Discovering Indoor Fun in St. Petersburg: Activities for Every Mood

Whether you're escaping a rainy day or taking a break from the summer heat, these indoor activities in St. Pete are perfect for when the Sunshine City isn't living up to its name. From art to athletics, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Rainy Day Indoor Activities: St. Pete's Museums and Galleries

St. Pete's museums are must-see attractions. They feature art, history, and much more. The wide range of St. Pete museums could keep you occupied for an entire week, let alone just one rainy day. Here are some highlights:

• Dalí Museum — Explore the surreal world of Salvador Dalí, home to the largest collection of his works outside Spain.

• FloridaRAMA — Get lost in interactive art, secret rooms, and larger-than-life exhibits inspired by Florida.

• Museum of Fine Arts — Discover centuries of art, from paintings and sculptures to photography and decorative arts.

• Imagine Museum — Admire colorful contemporary glass art from renowned artists around the world.

• The James Museum — Explore captivating art and exhibits celebrating the people, landscapes, and wildlife of the American West.

• Chihuly Collection — Marvel at vibrant glass masterpieces by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

• Morean Arts Center — Browse contemporary art, watch artists at work, or try a hands-on workshop.

• Florida Holocaust Museum — Learn through powerful exhibits, artifacts, and stories from Holocaust survivors.

• Woodson African American Museum of Florida — Explore exhibitions celebrating African American art, history, and culture.

• Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement — Discover beautiful furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and fine art from the Arts and Crafts Movement.

  
  

Stop in for a Craft Beer at a Brewery

When it comes to avoiding the elements, St. Pete’s many breweries provide a hoppy oasis for a cold drink. With games, live music, and a full kitchen in a massive warehouse, family-friendly 3 Daughters Brewing is a favorite for escaping the rain. If you’re downtown and need a quick respite from the elements, Voodoo Brewing, St. Pete Brewing, and Green Turtle Brewing all offer easy access to AC and great beer. For a dog-friendly spot, stop by PAW (Pinellas Ale Works).

Check out our full guide to all of the best breweries in St. Pete and find the one that works best for you (spoiler: they’re all great).

Catch a Show, Enjoy Some Live Music, or Movies

When the weather keeps you indoors, St. Pete still offers plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable night out. Catch live music, see a performance, experience a magical show, or settle in for a movie at one of the city’s best live entertainment spots.

• Floridian Social Club — Catch live music and performances at this beautifully restored Art Deco theater.

• Ruby’s Elixir — Enjoy daily live music from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. in an intimate setting.

• The Mahaffey Theater — Check out the lineup of concerts, shows, and performances at this waterfront venue.

• AMC Sundial — Catch the latest movie releases in the heart of downtown St. Pete.

• Zubrick Magic Theatre — Experience an unforgettable show at Tampa Bay’s only magic theater.

• Greenlight Cinema — Enjoy indie, foreign, and arthouse films at St. Pete’s 80-seat cinema.

  
  

Unleash Your Inner Athlete

Whether you’re getting your sweat on or just watching others work, there are plenty of options for something a little more on the active side of things:

• Jungle Gym Ninja — Try parkour with classes and open gym time for adults.

• Vertical Ventures — Climb at this massive indoor rock-climbing center in the heart of St. Pete.

• Hatchet Hangout — Test your aim with a round of axe throwing at this indoor hangout.

• St. Pete Athletic — Play indoor pickleball during the club’s open play hours.

• Practice your swing at the many indoor golf simulators in St. Pete and Beyond the Burg.

• Sunrise Lanes or Ten Pin Lanes — Hit the lanes for a few rounds of bowling.

  
  

Looking for a Touch of Nostalgic Fun?

From bowling to video games and everything in between – if you’re looking to reconnect with your inner child, these are the spots for you.

• Atomic Claw Arcade — Test your skills at dozens of claw machines and arcade games, with prizes, blind boxes, and more for all ages.

• Right Around the Corner — Grab a drink and play old-school card and arcade games at this laid-back game bar.

• Unlimited Video Games — Spend the day reliving your favorite games with an unlimited pass to a huge selection of classic arcade games and consoles.

• Sunrise Lanes or Ten Pin Lanes — Lace up your bowling shoes and enjoy a few rounds at these bowling alleys.

  
  

Get in Touch with Your Artistic Side

Get your hands dirty with some of these great arts & crafts activities in St. Pete:

• Practically Pikasso — A locally owned pottery painting studio.

• Clay Center — Learn to spin pottery.

• The Brass Dagger — Make your own ring at this local silversmithing studio.

• Painting With A Twist — Painting classes with optional BYOB!

• The Clay Co-Op — Make your own bowl on a pottery wheel.

• Zen Glass Studio — Make your own blown glass ornament, wine glass, paperweight, or pint glass!

• The Candle Pour — Create your own custom-scented candle.

• Sew Pinellas — Learn to sew for beginners (or join a sewing social if you’re more advanced).

  
  

Find Your Next Read or Favorite Record

St. Pete’s independent bookstores and record shops are perfect for a rainy day escape. Spend a cozy afternoon browsing new reads, digging through vinyl, and discovering something to take home.

• Tombolo Books — Browse a thoughtfully curated selection of new books at this beloved independent bookstore.

• Book + Bottle — Pair your next read with a glass of wine at this cozy bookstore and wine bar.

• The Book Lounge — Discover your next romance read in this charming book shop and cafe.

• Wilson’s Book World — Dig through an extensive selection of new and used books at this longtime St. Pete favorite.

• Daddy Kool Records — Flip through new and used vinyl at this iconic St. Pete record shop.

• Planet Retro Records — Hunt for vintage vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia in the heart of downtown.

• Bananas Records — Browse a huge selection of new and used records at Bananas’ retail or warehouse locations.

  
  

Nourish the Body & Soul

No better way than to spend a rainy day in St. Pete with a little wellness. St. Pete has no shortage of ways to take care of yourself. Check out a few of our favorites:

• The Body Electric Yoga and Athletic Companies — Yoga and fitness classes for all levels.

• Maison Glo — Treat yourself to a facial or one of tons of other skin treatments.

• Sun State Yoga — A smaller studio with a large appeal, offering hot yoga dozens of hot yoga classes each week.

• Whiskers Workspace — This coworking space filled with adoptable cats hosts yoga classes, sound baths, and is available to rent by the hour and day.

• The Woodhouse Spa — Spa day? Self-care is healthcare, and this spa in downtown St. Pete is a go-to.

• St. Pete Salt Room — If you haven’t experienced halotherapy before, this immersive salt room is a great place to start!

  
  

Indoor Activities for Kids in St. Pete

Do you have little ones who need to get some energy out even when it’s gloomy? Here’s a list of things to do in St. Pete with kids for the rare days when you need to escape the elements.

• Great Explorations Children’s Museum — The largest children’s museum in St. Pete.

• Romp n’ Roll St. Pete — Indoor kids play classes for all ages.

• Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center — A small, but fun indoor aquarium & learning center at the St. Pete Pier.

• Practically Pikasso — Pottery painting for all ages.

• SkyZone Clearwater — Massive trampoline park only about 30 minutes from St. Pete.

• Jungle Gym Ninja — A parkour gym with classes for kids.

• Catapult Adventure Park — St. Pete’s indoor inflatable obstacle and ropes course.

• Treasure Island Fun Center — Indoor arcade and fun house open daily.

• FloridaRAMA — A mesmerizing indoor art experience that will keep your kids busy for at least a couple of hours.

• And for those wanting a little adventure in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is a fantastic indoor activity that will keep your kiddos occupied for hours!