30 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Acadiana

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Step into a haven of spiritual tranquility on a rainy day at St. John Cathedral in Lafayette. This historic cathedral invites you to explore its sacred beauty, offering a serene escape from the stormy weather. Admire the stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and the peaceful ambiance that surrounds you. Whether you seek a moment of reflection or an opportunity to marvel at the artistry of religious heritage, St. John Cathedral welcomes all visitors.

Prejean’s

Food and music are perhaps the best way to experience Cajun culture. Prejean’s offers both under one roof with two locations in Carencro and Broussard. Operating for more than 40 years, Prejean’s has become an institution. Adults and kids alike love the fish camp atmosphere—complete with a giant gator. Order a plate of crawfish enchiladas or some duck gumbo, and get ready for some foot-stomping fun. Live music is offered on some nights at both locations.

Sunday's Soda Fountain

Step back in time and away from the rain at Sunday's Soda Fountain located in Downtown Lafayette. Whether you're craving a quick bite, one of the many ice cream creations, a cocktail, local beer, old school sodas or coffee, they have a treat for everyone. With plenty of room to spread out and visit this place is perfect to pop in and dodge the rain while you soak in the sites and sounds of an old school soda fountain.

Cajun Food Tours

Embark on a flavorful adventure even when the rain is pouring down with Cajun Food Tours in Lafayette. Delight your taste buds with a guided journey through the heart of Cajun Country, exploring the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. This food tour offers a delectable escape from the stormy weather, allowing you to savor authentic Cajun and Creole dishes at local eateries. Let the knowledgeable guides lead you to hidden gems, sharing stories and insights about the region's gastronomic delights. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Cajun hospitality and the comfort of delicious food during this rainy day escapade.

Acadiana Center for the Arts

Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and culture at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, this vibrant arts center is a haven for artistic expression, featuring a diverse array of visual and performing arts. Wander through captivating galleries showcasing thought-provoking exhibits, or indulge in the soul-stirring performances held in a state-of-the-art theater. From live music and dance to compelling theater productions, the Acadiana Center for the Arts promises an enriching experience, even on the rainiest of days.

The Cajun Table

Savor the flavors of Lafayette and turn a rainy day into a culinary adventure at The Cajun Table! Nestled in the heart of Lafayette, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect refuge from the storm. Indulge in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, where each dish tells a tale of Louisiana's rich culinary heritage. From gumbo to jambalaya, every bite is a celebration of local flavors. Whether you're a seasoned Cajun cuisine enthusiast or a first-time explorer, The Cajun Table welcomes you to experience the soulful taste of the Bayou.

Pottery Alley

Step into a world of clay and creativity, where the soothing sound of rain provides the perfect backdrop for unleashing your artistic spirit. Whether you're a seasoned ceramic enthusiast or a first-time potter, Pottery Alley welcomes all to its warm and inspiring space. Dive into hands-on pottery sessions, guided by skilled instructors who will help you mold and shape your ideas into tangible works of art. The studio's relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the therapeutic nature of working with clay, makes Pottery Alley an ideal haven for those seeking a creative escape from the rain. Unleash your inner artist, get your hands dirty, and craft something beautiful at Pottery Alley.

Hilliard Art Museum

Escape the rain and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art at the Hilliard Art Museum in Lafayette. This arts haven invites you to explore captivating exhibitions, featuring a diverse collection of visual expressions that celebrate Louisiana's artistic heritage. Wander through the galleries and witness the creativity of both local and international artists, showcasing a range of mediums and styles. The Hilliard Art Museum offers a perfect retreat on a rainy day, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and depth of artistic expression.

Alexandre Mouton House

Embark on a fascinating journey through history and culture on a rainy day at the Lafayette Museum in Louisiana. This enriching destination offers a diverse range of exhibits that showcase the heritage and traditions of the region. Delve into the vibrant narratives of Lafayette's past, featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring history to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking an engaging indoor activity, the Lafayette Museum provides a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

TABASCO Factory Tour

Your favorite brand of hot sauce got its roots in Acadiana—literally from hundreds of peppers planted by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island. A 10-stop factory tour takes guests through the Tabasco Museum, greenhouse, barrel warehouse, factory building, country store, and restaurant. (Come back on a pretty day to explore the trails of McIlhenny’s Jungle Gardens across the street.) Tabasco.com

Cooking Class at Tabasco

Want to cook like a Cajun? TABASCO hosts cooking classes several times a week at 1868 Tabasco Restaurant. Learn some of the secrets to making Tabasco-infused cuisine then enjoy a four-course lunch. Tabasco.com

Shadows on the Teche

Image courtesy of Mickey Delcambre via Facebook.com/ShadowsontheTeche/

Built near the sugar plantations in 1834, the Shadows is a classic Revival-Style home with a Louisiana Colonial floor plan. Located on New Iberia’s beautiful Main Street, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday. ShadowsOnTheTeche.org

Beausoleil Books

Perfect for a rainy day escape, this charming bookstore invites you to browse through a curated collection of books, from bestsellers to hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere, where the love for storytelling comes alive. Whether you're seeking a new novel, a thoughtful gift, or a cozy reading nook to weather the storm, Beausoleil Books is your haven. Discover literary treasures and let the rain enhance your reading experience at Beausoleil Books. A rainy day delight for book lovers!

