19 Indoor Activities In Rochester To Try Next Time It Rains (2024)
- Date: July 5, 2024
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Peerspace Staff
Source: Peerspace
Rochester, NY, is one of Upstate’s gems. It’s just the right size for fun without feeling crowded. You have the incredible outdoor amenities that Upstate NY is famous for; but what if it happens to be raining? Well, you’re still in luck because indoor activities in Rochester are plentiful.
From local art to ethnic cuisine, the Young Lion of the West punches well above its weight class. As collectors of event venues and theme party ideas, Peerspace wants to help you have a good time in Rochester the next time it rains. So take a look at some of the ideas we’ve included here and let us know which is your favorite thing to do in Rochester indoors!
1. Visit Highland Park
Botanical gardens are a wonderful place to visit in Rochester when it snows or rains! No, seriously! The outdoor grounds may not be so comfortable but the Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park is still open! Conservatories are oases of warm temperatures and tropical humidity kept that way year-round for orchids, pond plants, and other blooms that wouldn’t survive the temperate conditions in Rochester. Take some photos and bask in the warmth any time of the year here.
2. Host a dinner party
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends together for an indoor party. Dinner parties are a timeless celebration that can be held for any occasion. All you need is a venue to eat, drink, and laugh together! How about this industrial loft space in Rochester? The top floor is a spacious venue with tall ceilings and ample natural light. You can host a dinner party for up to 80 people here with tables, chairs, and other amenities included.
3. Break free of an escape room
Escape rooms are a unique mental challenge; you and a group of friends or strangers have to find clues, solve puzzles, and work your way free of the room in a set amount of time. The challenge ratings vary depending on the difficulty of the puzzles and the amount of time you have. Rochester is home to Mythical Escapes, which currently has two themed escape rooms to choose from! Horror and sci fi lovers are sure to have a good time here!
4. Learn at the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Study the heavens and learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy at the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium! You can watch public shows on the furthest reaches of the Universe here! The Planetarium is a family-friendly venue that has something fascinating for all ages to enjoy.
Love creating unique content? Peerspace can provide some inspiration there, too! Check out these creative at-home photoshoot ideas to brighten up your next rainy day.
5. Visit the Strong National Museum of Play
We love niche museums and few places offer such a fundamental study of entertainment as the Strong National Museum of Play! Have you ever really considered what IS play and why it is so important to us at all ages? The National Museum explores this question deeply with its guests, illuminating how play helps us learn, reduce stress, and form strong social connections with each other!
6. Check out the Seneca Park Zoo
Looking for a fun and educational indoor activity in Rochester? Head to the Seneca Park Zoo for the day! Many of the exhibits are indoors so you can escape the rain and see animals living their lives. The Seneca Park Zoo is also a leader in global conservation; by purchasing tickets for the day, you’ll be supporting the preservation of rare animals worldwide.
7. Learn at the Rochester Museum & Science Center
As you’ve come to realize, Rochester is full of indoor learning opportunities to explore the next time it rains. Did you know that the Rochester Museum & Science Center has 200 exhibitions to explore under one roof? Plus it’s right next door to the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium so you can spend an entire day visiting both institutions!
8. See local art at Artisan Works
Local artists are as important as the famous names we’ve all grown up with. If you’re passionate about supporting their efforts, spend some time at Artisan Works in the Blossom Business Center. They have weekly thrift sales on antiques, collectibles, and original art. Not to mention trivia nights, garden parties, bingo nights, and other events. Plus you can pick up artwork from talented local artists for lease or sale!
9. Shop at the Rochester Public Market
Shopping is one of our favorite indoor activities in Rochester. The next time it snows or rains, head to the Rochester Public Market where 300 vendors offer all kinds of goods to browse. From ethnic cuisine to handmade candles, there’s something of interest for everyone here. You’ll also find ample free parking in five places surrounding the Public Market, so you’re guaranteed to have fast access to this bustling public space.
