Miami may typically be about getting outside and showing some skin, but there's plenty to do in the Magic City on a drizzly or stormy day.
Whether it's relaxing, gaming, or exploring your palate, some of the best things to do when it's raining in Miami.
Arcade Odyssey
12045 SW 117th Ave., Miami305-253-2722
arcadeodyssey.comDoes the idea of old-school arcade games and local brews float your boat? Then head to Arcade Odyssey when the skies are gloomy. If craft beer from local breweries isn't your thing, but you still love gaming on retro and classic consoles and pinball machines, enjoy bubble tea, Pocky sticks, and other wide assortments of Japanese snacks for an added sugar rush. This gaming den is a Gen Xer's fever dream with the potential to introduce the next generation to the thrill of playing Double Dragon surrounded by strangers who might take a minute out of their own games to cheer you on.
Bird Bowl
9275 SW 40th St., Miami305-221-1221
birdbowl.comBird Bowl has been a South Miami hot spot since you were in diapers for a reason. Whether or not the sun is hiding behind a cloud, bowling is a fun and family-friendly way to spend the day. There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good old-fashioned, stripped-down, friendly game of bowling. Bird Bowl is like a place the Big Lebowski might suck down a white Russian, especially now that the venue launched L Bar with food, cocktails, and drink specials. Besides the lanes, you can enjoy billiards, sports games, and karaoke. It's a strike, whatever way you look at it.
Cinépolis Coconut Grove
3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove786-628-1260
cinepolisusa.comIf you're anything like me, you spent rainy days as a teenager waiting in actual lines to see the flick of the week at Cocowalk. The floors were sticky, and the seats were immobile. That has all changed. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Coconut Grove has leveled up the moviegoing experience by leaps and bounds. You can shamelessly enjoy a cocktail and eat a meal delivered by a server to your super-comfy seat — all while enjoying the blockbuster of your choice.
Julia & Henry's
200 E. Flagler St., Miami786-703-2126
juliaandhenrys.comIf it's drizzling outside, hit Julia & Henry's, the hottest new food hall in town. Food halls have remained popular for a reason. You can try tasty dishes made by many different burgeoning and established chefs and restaurants all in one place, and at Julia and Henry's, there are different areas for adventurous eaters and for ones with plain palates. Besides being packed with Instagrammable meals, you can enjoy game night, wine night, DJs, and karaoke in the basement venue, Jolene Sound Room. The rumor is Jolene was once home to Al Capone's speakeasy during prohibition, so you can enjoy a little bit of history with your craft cocktail.
Kendall Ice Arena
10355 Hammocks Blvd., Miami305-386-8288
kendallicearena.comUnlike rain, a common occurrence in South Florida, ice is a rarity. Embrace the novelty of the Kendall Ice Arena when you strap on your blades of glory. There, you can learn to play hockey like Wayne Gretzky or take lessons to figure skate like Surya Bonaly. Practice your moves during public skating hours and refuel at the Colombian restaurant or concession stand onsite. And if one of your group is anti-ice, they can spend some quarters at the arcade.
There are countless hands-on experiences at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science photo
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami305-434-9600
frostscience.orgWhile some of the finest features of the Frost Museum of Science are located on the rooftop — which includes the spectacular view of the city and the bay — there is still plenty to do inside that's worth the trip on a rainy day. First, it's open daily, which is not typical for a museum. You can pose in front of the spectacular aquarium teeming with tropical fish. There are plenty of educational and exciting exhibitions, and the Planetarium will blast you into outer space. If you have little ones, there are many hands-on areas to explore the natural world and scientific discoveries, including the interactive MeLaβ.
Puttshack
701 S. Miami Ave., Miami (Inside Brickell City Center)786-233-7888
puttshack.comMinigolf is usually reserved for balmy weather, but not at Puttshack. Located in Brickell City Centre but hailing from the UK, the buzzing venue includes "tech-infused" minigolf, food with flavors from around the world, and even beer pong for the 21-and-older crowd. The "tech" means you don't have to fumble with those tiny pencils; the balls themselves track your wins and losses. Perfect your puck in a space that's both wholesome and looks like a nightclub. And on weekends, you can party at Puttshack Jams with DJs and live events.
Sky Zone
5450 NW 82nd Ave., Doral305-640-5424
skyzone.comIf the sky is crying, blast over to the Sky Zone in the Doral. Yes, it's a chain, but each Sky Zone is outfitted with unique physical adventures. Say goodbye to gravity at the freestyle jump. Show off your strength and agility at the ninja warrior course. Fearlessly let the children run wild at the foam zone. And on Fridays, you can jump all around the venue when the space is revamped with black lights, lasers, and DJs, transforming into a dance club.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
40 Island Ave., Miami Beach305-673-1717
standardhotels.comMiami is brimming with luxurious spas where trained and talented hands will take you away like Calgon. But at the Standard Spa, you can make a whole day of it. Let your pores breathe in the eucalyptus steam room, then make them tiny in the ice room. Zone out while relaxing in the Turkish hammam, sound showers, or sauna that overlooks Biscayne Bay. You can get your claws on point and get an astrology reading while you're there. And you could luck into a wellness workshop or savor a cocktail in the quirky-luxe lobby. Don't forget to hit up the shop for hip gifts and maybe a present for yourself.
Superblue Miami
1101 NW 23rd St., Miami786-697-3405
superblue.comIf you think museums are a snooze, check out Superblue Miami on the next stormy day. Immersive experiences created by different artists let you explore artwork from the inside. With mazes, mirrors, digital effects, screens, and thousands of lights, you get a whole-body experience of the art at Superblue. Exhibitions have included work by the famed light-based artist James Turrell, stage designer Es Devlin, and many other stars of the art world. You can also ask for a guided tour of the space with behind-the-scenes information and become part of the art at the Instagrammable "Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life" installation, where you can interact with clouds of soap bubbles.
