Rainy Day in White Plains: Where to Take Grandkids When It's Pouring

White Plains is Westchester’s downtown — which means when it rains, you actually have options. Unlike smaller Westchester towns that shut down in bad weather, White Plains has indoor venues scattered throughout the walkable core and the surrounding blocks.

Here’s what to do on a rainy day in White Plains with the grandkids.

The Westchester (Shopping Center)

This is the anchor. The Westchester mall is the kind of indoor space that works as a grandkid destination on its own merit — not just as a placeholder when the weather fails. There’s room to walk, a food court, and enough stores that a three-year-old can find something interesting every 50 feet.

It’s also useful because it’s attached to several restaurants and sits in the middle of the action. If the rain breaks, you’re already positioned in the center of White Plains.

Grandparent tips:

• Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter; weekend afternoons can get crowded
• The parking garage is attached — you don’t have to walk through the rain to get in
• The upper-level food court has plenty of seating; useful if someone needs a break

Bounce Empire (Indoor Trampoline Park)

For grandkids who need to run and bounce and cannot be talked out of it: Bounce Empire is the White Plains option. Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and a dedicated toddler section for the youngest grandkids.

This is a high-energy venue. It is not calm. But it’s exactly right for the kind of day when keeping grandkids still would be a losing battle.

Grandparent tips:

• There’s a spectator area — you absolutely do not need to jump
• The toddler zone is separate from the main floor; good for ages 2–5
• Weekday mornings are significantly less crowded than weekend afternoons
• Grip socks are required; they sell them at the door if you forget

White Plains Public Library

Quieter option for the youngest grandkids. The White Plains Public Library runs drop-in storytimes and children’s programming throughout the week — check the schedule online or call ahead. Free, no registration, and genuinely good for ages 2–6.

The children’s section itself is worth spending time in even without a scheduled program. Large, well-organized, with plenty of comfortable seating for grandparents.

Dave & Buster’s White Plains

For older grandkids — ages 8 and up — Dave & Buster’s is reliably fun on a rainy afternoon. Games, food, and the kind of competitive energy that grandkids thrive on. The redemption ticket games are a particular hit.

Worth being honest: it’s loud and it costs money. But it’s effective. An older grandkid who loves video games will have a great time here.

Grandparent tips:

• Load a Power Card at the door; the deals are usually better than buying individual games
• Go at lunch rather than dinner — the restaurant side is more manageable earlier in the day
• Ages 10 and up are the sweet spot; younger grandkids may get overwhelmed

Westchester Broadway Theatre

For a different kind of indoor afternoon: Westchester Broadway Theatre runs year-round family productions and matinees. Check the current schedule online — when the timing works, this is one of the more memorable options in Westchester for grandkids old enough to sit through a show (roughly ages 5 and up).

What to Do After the Rain Breaks

White Plains is well-positioned for a quick pivot to outdoor activities. Kensico Dam Plaza is a 10-minute drive with a huge open green space and impressive dam views — good for burning energy after a morning indoors. Silver Lake Park has a small beach and walking paths.

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Staying in the area? Browse indoor activities in White Plains, parks near White Plains, and the full Westchester rainy day guide.