What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard When it Rains

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your family can’t have a great time on Martha’s Vineyard. The wettest months on the Vineyard are April and November, but you can turn a drizzly day into a new adventure by exploring some of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems of Martha’s Vineyard’s island towns. Below, check out our family-friendly recommendations for the top things to do on Martha’s Vineyard when it rains.

1. Hit the lanes at The Barn, Oak Bluffs

The Lanes’ mission, “bowling for everyone” makes it the perfect place to spend an evening with the family. “With our pop up rails and portable ramps, bowling is fun for all – from toddlers to seniors”, and special accommodations for those with mobility barriers.

Relax on comfortable couches while your family bowls the evening away. Each of their 10 lanes has a large coffee table with storage space below, and pull-out shelves that hold an ice bucket for beer or wine. Select food & drinks can also be ordered from the lanes while you bowl, or grab a bite at the bistro afterwards, famous for its large portions and family-friendly fare.

With more large-screen TVs than any other venue on the Vineyard and a high fidelity sound system, you won’t miss a minute of the game.

Lanes are reservation only at this time and are available in 60, 90 or 120 minute time slots.

Bowl at The Barn

Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm to 10pm.

2. Connect with the history of Martha’s Vineyard at the MV Museum, Vineyard Haven

A rainy day on the Vineyard is the best time to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and culture. Before Martha’s Vineyard was purchased by a Massachusetts man named Thomas Mayhew, the island was known by Native Americans as Noepe or Capawock, home to the Wampanoag people. Spend the day discovering Martha’s Vineyard as you’ve never seen it before. Wander through the beautiful, multi-storied space to take in the myriad permanent and limited-time exhibitions, plus a special hands-on, “kid-scale” discovery zone that encourages young ones to climb, scramble, and play their way through STEM activities.

On Saturdays, grab a friend to “enjoy a sweet practice of movement, meditation and breath in one of the most beautiful spots on island” with YogiJay (Jason Mazar-Kelly) of WholesomeMV. This community-based all-levels yoga class is held rain or shine, outside or inside the Museum’s Linnemann Pavilion, from 8:30 am-9:30 am.

Visit the MV Museum

Tuesdays-Sundays 10 am-4 pm, October 12, 2021 – May 27, 2022:

Tuesdays 10 am-8 pm and Wednesdays-Sundays 10 am-5 pm, May 28 – October 10, 2022

3. Spend a rainy Martha’s Vineyard day at the local library, all towns

Albert Einstein once said, “”The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library”. No matter what island town you’re in, you’ll find the comforting and familiar presence of the local library to make you feel right at home again. Make sure to check out the weekly events – from youth fitness classes, interactive storytime, and hands-on learning events, they’ve got something to keep little ones and young adults busy on a dreary day. Make time to browse the art galleries and local artist exhibitions, plus readings, book signings, history lectures, and much more for grown-ups.

Can’t find your umbrella? Check out each library’s online events and bring the fun to you!

Visit Your Local Library

(check local websites for each library’s safety precautions)

Edgartown Mon, Thu-Sat: 10am – 5pm / Tue, Wed: 10am – 6pm

West Tisbury Mon – Thu 10am – 6pm / Fri & Sat 10pm -5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm

4. Catch a film festival or special event hosted by the MV Film Society, Vineyard Haven

A non-profit arts organization dedicated to screening independent films, movie classics, and documentaries for people of all ages, the Film Society produces the annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, WOMEN IN FILM Festival, FILMUSIC Festival, the MV Environmental Film Festival, SPECTRUM Film Festival (focused on LBGT+ issues and films), and MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK at the Tisbury Marketplace, plus current year round movies, speakers, and educational events for both youth and adults.

See a Film with the MV Film Society

Check local listings for showtimes and details

5. Grab a pint and a pie with Rover at Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, Edgartown

“Dance with a stranger. Give out your real number. Convince someone that’s your yacht moored outside the harbor.” Anything goes at Bad Martha – and everyone’s welcome – including pups and kids. Plus, you’ll be supporting the local community, as a portion of the profits from sales are donated to a local hunger relief charity.

The brewery is beautifully situated amongst native flora on the Donaroma’s Nursery property. Outdoor games, live music on weekends, and a pergola patio lend to the laid-back, family-friendly vibe, even when it’s raining on Martha’s Vineyard. Stop by to try a free sample of any of their beers or take home a growler of what you already love.

Visit Bad Martha

Open May-October & during Christmas in Edgartown

Seasonal operating hours, open for lunch and dinner.

6. Shop with the family, all towns

Do you really need any other reason to shop than a rainy day? There’s plenty of shopping to be done on the Vineyard, but here’s a couple of places the kids won’t mind tagging along to:

Basics Clothing Company, Oak Bluffs

Hours: 10am – 6pm everyday

Ranked 2021’s #1 Best Children’s Clothing by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, Basics Clothing Company is a “year-round, family owned clothing store that carries “shoes, accessories and clothing for the entire family,” plus gifts and Fin’s Paper Planes.

Rainy Day, Vineyard Haven

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm everyday

Shop for rainy day essentials like books, puzzles, art supplies, to keep the kids entertained for days, plus pick up a little something for yourself. You can also make private, in-store appointments or pick up online orders.

The Lazy Frog, Oak Bluffs

Hours: 11-5 F-Sun (current as of 11.22.21, check store for updates)

Tons of games, puzzles, and indoor and outdoor toys, The Lazy Frog continues almost 2 decades of “spreading leisure, fun and the vacation spirit” on Martha’s Vineyard.

7. Immerse yourself in local artwork, all towns

There’s a reason why Martha’s Vineyard is known for its arts and culture. With over 40 galleries across the island, one rainy day is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are two local favorites to get you started:

Browse Michael Blanchard’s Crossroads Gallery for inspirational photography featuring Martha’s Vineyard’s spectacular landscapes and take home the piece that speaks to you – fine art and shopping in one. All images are available on paper, metal, acrylic, wood, and Canvas Giclee, with frames for each print style. The Crossroads Gallery was named the Best Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard in 2020 by MV Magazine.

Crossroads Gallery, Oak Bluffs

Hours: Specialty hours, Check Facebook for current updates

If paintings are more your style, check out the oil paintings and mixed media work of Kara Taylor and other pop up guest artists at the Kara Taylor Gallery. Taylor spent summers as a child on Martha’s Vineyard and now lives part time in Cape Town, Africa, which is expressed through her gorgeous works of art. Taylor has a passionate following on the Vineyard, so if you haven’t yet been, a rainy day is your perfect chance.

Kara Taylor Gallery, Chilmark

Hours: Open summers, Thursday- Sunday 11am-5pm till Columbus Day

Check Facebook for current updates