40+ Best Things to Do Indoors When it is Raining in St. Pete

Are you looking for something to do on a rainy day in St. Pete?

Whether you are in downtown St. Pete or on the St. Pete beaches, there are plenty of fun things to do when it rains.

From art museums to indoor baseball games, from wine tasting to magic shows, and from arcades to indoor rock climbing, St. Pete offers many things to do on a rainy day.

As a Florida native, I know that the weather isn’t likely to last long, but if you aren’t quite sure what to do on a hot and humid, rainy, or one of those rare cold days in St Pete, Florida, keep reading.

Best Things to do Indoors When it is Raining in St. Pete, Florida

Wander Through a Museum

St. Pete is home to many great museums. A few of them are in the same area, so it is possible to go museum hopping and out to lunch on a rainy day in St. Pete.

Lanie’s Top Tip: For those who live in Pinellas County, if you have a library card, you can get a free museum pass to The Florida Holocaust Museum, Imagine Museum, The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Pete.

Dali Museum

Walk into the surreal world of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum in downtown St. Pete.

Wander through the museum on your own, take a guided tour, or sit down for a talk with Coffee with a Curator.

Events and workshops often take place at the Dali Museum, including art, meditation, yoga, fashion, and poetry. For those who can’t make it in person, online classes are available occasionally.

Storytime and other workshops for kids also take place at the Dali Museum.

Keep out of the rain and stay for lunch. Cafe Gala, located inside of Dali Museum, offers Spanish tapas, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Coffee, beer, and wine are also available at Cafe Gala.

Museum of Fine Arts

Located on the waterfront in downtown St. Pete, the Museum of Fine Arts includes masterpieces from Monet and O’Keeffe, a sculpture garden, and a collection of photography, along with many other pieces of art.

Events and workshops at the Museum of Fine Arts include coffee talks, art classes, concerts, and galas.

On the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am-12 pm is Sensory Saturday, where families with children with sensory sensitivities are able to explore the museum in a calm environment.

Inside the Museum of Fine Arts is Cafe Clementine, a cafe serving brunch, pastries, juices, and coffee.

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

Explore The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art and its collection of artifacts, photographs, paintings, jewelry, and sculptures.

Public tours and audio tours are available.

Workshops and events, including events for kids and families, include art classes, book clubs, and concerts. Playdates and Family Days also take place at The James Museum.

Florida Holocaust Museum

Learn about the Holocaust through artifacts, artwork, and videos from survivors at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Talks, films, and other events take place at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

St. Petersburg Museum of History

At the entrance of St. Pete Pier is the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

In addition to learning about the history of the city of St. Pete, the museum also has exhibits on aviation and baseball.

An odditorium of unique objects from around Florida is on display at the museum.

Group tours are available from the museum, including walking tours, segway tours, trolley tours, and ghost tours.

✅ Purchase your tickets to the St. Pete Museum of History

Find more fun things to do on the St. Pete Pier.

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Also located on St. Pete Pier is the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.

Inside, there are live animals, interactive displays, and a touch tank.

Workshops for all ages are held at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, from squid dissections to eco boat rides.

Imagine Museum

A contemporary glass art studio, Imagine Museum, features artists from around the world.

Tours, including family-friendly tours, are included with admission. Every day, there is a scavenger hunt for kids.

Purchase your tickets to Imagine Museum!

Chihuly Collection at Morean Art Center

Find a permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s stunning glasswork at Chihuly Collection in downtown St. Petersburg.

Art workshops are available for kids, families, and adults.

FloridaRAMA, Formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete

A unique, modern, interactive museum, FloridaRAMA is an art and technology museum with work from over 60 local and international artists.

Visitors are free to wander the space as they please, basically designing their own experience.

A UV light scavenger hunt is an optional add-on at Flordirama, formerly known as Fairgrounds St. Pete.

✅ Purchase your tickets to FloridaRAMA!

Read more about FloridaRAMA and see more photographs of the exhibits.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

A National African History Museum, named after the man to inspired Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum presents local, regional, and national history, culture, and community.

Events at Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum include jazz concerts, historical walks, artist talks, films, and celebrations.

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

Located in Pass-a-Grille on the St. Pete beaches, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum includes photographs, postcards, and memorabilia from the area.

For those staying nearby on St. Beach, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the area on a rainy day.

Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

St. Pete’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement has exhibits featuring furniture, pottery, photography, metalwork, and a whole lot more.

Guided tours are available as are audio tours. Art classes and workshops take place at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

Arts Cafe is located inside the museum. In addition to bakery items, Arts Cafe serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, soup, and cocktails.

See a Show

Mahaffey Theatre

Mahaffey Theatre, also known as Duke Energy Center for the Arts, has music, dance, and theatre performances.

See what is on at Mahaffey Theater on a rainy day in St. Pete here.

American Stage Theatre

Located in downtown St. Pete, American Stage Theatre has a wide variety of plays, musicals, and other performances.

Check their calendar to see what performances are currently happening.

FreeFall Theatre Company

A small theatre located in St. Pete, Florida, FreeFall Theatre Company has both well-known and unique performances including plays, musicals, and concerts.

Palladium

See a symphony, orchestra, opera, or a wide variety of concerts at the Palladium in downtown St. Pete.

Art, dance, and music classes are available at Palladium as well.

St. Pete City Theatre

There is both a main stage and a youth theatre at St. Pete City Theatre with performances for all ages.

Zubrick Magic Theatre

Zubrick Magic Theater hosts a family-friendly magic show in downtown St. Pete.

Holiday-themed magic is performed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

I am not going to lie, I was not looking forward to the gifted tickets we had to Zubrick Magic Theatre, but the performance is so much fun. We went with 3 generations, and every single one of us had an amazing time. I highly recommend visiting Zubrick Magic Theater, whether it is raining or not.

