What to do in Sydney when it rains - games

Have a Mahjong Playlunch

This tile-matching game is considered an occasion for the coming together of tradition, family and culture. On the last Saturday of every month (at 11am or 2pm) the Mahjong Room in Surry Hills gives you the chance to learn this popular Chinese pastime in the company of masters of the 'jong, while scoffing an assortment of dim sum.

Rained in? Check out cool graffiti art next door at Urban Uprising,314 Crown St, Darlinghurst 2010 (02 9331 6614).  

Where? The Mahjong Room, 312 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02 9361 3985).

Where else? Browse an amazing collection of Chinese artefacts at Mao & More, 267-271 Cleveland St, Surry Hills 2010 (02 9699 2700).

Play the machines at Intencity

How about a trip to the games arcades for a round of Daytona or Dance Dance Revolution? If the clouds aren't going away, then you can take advantage of Intencity Broadway's Super Sessions, where you can play two hours of unlimited games for a mere $15. These happen on Fridays (4-6pm), Saturdays (5-7pm) and Sundays (10am-12 noon).

Rained In? Browse theBroadway Shopping Centre.

Where? Intencity Broadway, Broadway Shopping Centre, 1 Bay St, Broadway 2007. (02 9281 5811). 

Where else? Galaxy World, Lvl 3, Market City, Quay St, Haymarket 2000. (02 9281 4543); Galaxy World, 614 George St, Sydney 2000 (02 9261 5133).

Shoot some pool

Rain is the perfect excuse to avoid exercise but if you still feel a little guilty then try the ultimate pub sport: pool. Shark Bar has 14 pool tables, meaning there's no queues, except the one you're playing with. A fully stocked bar and two widescreen TVs mean it's the perfect way to brighten up a wet afternoon.

Rained in? Warm up with the $9.95 buffet. Seconds thanks!

Where? Shark Hotel, 127 Liverpool St (Cnr Pitt St), Sydney 2000. (02 9267 6364).  

Where else? Hotel Cremorne, 278 Military Rd, Cremorne 2090. (02 9909 8888); The Wembley Snooker Centre, Lvls 1 & 2, 841 George St, Haymarket 2000. (0413 277 003).

Go bowling at Kingpin

"What do you do for recreation?" "Oh the usual. I bowl, drive around, the occasional acid flashback." The Big Lebowski had it right. In the days before Wii Sports, people actually went to real live 10-pin bowling alleys. These places still exist and they are even more fun now than that time when you went for Brett's birthday in year seven. Steee-rike!

Rained in? Well whaddayaknow, there's M9 Laser Skirmish right next door. And yes, running around in the dark firing laser guns always feels like an acid flashback to us.

Where? Kingpin Bowling Lounge, Lvl 3, Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour 2000 (132 695).

Where else? Strike Bowling Bar at the Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park 2021. (1300 787 453).

More saviours for a rainy day