River Spa

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/riverspa/

Head to the upscale new-urbanism community of River Ranch and spend a relaxing afternoon at River Spa, where massages, facials, mani-pedis, and waxing services are offered. Closed Sunday. RiverSpaRiverRanch.com

The Refinery

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/RefineryDowntown/

Guys flock to this hip downtown salon and barber spa for an old-fashioned hot-towel shave, haircut or massage. (Ladies are welcome, too!) Guests even bring in their own bourbon to enjoy the experience, and regulars keep their own bottle on site with an engraved name tag. Closed Mon-day. RefineryDowntown.com

Red Lerille’s

Image courtesy of RedLerille's.com

With all the rich Cajun cuisine, it’s only fitting the South’s largest health club is located here. Red Lerille’s Health and Racquet Club covers 20 acres and encompasses 195,000 square feet. Grab a day pass and enjoy fitness classes, indoor tennis courts, childcare, indoor swimming pools and even a restaurant and bar. Open daily. RedLerilles.com

Topgolf

Step into this high-tech golfing haven and discover a cutting-edge entertainment destination that combines golf, technology, and a lively social atmosphere. Raindrops are no match for the climate-controlled bays, where you can tee off in comfort and style. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun indoor activity, Topgolf offers a dynamic and interactive experience suitable for all skill levels. With food, signature cocktails, and  lively ambiance Topgolf is a perfect rainy day retreat. So, when the clouds gather, head to Topgolf for a memorable day of swings, socializing, and spirited competition!

Lafayette Science Museum

Cloudy skies outside, but they’re all clear inside the Lafayette Science Museum downtown. Oth-er exhibits include fun and educational subjects ranging from virtual reality to insects, dinosaurs and meteorites. Closed Monday. LafayetteScienceMuseum.org

Rock'n'Bowl

Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of bowling excitement and live music vibes at Rock 'n' Bowl Lafayette. This dynamic venue is not your typical bowling alley—it's a vibrant entertainment destination where music and strikes collide. Step inside and discover a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy a thrilling game of bowling while soaking in the tunes of live music or DJs. So, when the rain pours, roll on over for a day filled with strikes, music, and a whole lot of fun!

The Grand Theatre

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/pages/Grand-Theatre/

With two locations in the heart of Lafayette, The Grand Theatre features all the new releases. During summer showers, head to the Grand for a children’s feature film and popcorn offered weekdays for just $5. Open daily. TheGrandTheatre.com

Surge Entertainment

Dive into a world of indoor excitement at the Lafayette Surge Entertainment Center by Drew Brees! Perfect for rainy days or anytime fun, this entertainment hub offers a thrilling array of activities. From state-of-the-art arcade games to captivating virtual reality experiences, and even bowling lanes, there's something for everyone. Join the adventure at Surge Entertainment Center, where laughter and joy reign supreme, creating unforgettable memories for all ages.

Escape Room Lafayette

When rainy days roll in, this escape room experience promises excitement and intrigue for all. Gather your friends or family and step into a world of puzzles, mysteries, and teamwork. With various themed rooms, each offering a unique set of challenges, Escape Lafayette invites you to unlock the fun. Ready for an indoor thrill that defies the weather? Explore the mystery at Escape Lafayette and test your skills in the ultimate rainy day escape!

Clayfish Bisque

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/ClayfFishBisqueInc/

Kids (and grown-ups!) can unleash their creative side as they create their very-own pottery. Paint and personalize platters, piggy banks, figurines, vases, pet bowls and more before it’s professionally glazed. Open Monday-Friday and walk-ins welcomed. ClayfishBisque.com

Lafayette Children’s Museum

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/cmalaf/

Ideal for preschool and elementary-aged children, this hands-on museum features a make-believe grocery store and restaurant, bubble factory, crafts room and other educational exhibits. Open Tuesday-Saturday. ChildrensMuseumOfAcadiana.com

SkyZone

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/skyzoneusa/

When the kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s time to take them to SkyZone indoor trampoline park where they’re actually encouraged to bounce, jump, run and play. Open daily. SkyZone.com

Elevation Station

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/ElevationStationBroussard/

Another popular trampoline park, Elevation Station is located in nearby Broussard with trampoline basketball, a trapeze, gladiator pit, games and more. Closed Monday. ElevationStation.com/Broussard

Kart Ranch

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/Kart.Ranch/

If it’s too wet for the go-kart track, the arcade and huge indoor playground are enough of a draw to keep the kids happy on a rainy day. Enjoy traditional games like skee-ball and basketball as well as simulators and video games. Open daily. KartRanch.com

Sans Souci Gallery

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/LouisianaCraftsGuild/

Southern Living magazine voted this collective art gallery one of the top places to shop in the South. Find original pottery, paintings, jewelry, glass and more from some 200 members. Closed Monday. LouisianaCrafts.org

Shops at River Ranch

Image courtesy of Facebook.com/ShopKiki/

If it’s a light drizzle, duck into a few locally owned boutiques for unique jewelry, purses and clothing at kiki, Maven or Hemline. In a downpour seek shelter at Paul Michael, a mega home-decor store where you can easily spend an hour. Open daily. MainStLiving.com PaulMichael-Company.com

Mall of Acadiana

Image courtesy of Acadiana Mall

This updated indoor mall is a draw for all of Southwest Louisiana. More than 85 stores include Banana Republic, Build A Bear, Chico’s, Brookstone, Charming Charlie, Dillard’s, Gap, J. Jill, Macy’s, Sephora, White House Black Market and more. Open daily. Acadiana-Mall.com