Let's face it: One of the best reasons to live in Miami is the sunshine. It just makes us feel good, dammit. So when hurricane season hits and gray skies start rolling through, we begin to wonder what in hell we're supposed to do with ourselves when we can't hit the beach, the pool, or the boat.
But all is not lost. There are more indoor activities in the 305 than you'd expect. Just remember to bring your umbrella for that mad dash from the car.
Make like the Dude. Bowling is one of those pastimes you've forgotten you love till you don those dapper shoes and get into an epic battle with your best friends. By the time you've bowled a game or five, thrown back a few beers or cocktails, and noshed on half-priced pizza, you won't want to leave. Splitsville has all of the above, or make your way to Bird Bowl for a more casual vibe.
Attempt an escape. If you're into solving complex puzzles, escape rooms have Sudoku beat. Pull together a team and hit up the Great Escape Room or Escape Hunt Miami, where you and your crew can play Sherlock and solve a multilayered puzzle/scavenger hunt in only 60 minutes. You'll stay dry and stimulate your gray matter.
Go retro at an arcade. Forget your PlayStation and go drink and hang at one of Miami's many arcades, from the classic Arcade Odyssey down south to larger spots such as Game Time and Dave & Busters. All of these arcades offer food and drinks, so you can spend the entire day there, out of the rain.
See a flick in style. Screw staying home with your usual Netflix lineup. Go to a swanky theater and sit through a summer movie bonanza instead. At the Landmark at Merrick Park or CMX at Brickell City Centre, you can choose your seats online, have snacks delivered by theater staffers, and get buzzed on beer and wine.
Climb rocks. Florida is flat, which is supremely sad for anyone into climbing things other than palm trees. But if you'd like a little more of a multidimensional obstacle, there's always rock climbing. Though there are no natural mountains in the Magic City, you can scale fake ones at X-treme Rock Climbing. Just remember to bring a buddy — unless you're a fan of painful face-plants.
Get cultured at a museum. A rainy day is the perfect time to explore Miami’s contemporary art. The 305 is a hot spot for great exhibitions, so find out what’s showing at Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Bass, Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, or Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami.
Jam out at a concert. Escape the downpour while grooving to live music. Explore the local scene or see what band is on tour. From the American Airlines Arena to the Fillmore Miami Beach or even Las Rosas, Miami has plenty of indoor venues where you can jam out without getting wet. Not sure where to start? Check New Times' concert calendar and our guides to the best music in town each week.
Grab some grub. If the food in your fridge is looking bland, don’t let the rain stop you from enjoying a delicious meal. Discover Miami restaurants, or for a variety of options and flavors, visit a food hall such as the Citadel, St. Roch Market, the Lincoln Eatery, or 1-800-Lucky.
Drink at a brewery. Sitting at a bar is more fun when you have a menu of weird beers to choose from. Miami’s brewery scene is thriving, so ignore the rain and drink some beer. No matter where in town you are, a brewery awaits nearby, such as Spanish Marie in Kendall, Tripping Animals and Beat Culture in Doral, and J. Wakefield in Wynwood.
Kick it. Live out your World Cup fantasies rain or shine at Urban Soccer Five, where pick-up games are supereasy to book. Take along a friend or go alone, but be ready for a workout. 1125 NW 71st St., Miami; urbansoccerfive.com.
Race your heart out. Ride like the wind at Miami’s indoor go-kart arena, K1 Speed. Races start at only $22 per person, so there’s no excuse to stay home on a rainy day. 8600 NW South River Dr., Medley; k1speed.com.
Sing loud and proud. Good karaoke spots are hard to find, but La Shangrila has you covered. Take the skills you learned from singing in the shower and show your friends what you've got. For those less talented, the private rooms will make you feel more comfortable while you belt out Abba's "Dancing Queen." 10720 W. Flagler St., #14, Miami; lashangrila.com.
Aim for laser tag. Who doesn’t love a game of laser tag? Head to FunDimension in Wynwood to get competitive with your friends and shoot them with harmless lasers. This is the perfect place to exact some sweet, sweet revenge on your friends. 2129 NW First Ct., Miami; fundimensionusa.com.
Bet it on black. Got money to burn? From bingo to blackjack machines, Miami casinos such as Magic City and Hialeah Park are more than happy to take that cash off your hands. Just remember: The house almost always wins.
Go 'round and 'round. You’re not a 305 lifer if you haven’t been to Super Wheels in Kendall. Let the good times roll while you skate to upbeat tunes. Newbies are welcome. 12265 SW 112th St., Miami; superwheelsmiami.com.
Catch a derby match. Not very good on wheels? No worries. Rain is no longer an issue since Miami's Vice City Rollers recently moved their matches indoors to the Miami Springs Recreation Center. Check their schedule to enjoy some brews while watching our hometown team kick ass on the track. Visit miamirollerderby.com.
Art-walk inside. Wynwood Art Walk is a drag when it's raining. But you can re-create the experience, minus the puddle-jumping, at an array of galleries around town. From the de la Cruz Collection in the Design District to the Rubell Family Collection or the Margulies Collection in Wynwood, there’s an array of impressive art to see. Check out our list of the best art galleries in Little Haiti for a good place to start.
Paint while you booze. So you dream of becoming an artist, but you're too shy to reveal your skills? Painting With a Twist gives you the opportunity to throw some paint on a canvas over a glass or five of liquid courage. Show up for a regularly scheduled class, or gather friends and host your own private party. Locations in the Design District, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Miami Lakes, Kendall, and the Falls; paintingwithatwist.com.
Throw an ax. Despite the recent news of ax-throwing gone wrong, the trending activity is still a great way to release your Miami stress and practice your aim. Located in downtown, Extreme Axe is ready for you, rain or shine. Don’t try this one at home, kids. 540 N. Miami Ave., Second Floor, Miami; extremeaxe.com.
