?
Yes. The New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Avenue) hosts free storytimes and workshops. Capital City Arcade (832 East Columbia Street) charges a flat entry fee for unlimited play on retro machines all afternoon. The River Market (810 Quayside Drive) is free to browse, with affordable food vendors when you need a snack.
What about shopping options when it rains?
River Market (810 Quayside Drive) keeps you dry while browsing local vendors and fresh produce. Shops at New West Station (800 Carnarvon Street) connects directly to the SkyTrain platform with plenty of retail. For full mall coverage, Columbia Square and Royal City Centre both offer indoor shopping with local boutiques mixed among the bigger chains.
