Rainy days are on their way! Get ready for April showers with these indoor activities to spend the perfect rainy day in Ames.
Curl up with a new book.
Head to the Ames Public Library to find the perfect read, then curl up and dive in while the rain hits the window next to you. Sounds perfect, right? 
Explore art.
Visit Iowa State University’s campus for a tour of Christian Petersen Art Museum, located in the heart of central campus. Its exhibitions rotate between contemporary art, public art, and exhibitions that engage groups across campus, so be sure to check out their website to see what the current exhibition is. Take a stroll around Brunnier Art Museum and admire its iconic decorative arts collection.Â
Have a drink.
What better way to warm up than with a drink? Try one of Ames’ local breweries, Torrent Brewing or Alluvial Brewing, for a delicious Ames-brewed beer. Or head downtown for a glass (or more, we don’t judge) of wine at Della Viti. Need a suggestion on where to go? Check out our local brew crawl.Â
Catch a flick.Â
Cinemark Movies 12 and North Grand Cinema always have movies showing, rain or shine. Take time on a rainy day to finally see that new movie your friends have been raving about, and don’t forget the buttery popcorn!
Get competitive. 
Play a round at Perfect Games, located in west Ames. With a wide variety of arcade games, a 24-lane bowling alley, and a two-story laser tag arena, there’s fun to be had for everyone.Â
Try new flavors.Â
There are so many unique, local restaurants to try in Ames! Pick one that you’ve never tried, and test it out! You might just find your new go-to spot. Want to up your Instagram game? Try snapping a photo from one of these photogenic eateries.Â
Enjoy nature.
Indoors, of course! Reiman Gardens has, unexpectedly, lots of activities to do indoors. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon among beautiful butterflies in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing or surround yourself with tropical plants in the Hughes Conservatory.Â
Cozy up with a local brew.Â
Ames’ coziest spot might be next to the fireplace at Burgie’s Coffee. Take a seat and enjoy a warm latte infused with house-made syrups while you watch the rain come down.
@discoverames Hey, it’s me. Burgie’s date tomorrow? #discoverames #amesiowa #coffee #coffeeshop #fyp ♬ Hey It’s Me – Official Sound Studio
Written by Marissa Smith, Marketing Communications Intern
4 Responses
What about if you have babies/small children? Thank you!
The Ames Public Library has a variety of family friendly activities that occur all day. You can see the schedule at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/learn-explore/family. The Arts & Workspace in the Memorial Union has walk-in crafts Monday-Saturday. And the Butterfly House at Reiman Gardens is always a hit!
Hi,
I always enjoyed Play Pals with my young kids. They can burn some energy in a fun safe way and I got to meet parents, It only goes from September through May but would be great for rainy days of April!
Play Pals is at the City of Ames Open Gym space: https://www.cityofames.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/124/471
Play Pals indoor playground is sure to excite all the little ones! Play Pals is a fully equipped with toys beyond belief and is a great way for the little ones to meet new friends and perfect the art of sharing. Our slide, teeter-totter, cycles, wagons and other toys will keep children busy for hours. This “indoor park” is held at the Community Center Gymnasium Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM between Labor Day and Memorial Day. This is a great opportunity for moms, dads, and grandparents to bring their little ones to an indoor playground. The cost is $2.25 per child per visit. (Babies in carriers are free) Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
No Escape Iowa is also a great option for a rainy day!