24 of the Best Indoor Activities in Atlanta
24 of the Best Indoor Activities in Atlanta
With over 200 days of sunshine a year, Atlanta is a city where people are accustomed to spending their free time outdoors. Sidewalk dining, street festivals, and concerts in the park occur year-round, so we pack our calendars and sunscreen and take in all that Atlanna has under the sun.
But if we’re getting much-needed rain or it’s just too hot to play outside, don’t worry! Atlanta has many ways to keep you entertained and out of the elements. As new exhibits, shows, and pop-ups are always coming to our city, there’s no end to indoor activities in Atlanta.
With that in mind, we compiled a list of the top 24 things to do in Atlanta on a rainy day. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, an artsy activity, or something sporty, we’ve got you covered. Grab your umbrella, and let us show you where the hot (and dry) spots are!
Top 24 Indoor Things to Do in Atlanta On A Rainy Day
There is no way to do all of the Atlanta outdoor activities; even lifelong Atlantans haven’t experienced everything this city has to offer. Our list of things to do in Atlanta when it rains has a little something for everyone, and we’ve included our personal favorites.
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- Hatchet Out With Axe Throwing For The Whole Family
Slinging ax is a hit for people of all ages at Axe Master in Sugar Hill. Bring your coworkers for a team-building event, celebrate your birthday, or just stop by on a rainy day. Kids under eight play free (with foam axes!), making this Atlanta ax throwing activity an affordable, family-friendly option. - Visit The Third Largest Aquarium In The World
If you haven’t been to the Georgia Aquarium since your 5th-grade field trip, it’s been too long. This remarkable indoor aquarium houses hundreds of species of ocean life in 11 million gallons of water among seven exhibit galleries. If you want well-dressed indoor fun in Atlanta, go see the penguins in their black tie attire. - Get Inspired, Creative, And A Little Messy
Put on a smock and channel your inner abstract artist at Splatter Studio, Atlanta’s first “Contemporary Action Painting” experience. This is unlike other painting experiences, which makes it a perfect thing to do in Atlanta indoors. You won’t get rained on, but you’ll walk away with a finished masterpiece and maybe a little paint in your hair. - Elevate Your Art Appreciation
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is a must-visit, no matter the weather. Their permanent collection includes over 12,000 pieces of art and antiquities from around the world. If you struggle to unplug and enjoy the art, don’t worry! The High has an app for patrons to interact with as they walk through the galleries. Kids under 6 get in free, making this a great indoor activity in Atlanta for even the littlest art admirer. - Fight Boredom And Hunger At The Krog
Are you looking for a one-stop shop for things to do on a rainy day in Atlanta? This is it. The Krog District and Krog Street Market have a barbershop, nail salon, haberdasheries, plenty of restaurants, and fitness classes. Browsing its storefronts is a must-do indoor activity in Atlanta. - Hop On A Brewery Tour
The A is known for its craft beer. Brewery tours are perfect for curing bad weather blues. See how Atlanta’s craft brewers are doing it the ATL way, learn about the brewing process, and, of course, drink beer. - Wind Up At the Original Waffle House
If you’ve never eaten at Georgia’s own Waffle House at 2:00 am, are you even a true Atlantan? Check out the first-ever Waffle House location in Decatur, which is now a museum sharing the history of WH, along with a replica of the first restaurant. It’s kitsch, transporting you to a bygone era of all-night eateries. - Strike Out At This Atypical Speakeasy
The Painted Pin is a luxurious, adults-only (after 5 pm) lounge with bowling, delicious cocktails, and a menu with elevated bowling alley staples. If bowling isn’t how you roll, there’s always bocce ball, giant Jenga, shuffleboard, ping pong, and more. - Touch Everything At This Hands-On Museum
Your kids will get their wiggles out, learn some cool facts, and have a blast at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. With six permanent exhibits that encourage exploration, your kids will be engaged for hours. Entertaining kids of various ages can be tricky, but there’s indoor fun for everyone at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. - Come Here To Look Down On Everything
Take a ride up 72 stories on a glass elevator overlooking the downtown skyline up to the Sun Dial Observation Deck at the Westin Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Featuring breathtaking 360-degree views from the 73rd floor, the Sun Dial is one of our top 21 must-do things to do in Atlanta on a rainy day. - Be Part Of An Immersive Experience
Step into the world of famed painter Georgia O’Keefe’s colorful florals, go to the moon, or watch as lions run across the African savanna in WILD. The Illuminarium offers larger-than-life immersive experiences and morphs into a 21+ party under the stars at night. - Golfing For Guys And Ghouls