10. Host a game night with friends
Game nights are the perfect rainy day experience! You can include snacks or a potluck dinner menu, use card or video games, and run a game night for as long as you like! Whether you like board games, foosball, or something else, you’ll still need a venue with the right amenities to make it happen. That’s where Peerspace comes in! We have venues in Rochester that are perfect for a game meetup. Have you seen this industrial urban art studio in Mayor’s Heights? The venue is beautifully lit and spacious enough for up to 50 people to enjoy a game night together!
11. Buy an instrument at the House of Guitars
Are you ready to finally commit to learning the guitar? Then it’s time to pick up an instrument and put in the work! Rochester is home to the House of Guitars, known as “the largest guitar store in the world!” Not only do they have a massive selection of new, used, and vintage instruments, but touring performers have stopped here for decades, including Ozzie Osborne, Pantera, and Aerosmith.
12. Check out the Rohrbach Beer Hall
The Rohrbach Beer Hall is located at the back of the Rochester Public Market. Opened in 1991, the Rohrbach Beer Hall serves some of the finest craft brews in the city. You can even find Rohrback beer in Buffalo, Syracuse, and other Western NY cities. Named for the German city that the founder was from, the historic legacy and attention to flavor are what make Rohrbach Beer Hall such a must-visit place for beer enthusiasts!
13. Chill at Radio Social
Radio Social is one of the best places in Rochester to hang out the next time it rains or snows. During the day it is a family-friendly restaurant and bowling alley. By night, it becomes a nightclub on top of everything else! Radio Social offers Middle Eastern-style cuisine, bowling, live music, giant Jenga, and other indoor activities to try!
14. Take a cooking class
Cooking classes are a great indoor activity in Rochester to take on if you need to spice up your kitchen talents for a future home-cooked dinner date or other activity. We recommend the Rochester Brainery, which has one of the most diverse selections of classes in Upstate NY. From homemade gnocchi to classic French crepes, you can easily upgrade your cooking skills the next time it rains.
Check out these unique cooking class ideas to put an extra creative spin on this indoor activity idea!
15. Discover a new restaurant
Did you know that Rochester has a surprisingly good dining scene? While the region is best known for The Garbage Plate you can find everything from Asian to African here. If you’re up for something unique, try one of the several Ethiopian restaurants in town. For some tasty Cajun cuisine, head to The French Quarter for shrimp po boys and fries instead!
16. Try a new coffee shop
Coffee shops are one indoor activity in Rochester that never gets old. You can try a new bean blend, find a shop offering breakfast or brunch, or enjoy a book in a themed space! If you want to support a Rochester business that’s been around for over three decades head to Java’s Cafe on Gibbs St.! They offer great coffee in a space that’s long been a meeting place for the Rochester community.
17. Take the pups to an indoor dog park
Rain or shine, dogs still need to get exercise! You don’t have to get your pups wet, however. Not when you can take them to Rochester’s own Woofs Canine Club & Indoor Dog Park! Besides the 6,000 sq. ft. indoor dog park Woofs also has a cafe for people to relax at. Woofs also has special events year-round, including days for small or large breeds only, puppy playdates, and more!
18. Book a yoga class
Spend some time exploring inner space the next time it rains with a yoga class. All you need is a mat and some free time. Yoga classes are inexpensive and can even be themed; enjoy some hot yoga, goat yoga, or even beer yoga at a local brewery! Yoga lovers should explore the classes held at Tru Yoga, a space dedicated to intentional movement, meditation, yoga, and other wellness arts!
19. Visit the Sonnenberg Garden & Mansion State Historic Park
The Sonneberg Garden & Mansion is a beautiful place to explore on a rainy day. Located just a short drive away in Canandaigua on the shores of the lake, the Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion and gardens include some of the most unique architecture the state has to offer. There are 40 rooms within, spread over three floors (two of which are open to the public).
Indoor activities in Rochester: conclusion
Given the rain and snow the region is known for, it pays to have a backup plan for any activities in Rochester. As you can see, the city has a lot to offer locals and visitors alike. From excellent breweries to world-class museums, Rochester has indoor activities for all seasons and age groups! And if you want something a bit more customizable, think about hosting your indoor party plans with Peerspace. We have party venues near you with amenities and decorations to match any special occasion.
