Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Rain in the Magic City? Here are 10 fun indoor things to do
Reading time: 7 minutes
Is it just me, or has it been raining nonstop these past few weeks? I’m definitely feeling the cabin fever and itching to get out of the house. If you’re in the same boat, you’re not alone!
Here are a few things we’ve found to help break the boredom—no shopping spree required.
1. Visit McWane Science Center
You can’t have a summer rainy day guide without mentioning McWane Science Center. Centered on all things science, it caters to all ages.
During your visit:
- Engage in hands-on activities on McWane’s Adventure Halls.
- Learn + play at Itty Bitty Magic City (for preschool kids).
- Discover sea creatures + dinosaurs.
- Watch a movie at the IMAX Theatre.
View pricing and ticket options here.
Psst! McWane offers summer camps, too. Learn about them here.
Where: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
When: Wednesday-Friday, 9AM-5PM | Saturday, 10AM-5PM | Sunday, Noon-5PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Shop local bookstores
There’s nothing better than curling up with a great new book on a rainy day—so why not go find your next favorite read? Here are 4 independent bookstores around Birmingham to help you discover a great place to start your next literary adventure.
Alabama Booksmith
- Address: 2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Mon-Sat, 11 AM-4PM
- Website
Burdock Book Collective
- Address: 4413 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: Wed-Thurs, 3PM-7PM
Little Professor Book Center
- Address: 2844 18th St S. Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-8PM | Sat-Sun, 10AM-6PM
- Website
Thank You Books
- Location: 5502B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-6PM Sunday 12:30-5PM Monday Closed
- Website
3. Treat yourself to a spa day
A rainy day is the best excuse to slow down and unwind with a relaxing visit to a local spa—treat yourself to a massage, facial or soothing steam session while the weather takes its course.
- Cahaba Dermatology
- Mockingbird Day Spa
- The Spa at Ross Bridge
- Total on 1st
- Escape Day Spa
4. Hit up the roller rink
Turn a gloomy, rainy day into a fun adventure by heading to an indoor roller skating rink—it’s a great way to stay active, lift your spirits and enjoy some nostalgic fun out of the rain.
Skates 280
- Location: 7043 Meadowlark Dr., Birmingham, AL 35242
- Price: $10 admission & $3 skates rental
- Hours: Friday 12-10:30PM (All Ages), 10:30-11PM (18 & Older); Saturday 12-10:30PM (All Ages), 10:30PM-12AM (18 & Older); Sunday 2-10PM (All Ages)
- Website | Facebook
Roller Motion Skate Center
- Location: 2474 Morgan Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
- Price: $7-$12 admission & skates rental
- Hours: Monday, 12-4PM; Tuesday, 5-8PM; Wednesday & Thursday Closed for Private Parties; Friday, 7-11PM; Saturday, 2-10PM; Sunday, 2-5PM
- Website | Facebook
Trussville Playstation
- Location: 411 Watterson Ln, Trussville, AL 35173
- Price: $3-$12 depending on activities
- Hours: Monday, Closed; Tuesday, 6-8PM; Wednesday, Closed; Thursday, 6-8PM; Friday, 5-11PM; Saturday, 1-11PM; Sunday, 2-5PM
- Website | Facebook
Funtime Skate Center
- Location: 3508 Decatur Hwy, Fultondale, AL 35068
- Price: $5-$12 depending on date
- Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Closed for Private Parties; Wednesday, 5-8PM; Thursday, 6-9PM; Friday, 6-10PM; Saturday, 12-9PM; Sunday, 2-6PM
- Website | Facebook
5. Play arcade games
Rainy days are ideal for diving into the colorful, high-energy world of arcade games—challenge your friends, rack up points and enjoy hours of indoor fun away from the storm.
Up-Down Arcade Bar
- Location: 113 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Times: Monday-Friday 3PM-2AM | Saturday-Sunday 11AM-2AM
- Website | Instagram
Dave and Buster’s
- Hours: Monday-Tuesday. 11AM-11PM | Wednesday-Thursday. 11-12AM | Friday-Saturday 11-1AM | Sunday 11-12AM
- Location: 2700 Galleria Cir Ste 110, Birmingham, AL 35244
- Website | Facebook
6. Swim at an indoor pool
Don’t let the rain stop your splash! Head to an indoor pool for a refreshing swim, swimming laps or just a fun day in the water, all without worrying about the weather outside. Some require memberships or entry fees, but might be money well spent to enjoy all summer long.
For a details list of pools near you, check out our guide here.
Levite Jewish Community Center
- Where: 3960 Montclair Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213
- Hours: Indoor pool open year-round | Outdoor pool opens May 24, 2025
- Monday-Thursday 5AM-8PM
- Friday 5AM-6PM
- Saturday-Sunday 8AM-6PM
- Cost: Levite Jewish Community Center members only
- Website
Birmingham YMCAs
- Where: Full list of locations
- Hours: Varies by location
- Cost: Varies by membership
- Website
7. Watch a drive-in movie at Grand River
Rain or shine, a drive-in movie is a cozy and unique way to enjoy a film—just roll up the windows, grab some snacks and watch the big screen from the comfort of your car, no matter the weather.
See what movies are playing each week on their website, and buy your tickets online or at the box office. The box office opens at 5PM and this is where you’ll get your tickets, radio channel information and designated screen number.
- Location: 1453 Grand River Pkwy N, Leeds, AL 35094
- Hours: Friday-Sunday 5PM-End of Last Movie
- Tickets: Adult $8 I Child 5-12 $5 I Child 4 & Under Free
- Get Tickets
8. High Point Climbing and Fitness
Take a visit to High Point Climbing and Fitness—an indoor climbing gym for adults and kids. Check it out for indoor rope climbing and bouldering, a kids’ zone, yoga classes and more.
- Where: 4766 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Cost:
- Day Passes: Adults – $19 ($25 with gear included) | Kids 10 & Under & Seniors – $17 ($23 with gear included)
- 7-Day Passes: $111 ($150 with gear included)
- Monthly Memberships: $74/month | Students/Military Discount – $63
- Gear Rentals: $3-$6
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Rainy days are a great time to explore the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, where you can wander through an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles and race cars—all indoors and rich with history, speed and craftsmanship. Perfect for all ages!
- Where: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Times: Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
- Cost: $20
- Website and more info
10. Pelham Civic Ice Complex
Just because it’s the middle of summer doesn’t mean you have to lose a winter activity. Head over to the Pelham Civic Complex and skate the day away. We won’t judge if you fall more than a few times.
- Hours: Check public skating schedule online
- Location: 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
- Website | Facebook
What’s your favorite rainy day activity in Birmingham? Let us know, and we can add it to our list @Bhamnow.
