Rainy Day Activities in New Haven/South Central Connecticut (CT)

How about drawin’ in the rain? The magnificent Yale Center for British Art, whose collection of British art from the time of Queen Elizabeth onward is second only to that in the United Kingdom itself, hosts sketching session for artists of all skill levels, as well as concerts (sometimes grad students perform chamber music in the galleries), tours, self-guided family activities, children’s programs and brief gallery talks. Imagine moving from John Constable’s dramatic “Hadleigh Castle” to James McNeill Whistler’s eerie “Noctgurne in Blue and Silver” to J.M.W. Turner’s ghostly sea visions and Thomas Gainsborough’s telling portraits. They are among the center’s 2,000 paintings, but collections also feature sculptures, drawings, watercolors, prints and rare books and manuscripts. And the best part: It’s all free!

Get out of the rain and into a friendly jungle of ropes and zip lines at Jordan’s IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course, the largest in the world. Bring the family and climb into two 60’ high ropes courses to negotiate swinging beams, angled rope ladders, cargo nets, bridges, and planks. 1000 water nozzles dance to lights, programmed stereo sounds, and music. The longest Skyrails ever made zip for 200’ with one that takes you over the water show and guarantees a dousing. Jump from 50' off the tallest level, step lightly along the 200’ catwalk, and climb wobbly poles and twisted structures. Kids under 48”tall have their very own Little It. On hand is a friendly and fully trained staff.