Though most people know St. Louis has much to offer on a sunny day, many will be pleased to know the city also has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when the weather doesn’t cooperate. In a city where many of the museums are free for visitors, a rainy day is easily well spent in St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for something family friendly, an afternoon with friends, or a day on your own, the city has much to offer in terms of indoor adventures. Here are 5 activities to try the next time the weather has you spending the day indoors:

1. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

To boost your spirits on a gray day, head to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. The stunning array of tropical butterflies will delight your senses and transport you somewhere warmer. This glass conservatory is a balmy atmosphere full of lush greenery and over a thousand butterflies flying freely. You’ll also find a plethora of tropical plants and vibrant flowers. During your visit, you might have a butterfly land on you or catch a glimpse of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. They also offer special classes and events, so keep an eye on their calendar to catch something fun. They’re open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am-4pm, with an $8 admission for adults and $5 for kids and seniors.

2. Contemporary Art Museum St Louis

For some contemporary culture on a gloomy day, why not pay a visit to one of St. Louis’ many free museums? The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) is your answer to breaking out of the norm and absorbing what experimental artists are creating today. You’ll find an ever-changing array of paintings, installations, sculptures, and video art pieces. They host different late-night events throughout the year as well, like their Art Up Late events, which run from 9pm-midnight one Friday each season. The next one, “Art Up Late: Faster”, is on April 13th, 2018. There, they’ll exhibit American artist Salvatore Scarpitta’s race cars (some sculptural, others functional), and his related artwork. They also offer youth programs like toddler playdates, stroller tours, and teen events to help connect young people with art. The CAM is conveniently located in the center of St. Louis in the Grand Center arts and entertainment district. Their normal hours are Wednesdays through Sundays 10am - 5pm, with extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

3. Moolah Theatre & Lounge

A perfect rainy day spot in the city to check out for a unique experience is the Moolah Theatre & Lounge. They have a bowling alley on the lower level of the theater, and you could easily spend the whole day there. The movie theater has a retro feel, with a nice large screen and leather couches to sit and enjoy the film with friends. They show one movie at a time, so be sure to plan ahead to see when to visit. One unique draw is their bar where you can grab a cocktail to enjoy with your movie. With great prices, a cozy atmosphere, and a free parking garage in the back, this is a perfect way to spend a rainy day in St. Louis.

4. Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym

Looking for a little more adventure? The Upper Limits rock climbing gym is the perfect place to try out a new hobby or refine your climbing skills. For those days when you’re stuck inside but need to move, this is the best place to get active and blow off some steam. Built inside a 10,000-square-foot historic railroad factory, you’ll find a multitude of caves, bouldering walls, auto-belay courses, and climbing walls. They offer rental equipment and lessons for beginner climbers, so any experience level is welcome. They even offer special programs and memberships for those that want to get more involved with the climbing community. Find them in the heart of St. Louis in the Upper Limits downtown area.

5. St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center is an especially family-friendly rainy-day destination. This interactive museum is filled with spaces to explore. The museum’s mission is to make science and technology fun, with hands on learning for people of all ages. They have a Planetarium with a flight simulator and dark sky planetarium shows where kids and adults can venture through space exploration and flight exhibits. Though there’s plenty to explore here for free, they also offer some special exhibits and an Omnimax theater with films for a small fee. If you want to skip parking fees, you can park on the Planetarium side of the museum inside Forest Park. They’re open 7 days a week, giving you plenty of opportunities to check them out.

Even when mother nature doesn’t cooperate with your St. Louis plans, you can still find plenty of exciting indoor attractions to visit in the city. Whether you’re joining a friend or two or taking the whole family out, there are many ways to cure your rainy day gloom in St. Louis.