A young girl who is already grown up and practices scootering at the Zap'Ados skatepark in Calais ©Nohcab

Top 5 things to do in Calais on rainy days

In Calais, the weather can sometimes throw a few surprises. But rain is no excuse to stay indoors...quite the opposite: gray days are the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the city in a different way. Between fascinating museums, fun family activities, indoor recreation, and XXL shopping, here are 5 ideas for enjoying Calais even when the sun is out.

1. Visit one of the 3 museums in Calais

When the sky clouds over, it's another opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's culture and history. Good news: in Calais, the choice is vast! Three museums, three different atmospheres, but one thing is certain: rainy days can encourage you to push their doors open.

Au Museum of Fine Arts, the new scenography allows a fluid and modern journey through the collections of paintings and sculptures, including the unmissable space dedicated to Auguste Rodin. La City of Lace and Fashion remains the essential link to learn everything about the lace-making expertise that made Calais famous. Le Memory Museum 1939-1945 : in a period German bunker, we are immersed in Calais during the Second World War.

Tour of the Calais Museum of Fine Arts, reinvented in 2023. ©Charles Delcourt
Children observing the models presented at the 39-45 Memory Museum in Calais. ©Nohcab
The City of Lace and Fashion and its permanent exhibition rooms in a former factory. ©Amandine Richard

2. Have fun with indoor activities

Exercising well sheltered

If the younger ones need to let off steam, head to the covered areas specially designed for them: Cosmic Park, with its 3 multiple activity areas, including one reserved for little ones under 4 years old. Calais Jump, a name that fits well with this Trampoline Park, where 10 activities are available. Enough to transform a rainy day into a real moment of celebration for the children!

The facilities of Cosmik Park, an odorless sports leisure area in Calais ©Cosmic Park
The many giant trampolines of the Calais Jump indoor park. ©Calais Jump.

Games, quizzes and indoor adventures

Rain can be a great opportunity to share a friendly moment with family or friends. Between laughter, reflection, and adrenaline, these are the kind of original outings that strengthen bonds.

La Game Cave and Norden Quizz : a fun atmosphere guaranteed, where young and old alike test their culture, their sense of humor and their strategic talents. Norden Escape et Prison Island : for lovers of puzzles and challenges, these spaces immerse you in exciting worlds, to be experienced as a team.

A family in the middle of an adventure game within Prison Island, an indoor park of challenges and challenges. ©Prison Island

3. A game of bowling

The great classic!

When it rains, why not rediscover a hobby that we sometimes forget about in our daily lives? Bowling is a classic that always works: friendly atmosphere, fun challenge, and delicious treats while waiting for our turn. And finally, outside of holidays, how often do we actually go? The rain is the perfect opportunity to try a strike at Calais Bowling or the family Quai 121 in Coquelles.

The Quai 121 Bowling alleys in Coquelles in the Cité Europe center.

4. A trip to the Casino

When the rain sets in and seaside strolls have to wait, the Calais Casino offers a pleasant alternative for adults to spend a friendly time in the shade. In a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, adults can try their luck on the slot machines, try their hand at traditional table games, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you're an occasional gambler or someone curious about a different experience, the casino is an original way to brighten up a rainy afternoon while discovering another side of the city. Remember that gambling can be dangerous: loss of money, family conflicts, addiction, etc.

Games room at the Partouche Casino in Calais ©Partouche Casino in Calais

5. Stroll Shopping & Cinema

While the good weather invites you to stroll through the center of Calais on the shopping boulevards and terraces, rainy days are ideal for a shopping trip. City of Europe : the largest indoor shopping center on the Opal Coast, with its numerous brands, restaurants and practical services.

To end the day in a relaxed and comfortable way, what could be better than a movie? There are two XXL cinemas in Calais, the Pathé at the Cité Europe and theAlhambra in the center of Calais. Between window shopping and relaxing in a cinema seat, the rain goes almost unnoticed.

Rain in Calais is an opportunity to enjoy the city in a different way. Whether it's a cultural afternoon, a laugh-filled family outing, a game of bowling, or a shopping and movie spree, there's no shortage of options. So the next time the clouds roll in, remember: in Calais XXL, there's always something to do... and have fun!

facade of the Cite Europe in Coquelles
Pathe Cite Europe Coquelles cinema hall