Another of the top-rated things to do indoors in Atlanta is mini golf. Putt-putt around with your favorite Frankenstein or even bring your mummy to Monster Mini Golf in Marietta. Play the 18-hole mini golf course under black light, surrounded by an eery graveyard and creatures that go bump in the night. - Learn About The Birth Of A Movement
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s began in Atlanta and is famously the site of many historical events that have shaped this city and our country. The National Center For Civil And Human Rights exhibits are exquisitely purposeful, mission-driven, providing a deeper, interactive look into systemic racism in our country. - Rock Out At A Former Church
Do rock ‘n roll and religion mix? They do at the Tabernacle in ATL’s Centennial District. Previously a house of worship, this iconic music venue has hosted A-list acts from all genres for nearly two decades. Head to the box office on the day of the show if you’re looking for something to do in Atlanta when it rains. - This Next One Is a Dive
If it’s raining, checking out one of Atlanta’s many indoor pools is an excellent option. Don’t let bad weather or unbearable heat keep you from going for a swim. From memberships to the YMCA, free or affordable community pools, or a splurge like Great Wolf Lodge, there are plenty of indoor pools for cannonball practice. - Go Yeti Sighting
When you find yourself looking for things to do in Atlanta that are indoors, come to Expedition: Bigfoot! and learn how adventurers have been searching for the elusive sasquatch for over a hundred years. Not only does The Sasquatch Museum explore the history of our fascination with this furry cryptid, but it’s also an official reporting center for possible sightings. - BYOB And MYOT With Your BFF
For the ultimate GNO (girls’ night out), grab some bubbly and head to The Sipping Plant to create your own terrarium. Their instructors will show you the steps to making a cute succulent terrarium while you sip and snack. You can also make string art, so pick which craft you’d like to do and have fun! - See Where The Magic Happens
Atlanta Magic Theater is the longest-running magic show in Atlanta. Its owner and star–Peter Morrison–delivers a clean, family-friendly magic and comedy show. Not only is the Atlanta Magic Theater an award-winning experience, but it’s also sure to cure your boredom on a rainy day in Atlanta. - Namaste Out Of the Rain
Getting a good, deep stretch is good for your body and mind. Don’t let bad weather deter you from popping into a local vinyasa class and getting your asana on. Attendance tends to drop when it’s raining, so take advantage of smaller class sizes by joining in on the rainy day flow. - Are You Ready For Some Football History?
Even the most cynical sports fan will be in awe of the collections on display at the College Football Hall of Fame. Discover over 50 exhibits, from a virtual-reality quarterback experience and 47-yard football field to a football helmet installation. The entire experience is indoors–even on the field–so you’ll stay dry as you get your football fix. - Free Art!
That is, admission to the Atlanta Contemporary is free. Come view works of art by over 100 artists at this Westside art museum. The Contemporary is a vital part of its community, working with artists and patrons to expand our awareness of contemporary art, local artists, and how it impacts the community. See their mission at work, free of charge, Tuesday through Sunday. - Explore Atlanta’s History
The Atlanta History Center is a great spot for history buffs. In addition to artifacts and exhibits, there’s also a theater where you can see such films as the Civil War film “Gone With the Wind.” It even has a special Civil War movie night on Wednesday nights. - Get Hands-On with Science
If you’re searching for Atlanta rainy activities for kids, visit The Exploratorium. It is an interactive experience that teaches kids about nature in an exciting way. On weeknights, there are special activities for preschoolers through fifth grade. - Go to the Park (Yes, Even on a Rainy Day!)
You might think visit Centennial Olympic Park isn’t an option on a rainy day. But, think again! There’s more than just outdoor spaces at this park. It’s home to an IMAX theater as well as the World of Coca-Cola, where you and your family can learn about the history of this worldwide brand. - See the Best of the Best in Atlanta Sports
Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame: The Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame will show you what it takes to become a great athlete, from the skills required for each sport to how it helps you become a better person. You can also see memorabilia from the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons.
- Hatchet Out With Axe Throwing For The Whole Family
A Day of Indoor Activities in Atlanta
Now that you’ve got plenty of recommendations, where will you start? For art fans, Atlanta has dozens of art museums and galleries that are perfect things to do in Atlanta on a rainy day. Go to dinner before or after, and it becomes the ultimate date night. Sports nuts can enjoy 95,000 square feet of football mania or zoom around an indoor go-cart track. Taking a class–from pottery to yoga–is a relaxing way to enjoy a rainy Atlanta day. Wherever you decide to go, don’t forget your umbrella and don’t forget to have fun!