Find more fun things to do in St. Pete with kids.

The Floridian Social Club

A live music venue in downtown St. Pete, The Florida Social Club is an indoor venue with concerts each Thursday through Sunday.

St. Pete College Planetarium

Kids 5+ can join in and watch a free 45-minute show at the St. Pete College Planetarium.

These shows are first-come, first-served. Check their schedule to see what show is currently playing, along with the current timetable.

Watch a Ball Game

Tropicana Field

You can even head to the ballpark on a rainy day in St. Pete because the Tampa Bay Rays play indoors at Tropicana Field.

When you aren’t watching the game, head to any of the concession stands, touch the rays in the touch tank, and watch the kids run the bases after every Sunday home game.

Go Wine Tasting

Florida Orange Groves and Winery

Taste a wide variety of tropical fruit wines at Florida Orange Groves and Winery. Sangria and slushies are also an option at this family-owned and operated winery.

Tours and tastings are available daily.

The Florida Winery

If you are near St. Pete Beach, head to The Florida Winery at John’s Pass to taste a few tropical wines.

John’s Pass has lots of shops and restaurants if you want to wander through and stay dry on a rainy day in St. Pete.

Observe Florida Wildlife

Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center

Also located in John’s Pass on St. Pete Beach is the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, a home for pet surrenders and wildlife that can not be safely returned to the wild.

Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center is home to more than 250 animals including turtles, small mammals, lizards, and alligators.

Exercise Your Energy Out

Vertical Ventures

You can climb the walls at Vertical Ventures. With more than 150 routes to climb, and routes up to 40 feet high, all ages can participate.

Climbing classes for all levels are available at Vertical Ventures.

Jungle Gym Ninja

Kids and adults can attend the open gym or take a ninja class at Jungle Gym Ninja.

Check their calendar to see what is on during a rainy day in St. Pete.

Play Games

Right Around the Corner

With vintage arcade games, pool tables, and a bar, Right Around the Corner is a fun place to spend a rainy day in downtown St. Pete.

Park and Rec DTSP

A bar with pinball and arcade games, Park and Rec DTSP has an indoor gaming area and restaurant as well as an outdoor section with games, in case the rain lets up.

Check their events page for theme nights and specials.

Hatchet Hangout

Learn to throw an axe, or show off your skills at Hatchet Hangout in St. Pete. You can even join a league and play weekly at Hatchet Hangout.

Attempt an Escape Room

Outer Life Studios Escape Room

Kids 6+ can participate in the 60-minute games at Outer Life Studios Escape Room where groups solve clues and puzzles to “escape” from the room.

You have the option of booking a private room for 2-8 players or joining other players.

The Great Escape Room St. Pete

The Great Escape Room St. Pete has 2 options of room types and a portable escape room that they can bring to you.

Kids are able to play, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Beach Escape Game

Multiple escape rooms are available to play at Beach Escape Game located on St. Pete Beach.

Groups of 2-10, of all ages, can participate in the escape room challenges at Beach Escape Game.

Locked Up John’s Pass

Kids 6+ can join in on trying to escape one of the escape rooms at Locked Up at John’s Pass on St. Pete Beach.

Rooms at Locked Up are not private, though you can book out an entire room if you don’t want to play with another group.

Take an Art Class

Morean Arts Center

Morean Arts Center includes Chihuly Center, Morean Glass Studio, and Morean Center for Clay.

Workshops in different art mediums are available from drawing to painting, glass to jewelry, metal sculpture to clay, and much more.

Painting with a Twist

Paint a canvas with live instructions at Painting with a Twist.

Kids 15+ can participate in the nighttime paint classes and all ages can join in on the monthly Family Day paint classes.

Practically Pikasso

Paint your own pottery at Practically Pikasso. Walk-ins are welcome, which makes this a great rainy-day activity.

Clay wheel workshops are available at Practically Pikasso.

Storytime and pottery painting for kids as well as a whole schedule of events take place in the studio.

Clay Center of St. Petersburg

Learn all things clay at the Clay Center of St. Petersburg.

Handbuilding, sculpture, wheel, raku, and even clay printing workshops are taught at the center located near Downtown St. Pete.

Zen Glass Studio

A glass studio that offers workshops, Zen Glass Studio offers paperweight, wine glass, ornament, and pint glass classes.

For those looking for something different to do on a rainy day in St. Pete, learn how to blow glass at Zen Glass Studio.

Relax

St. Pete Salt Works

Float your worries away in a saltwater tub at St. Pete Salt Works.

The Don Cesar Spa

If you are staying on one of St. Pete’s beaches, spend the rainy day being pampered at Don Cesar Spa.

With 16 different treatment rooms and a whole menu of spa and salon services, it is easy to forget about the rain inside Don Cesar Spa.

Book a room at The Don Cesar Hotel on St. Pete Beach.

Looking for more things to do near St. Pete?  Check out Things to do When it is Raining in Clearwater.

Things to do with Kids when it is Raining in St. Pete

Of course, many of the above activities are kid-friendly and fun things to do with kids when it is raining in St. Pete, but the following options are just for families with kids.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Kids can play all day in the interactive Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Hands-on exhibits include shopping in a grocery store, being on a news broadcast, working at a vet’s office, and participating in STEAM events.

The center of Great Ex has a playground with lots of climbing, and various art, buildings, and areas to play around it.

Romp n Roll St. Pete

Kids from infants to age 5 can participate in art, music, and movement classes at Romp n Roll St. Pete.

In addition to the classes, open play is available as are family fun events.

Things to do Indoors When it is Raining in St. Pete FAQ

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