Knowing what to do in the beautiful state of Arizona is easy. There are many festivals to visit, parks to play at, and hikes to take. Whether you’re from Gilbert or just visiting our lovely city, you will also want to have a quick list to refer to if the weather gets rainy and the kids can’t go out and play. Luckily, Gilbert has a fine selection of activities to do and places to visit with the family to when you can’t enjoy the Arizona sun. Read on to learn about things to do on a gray day in Gilbert. 

Gilbert Historical Museum

Take shelter indoors and learn everything about Gilbert by visiting the Gilbert Historical Museum. You and your kids can tour the different exhibits, attend an art exhibit opening, and enroll in programs to enhance learning and hone the skills students have already gained. 

While there, make sure you stop and see Gilbert’s First Deputy and Town Hall exhibit. There’s a glass encased bullet-proof vest, informative pictures, diagrams, and detailed posters sharing special history and insight into Gilbert’s past. Use the opportunity for a great photo op and let the kids sit on the Gilbert Police bike. It’ll make a fun social media profile picture or great scrapbook addition. 

Learn about the backbone of this community at the Belonging to the Land: Gilbert’s Farming Heritage exhibit. Children gain insight into the farm life, learn about cotton and alfalfa, the principal crops, and gain valuable information about the families who worked hard to create a life on the land in the early 1800s. See some historical attire, original vehicles dating back to the Model-T, and show the kids some antique Singer sewing machines. 

If you’re interested in a consistent schedule to get the kids out of the elements now and then, consider enrolling in one of the programs offered. The programs are appropriate for citizens of all ages and taught by community artists, historians, storytellers, botanists, and scientists. These field experts share their excitement and knowledge with participants and serve as excellent role models for young learners. Programs range from art classes to literature and from health and wellness to music. Registration fees vary and are non-refundable, so check out the website for details. 

The Gilbert Historical Museum is at 10 S. Gilbert Road. Museum hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens over 60, and $3 for children. Children under 5 years enter for free. For more information, call 480-926-1577. 

Southeast Regional Library

The Southeast Regional Library has been open since 1999 and is a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 60,000 square feet. The library has a reserve of over 170,000 materials in varying formats for patrons to use on-site or borrow and take home. There are also computers with internet access ready for patrons. You can conduct job searches, work on resumes, research for your next vacation, or get some work done. Activity computers for the kids are available to help them practice computer and keyboarding skills. 

Aside from books and periodicals, patrons can check out binoculars, telescopes, and Citizen Science Kits. These kits come with specialized instructions, an activity guide, helpful tips, and any specialized tools required to finish your project. 

The library is at 775 N. Greenfield, next to the Riparian Preserve and Water Ranch. Regular hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. To get your library card and utilized all the resources available to you, be sure to have a valid form of identification. For more information, or to learn about upcoming library events, call 602-652-3000.

Fat Cats All Out Fun

Get the kids moving and let them release any extra energy with a visit to Fat Cats All Out Fun. To get into the spirit of competition, gather the kids, some bowling shoes, and try to knock down some pins. Prices per person range from $10 to $14 per person depending on the day of the week and the size of your party. There’s also a family special on Monday for $45 or $75 the rest of the week. The prices include shoe rental, so you can save some cash that way. 

The kids can also get some gaming time in at the arcade, or practice their swing and play some glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Prices are $4 per person for a round of 9-holes in this pirate-themed course. 

This fun-filled destination is at 4321 E. Baseline Road. Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 11a.m. to 11p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, or to learn about hosting a birthday party at the venue, call 480-498-3325.

i.d.e.a. Museum

If you’re looking for an interactive and educational experience for the whole family, check out i.d.e.a. Museum. This museum offers hands-on activities and many art exhibitions for learners of all ages. Because programs are geared toward family learning, adults and children benefit from a fun family-bonding experience. Current exhibits at the museum include the “Imagine! Design! Build!” exhibit where museum guests can view 40 original pieces of artwork from 15 artists. Interactive portions of this exhibit allow visitors to act as an architect and design their own building using a variety of materials and techniques. 

There are Experiment and Learn classes geared toward helping pre-school children gain the skills they need to enter elementary school successfully. Parents can even opt to take a kit home to work on at your own pace. 

This educational and interactive museum is at 150 W. Pepper Place in Mesa, just minutes from Gilbert. Ticket prices start at $9 per person with discounts available. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 480-644-2468.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Gilbert, Arizona, has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top things to do in Gilbert when the weather turns a bit gray. Even if the sunshine stops, the smiles don’t have to. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite indoor activity to do when it’s raining outside? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your thoughts and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas.