Where to Spend a Stormy Day: A Guide to Indoor Activities in Mammoth Lakes

Sometimes you just need a break from all of the epic outdoor adventures Mammoth Lakes offers.

Sometimes you just need a break from all of the epic outdoor adventures Mammoth Lakes offers. Whether it’s time to give your legs a rest, a winter storm is raging outside or it's a rainy day, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started.

Educational Activities

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center

The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, a designated California Welcome Center, is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Whether you want to linger by the fireplace, catch a free interpretive talk, shop for unique gifts or learn more about the area, the Welcome Center is an ideal first stop to plan your adventures.

Eleven53 Interpretive Center

Another great educational activity is the Eleven53 Interpretive Center at Mammoth Mountain. Use your lift ticket/pass or purchase a scenic ride on the Panorama Gondola from Main Lodge to the 11,053’ summit, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views and fascinating interpretive exhibits on local wildlife, geology and much more. It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone who isn’t skiing or snowboarding to safely experience the high alpine setting. It’s also great for kids or adults who aren’t quite ready to ski or snowboard an intermediate trail from the summit. There’s even a small café serving lunch. Insider Tip: Save this activity for a clear day to take advantage of the views and dress warmly so that you can also spend a little time outside the summit building.

Mammoth Lakes Public Library

Mammoth Lakes has a full-service, friendly local library and visitors are welcome! Part of the Mono County Library System, the library offers complimentary WiFi, 20 public computers, art exhibits, a children’s area, meeting rooms, books, DVDs and various programs throughout the year such as children’s story time and cooking classes for older kids. If you're visiting and wish to check out materials, just bring your home library card and a photo I.D. to qualify for a visitor’s card, valid for up to one month.

Bowling, Golf Simulation, Entertainment

The Mammoth Rock ‘n’ Bowl

The Mammoth Rock ‘n’ Bowl is the newest addition to Mammoth’s indoor venues and offers a plethora of entertainment options including 12 bowling lanes and three golf simulators. There’s also Ping Pong, darts and Foosball. You could easily spend an entire day and evening in this modern, stylish venue catering to all ages. Be sure to check out the sophisticated art incorporated throughout the facility as well as spectacular, unobstructed views of the Sherwin Range. Relax and enjoy a casual meal in the downstairs bar and lounge or head upstairs to the Mammoth Lakes Brasserie for an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Movie Theaters

Minaret Cinemas

Minaret Cinemas shows first-run movies on two screens. Open daily, the theatre is the perfect escape when you just want to sit back and catch a film. Grab some popcorn and candy from the concession area and enjoy!

Athletic Club, Pool, Spa and Trampolines

Snowcreek Athletic Club

This contemporary, full-service athletic club features a wide range of amenities. Snowcreek Athletic Club offers day-use, multi-day passes and intermittent/non-resident memberships, in addition to regular memberships. The club has an array of cardio and weightlifting equipment, a full-size gymnasium, racquetball court and an abundance of fitness classes. A three-lane, 57-foot indoor pool offers lap swimming, swim lessons and aqua fitness classes. There’s also a co-ed indoor hot tub, as well as whirlpools and saunas situated in the men’s and women’s locker areas. When you’re done working out, be sure to check out all of the great spa treatments available at the on-site spa. Spa guests reserving a minimum 50-minute treatment receive complimentary access to the club on the day of their service. Finally, the Bistro East restaurant located upstairs at Snowcreek is one of Mammoth’s hidden gems. Enjoy delicious, fresh sushi and other Japanese-style dishes as well as beer and wine in a casual setting.

The Mammoth Trampoline Club (MTC)

The Mammoth Trampoline Club (MTC) located inside Snowcreek Athletic Club is a truly unique facility and partnership. In order to use the trampolines, you must first purchase a membership through the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) at aausports.org for a nominal fee (club code: WWDAEY), sign liability waivers and attend a short, mandatory orientation. Additional progressive classes are available and may be required before attempting flips and other maneuvers. A separate fee for using the trampolines applies (Snowcreek membership is not required). In addition to being a great indoor activity for kids, you might also see competitors from the Mammoth Mountain snowboard and freestyle teams honing their latest gravity-defying tricks.

Insider Tip: When venturing out during a storm cycle, please exercise caution—take advantage of free transit services so you don’t have to drive and be very careful when walking as visibility can be limited and vehicles may be unable to stop suddenly. Use sidewalks or paths whenever possible and be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions even when you ultimately plan to head inside.