Things to do on a Rainy Day in Portsmouth
Worried about the weather forecast? Fearful that you are going to come to Portsmouth and won’t be able to leave your hotel room because of all of the rain. Don’t let the threat of barometric depressions get you depressed. There are many attractions and activities in the Portsmouth that are not only entertaining but many actually sneak some educational value by you.
Here is a short list of some of our favorite things to do on a rainy day in Portsmouth:
Andalo’s Clubhouse
presented by the Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a favorite destination amongst youngsters for interactive play and learning. Currently it is closed for renovations,however, the fun, excitement, and imagination continues at Andalo’s Clubhouse. Andalo, the museum mascot, presents hands-on exhibits, room for birthday parties, family fun days, and educational programs – just like the Children’s Museum of Virginia always has! Some examples of fun activities include. Jolly Rogers Academy of Pirating, 3D Art Explosion and Time Traveler Summer Camp. Visit their website for the latest offering in their daily activities, Family Fun Days, and workshops.
420 High Street.
(757) 393-5258
Courthouse Galleries
The Greek-Revival building is an imposing one, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence and nearly hidden behind the massive oak trees that shade its courtyard. Built in 1846, it served as the Norfolk County Courthouse until 1960. Now it is home to the Courthouse Galleries, an art museum with two spacious galleries of ever-changing exhibits; however, the Courthouse Galleries is 
more than just an art museum. It’s a relaxing gathering place where you can learn the art of growing Bonsai trees one week and see a demonstration of glass blowing the next. Every First Friday, the Courthouse Galleries typically offers free musical entertainment. On the First Sunday of the month, educational programs – such as gallery talks and seminars that complement the exhibits – are open to the public, also free of charge. Art classes, lectures, poetry readings and book signings round out the vast array of offerings at the museum.
On the corner of High and Court
(757) 393-8543
Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Lightships were built to help mariners avoid dangerous shoals or enter safely into harbors at night. Years ago, lights were fixed to masts of ships that anchored for months in strategic locations off the coastline. One such ship can be visited at the foot of London Street on the Portsmouth waterfront. The Lightship Portsmouth was commissioned in 1915 and has since been restored to its original condition. In 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can board the vessel and see how the men of the Lightship Service lived during their many months at sea.
At the foot of London Street on the waterfront in Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth.
(757) 393-8741
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum 
If you’re interested in local or naval history, or memorabilia from a centuries-old Southern port, you’ll find the Naval Shipyard Museum a delight. Established in 1949 within the nation’s oldest shipyard, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Museum was later moved to the Portsmouth waterfront at High Street Landing on the Elizabeth River.
2 High St.
(757) 393-8591
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
With two stories of hands-on sports and health exhibits, this attraction celebrates nearly 300 past and present athletes and inspires future ones. Drive a NASCAR simulator, test the speed of your baseball pitch, and take your turn at the microphone as a broadcaster. Kids and adults alike will learn about fitness, nutrition and sports medicine in the Training Room, complete with virtual exercise equipment and a skeleton that rides a bike! A great place for the whole family. Group rates available. The Hall of Fame is also a unique venue for your next reunion, business meeting, or formal reception. Call today to schedule a tour.
206 High St.
(757) 393-8031
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inducts 2010 Class
Commodore Theatre
A luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco-style motion picture theater that shows first-run movies while serving light dinners. Among the many features are a 42-foot screen, THX Digital sound system, upholstered seating and crystal chandeliers.
421 High Street, Olde Towne
(757) 393-6962
Of course, there is nothing wrong with staying in your hotel all day. The Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel is one of our 
favorite Portsmouth hotels, in part because they have beautiful, spacious hotel rooms with big comfy beds, perfect for snuggling deep into on a grey day, but they also have room service. So enjoy breakfast in bed, a late brunch, afternoon cocktails, all from the luxury of your own bed. Also, if you like venturing beyond your room, enjoy cloud watching while savoring the atmosphere at Foggy Point Bar & Grill, presenting a selection of fresh seafood. A relaxing setting and a tempting menu offering fresh seafood and contemporary cuisine creates a fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overlooking the harbor, this Portsmouth Hotel has a great outdoor terrace with one of the most unique vantage points and views overlooking the Elizabeth River. Watch the port traffic drift in and out. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Navy sub meander out to sea.
Check out some of these other great Portsmouth Virginia Attractions:
Ntelos Pavillion For great concerts and live entertainment performances
The Norva Popular Music Club brings in a wide range of local and national recognizable performers.
