When rain clouds roll in, it’s tempting to hide inside, but why dread the rain when there are plenty of indoor activities in and around Memphis? If cabin fever has set in, get out of the house and explore — from arts and culture to dining and drinking, we’ve made a rain plan filled with tons of things to do on a dreary day in Memphis.
Arts and Entertainment
MUSIC
What is Memphis known for if not for its music? There are plenty of places to celebrate Memphis’ soulful and bluesy musical heritage without fear of getting caught in bad weather.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a fun place to pay tribute to the musical icons and spiritual founders of soul music. Groove through their thousands of artifacts and interactive exhibits before making a visit to The Blues Hall of Fame Museum to commemorate the heroes and history of blues.
Then, pay homage to the King at Graceland, or make the pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Sun Studio.
RELATED: Historically Hip: Your Guide to Cooper-Young
MUSEUMS
If you’re looking for a meaningful afternoon, a visit to The National Civil Rights Museum is sure to be powerful, and the lessons learned immensely valuable. It can take hours to fully explore all that’s inside the walls of the old Lorraine Motel, so it’s a great place to spend the day as you remember those who fought to drive the causes of civil rights forward.
The art community in Memphis is blossoming, and there are plenty of ways to explore indoors. Take a stroll through the halls of the Dixon Gallery to enjoy their gorgeous collections and rotating exhibits, or hit Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for pieces spanning from antiquity to modern day.
The Metal Museum is entirely dedicated to the art of metalwork, and is the only institution of its kind in the United States.
Kid-Tested, Parent Approved
CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS
Are your little ones going crazy cooped up inside? Don’t fret. We have you covered with some of Memphis’ best activities for children (or simply for the young at heart).
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is a great indoor option for children of all ages. Each room encourages hands-on learning that your children are sure to love.
The Pink Palace Museum provides an educational environment for kids that they will enjoy so much, they won’t even notice they’re learning. (Don’t worry — we won’t tell.) Explore exhibits about Mid-South history and Memphis’ path to being a medical hub.
Another spot for kids to play and learn is The Mississippi River Museum, where little ones can explore exhibits documenting 10,000 years of Mississippi River history and even hop aboard two full-size boat replicas.
Pamper Yourself
SPA DAY
Whether it’s a spa day, a hair treatment or an exercise class, you deserve to treat yourself. Why not use a rainy day as an excuse to do it? Skip your errands, and schedule some time for a little rejuvenation and self-care.
Get a fashionable new hair style from the gurus at Pavo Salon Spa, then treat yourself with other services like facials, waxing, massages and mani-pedis.
If you are a skincare aficionado, Mona Esthetics and The Langsdon Clinic are great stops for laser treatment, vein treatment, skin peels, masks and a full range of facial treatments. Solutions Medical Center can make you feel radiant on a rainy day and Ashtoria Aesthetics & Wellness can give you laser facial treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, cosmetic enhancements.
FITNESS
Storms may keep you from exercising outdoors, but don’t let rainy weather keep you from your fitness goals. A little gloom outside is an excellent excuse to hit the studio. Practice some self-love and schedule a class at Hot Yoga Plus or Better Bodies Yoga.
Retail Therapy
FASHION DESTINATIONS
The perfect remedy to rainy day blues? Shopping! From Germantown to Broad Avenue and everywhere in between, there are stores calling you out of the storm and into their warm, retail-filled embrace.
As long as you’ve got an umbrella to protect you, Memphis’ boutiques are calling! There are way too many fabulous local shopping destinations to list, so visit our SB Guide or download the SB App, where you can navigate the best local shopping in the city.
RELATED: How to Spend a Day in Broad Avenue: Eat, Drink, Shop & Play!
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
COFFEE SHOPS
There are tons of local coffee shops in the Memphis area where you can go in and grab a cold or hot brew. Comeback Coffee, Bluff City Coffee, The Hub and French Truck in Crosstown Concourse are just a few of our favorites.
BREWERIES
Get your brew on while you dodge the rain at one of Memphis’ many amazing taprooms and breweries. From Memphis Made Brewing in Cooper-Young and Wiseacre Brewing on Broad Avenue, to High Cotton Brewing Co. and Ghost River Taproom and Brewery, there are plenty of great spots to grab a locally brewed pint and hang with some pals while waiting out the rain. You can see all of our favorite breweries here!
DINING SCENE
Spend a night out enjoying Memphis’ finest dining! We could go on and on about the Memphis restaurant scene, but rather than ramble, we’ll just direct you to the SB App for a full restaurant guide to our favorite spots in the 901.
“Rain’t” no stopping us now! So, grab your umbrella and your rain boots, and get out there to enjoy all that Memphis has to offer. Find even more rainy day activities in our Memphis Events & Happenings calendar and in the SB App.
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