Seattle, Washington has a bad rap for rain. You might be surprised to learn, however, that though it does drizzle often here, the “Emerald City” actually gets less rain then a lot of other major U.S. cities. It’s just that it comes down fine and frequently. So while on most days you might want to just throw up an umbrella and go about business, there may come a day when you decide it’s just too damp to spend much time outdoors. Happily, there are lots of things to do in Seattle that provide protection from the elements, whether you’ve come with family in tow or unattached with an afternoon to squander.

A great way to stay warm and dry is at one of the city’s many museums, like the Seattle Art Museum. For those who don’t care to tell a Warhol from a narwhal (artist and whale, respectively), the list of alternatives is pleasantly long, pick your category. Coming in under pop culture, the obvious choice is the impressive Experience Music Project and adjoining Science Fiction Hall of Fame, providing interactive entertainment for all ages. If you don’t like it, chances are you’re way too serious for your own good. Young ones will also enjoy the Seattle Children’s Museum, the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Aquarium, any of which is good for a solid half day at least of educational fun.

Get up on local history at facilities like the Suquamish Museum, the Wing Luke Asian Museum of the Asian Pacific Experience and the Nordic Heritage Museum. Brush up on things ariel at the Museum of Flight, or do a virtual jet test with Boeing at the Future of Flight Aviation Center, a place so big they once had problems with rain clouds forming inside. Which would’ve knocked this one off our list of things to do in Seattle when it rains, had not the problem been addressed. In the unlikely event that you make it through everything here, we’ll stand no complaining; short of indoor activities, grab an umbrella and make like Seattleite.