Hoyts Octagon assistant manager Mandie Watson said cinema staff had "been flat out this week".
"We are based on weather - the more it rains, the more popular we get."
Extra staff had been called in and more shifts than usual were assigned to cope with the influx of movie-goers, which was only expected to increase.
An average day would bring about 900 admissions, but four days this week had more than 1400, she said.
Otago Museum marketing co-ordinator Juliet Pierce said the museum had been busier, something which was "definitely noticeable" between Christmas and New Year.
"Dinosaurs Eggs and Babies" had been a popular exhibition as had "Science of Summer", she said.
Moana Pool manager Steve Prescott also said the pool had been a "lot busier than usual".
The first two weeks of January were normally quiet, but the poor weather had helped buck the trend, with an estimated 10% increase in attendance.
For those parents having difficulty coping with their children towards the end of the holidays, Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive Gillian Bremner believed physical exercise was "by far the best thing you can do" to avoid cabin fever.
There were many easy walks around Dunedin which would not only provide plenty of fresh air but wear the children out at the same time.
Another tip she had was to be fluid with activity plans.
If all plans relied on good weather, a bit of rain could seem like the end of the world.
She advised making alternative plans and being prepared to be as changeable as the weather.
Buying secondhand board games and jigsaws were another cost-effective way to while away a quiet afternoon.
Catholic Social Services parenting co-ordinator Sue Whyte advised parents not to get stressed.
Wet weather did not have to stop activities from happening.
She encouraged people to don their raincoats and go for a walk in the bush or play in the rain.
The age of technology could also be a blessing in disguise as a computer or gaming console could provide entertainment for hours, she said.
Parents should not be concerned about the amount of time a child spends engaging in technology "if it keeps everyone happy".
• Don't miss next week's Otago Daily Times for a series of cheap and fun ways to entertain the children in the final weeks of school holidays.
Just 4 Fun at home activities
Dress-Up race: Give each child a bag of old clothes. Set a timer for 60 seconds and turn off the lights. Get the children to race to put on everything from their bag before the timer goes. The results can be hilarious.
Jig-saws: Glue full-page colour pictures of animals or scenes etc on to cardboard. After the glue dries, cut out in various shapes and use as a puzzle.
Obstacle walk: Set up some obstacles in the yard. Let the children take a good look at where things are then one at a time blindfold them and let them walk from one end of the yard to the other, trying to avoid the obstacles.
Self portrait: Place flattened cardboard or newsprint on the floor and trace the outlines of your children with a marker. Each child can then paint, cut or colour their own portrait.
Inside picnic: Pack lunches and a blanket and go on a "hike" around the house looking for a perfect picnic spot. When you find it, roll out the blanket, eat and share stories or play cards.
Source: Presbyterian Support Otago Just 4 Fun 2009
