Creative Ways to Brighten Up a Rainy Day

We've gathered almost thirty engaging ideas for what to do alone, with friends, or with kids when the weather outside is gloomy and rainy.

Fun Activities with Friends

Enjoy Board Games

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to dust off that board game you received as a gift last year. Invite friends over and prepare some snacks. Some board games can keep you entertained for hours. If you’re new to this pastime, check out this beginner’s guide to board games, or explore classic game options here.

Recommended Purchases

• Classic Monopoly Board Game, approximately $20 →
• Jenga by Hasbro, around $19 →
• Biplant Erudite: Magnetic Power Game, about $12 →
• Imaginarium by Cosmodrome Games, roughly $22 →

Go to the Movies

Gather your friends for a cinema outing. Watch one or multiple films with breaks for food and conversation. Alternatively, visit someone with a projector or large screen to rewatch favorite movies together at home.

Visit a Shopping Mall

Spend a few hours or even a whole day at the mall. Treat yourself to new clothes, catch a movie, get a manicure, relax in a massage chair, or enjoy time at a café. Just make sure to bring friends who enjoy shopping, and avoid convincing those who don’t, to keep the mood positive for everyone.

Try Bowling

When else will you get a chance to sharpen your skills, aim for three strikes in a row, and have a blast with friends?

Explore a New Restaurant

Think about a cuisine you haven’t tried yet and visit an exotic eatery to expand your palate.

Catch Up with Someone You Haven't Seen in a While

Reach out to people you care about but haven’t connected with recently due to distance or circumstances. Call, message, or chat on social media—you might find yourselves talking for hours.

Play Word Games

Many word games require no space or equipment and are loads of fun. For example, create a story together starting with “Once upon a time…” and have each friend add a word. You'll be amazed where your imagination takes you.

Get creative with poetry nights by composing a poem together, line by line. You can assign themes like "evolution," "farm," or "gladiolus" to inspire verses and read them aloud.

Classic games like "Charades" or "Contact" are always emotional and entertaining options.

Head Outside and Play

For energetic groups, rain is no barrier. If the mood strikes, play soccer or basketball, swim in an outdoor pool or river, or simply enjoy a walk in the pouring rain. The initial minutes of getting wet might be uncomfortable, but once soaked, it becomes a memorable adventure.

Engaging Activities with Children

Practice Spy Skills

Create your own cipher and write secret messages. Teach kids to write backwards using mirrors, or experiment with invisible inks using lemon juice, milk, pressure marks, and other techniques.

Recommended Purchases

• UV Marker Pens with Blacklight, about $1 →
• Compact Apexel Binoculars with 8x Zoom, around $12 →
• Baofeng Walkie-Talkies with 3-mile Range, roughly $25 →
• Transparent Lock and Pick Set, approximately $8 →

Host a Home Movie Screening

Transform a room into a mini cinema: arrange seating, create a movie poster, prepare popcorn and ice cream, and dim the lights before the show. Even an old movie will feel fresh and exciting.

Recommended Purchases

• Full HD Projector with Android 9.0, about $185 →
• Mini Projector with Miracast Support, around $60 →
• 100-inch Projector Screen, approximately $21 →
• Microwaveable Salted Popcorn, about $0.50 →

Organize a Dress-Up Party

Pull out all clothes, including winter wear, lingerie, fabrics, jewelry, and accessories into one big pile. Let the kids choose outfits or dress according to a theme. When ready, record the fun with a camera for memorable and hilarious videos!

Create a Life-Size Poster of Your Child

Connect several sheets of paper or use old wallpaper. Have your child lie down and trace their outline. Then, decorate the silhouette with paint, beads, ribbons, and fabric scraps found around the house. This activity can fill a couple of rainy weekends, and the result will brighten your child’s room.

Recommended Purchases

• Creative Art Set with Organizer Case, about $17 →
• Watercolor Paints and Brush Set, roughly $6 →
• Double-Sided Markers (24 colors), around $9 →
• Large Colored Pencil Set (120 colors), approximately $22 →

Have an Indoor Picnic

If outdoor picnics aren’t possible, set one up inside. Bring out an old tent, sleeping bags, and pillows to create a cozy camp. Prepare salads, mini sausages, and other treats for a genuine picnic experience.

Recommended Purchases

• Two-Person Tent with Vestibule, about $80 →
• All-Season Sleeping Bag with Extra Pockets, around $23 →
• Three-Mode Rechargeable Lantern, approximately $6 →
• FM Radio with MP3 Support, about $18 →

Draw an Imaginary City

Use a roll of unused wallpaper, tape down the corners, and bring out pencils, markers, and paints. Together with your kids, design a map including roads, bridges, houses, parks, schools, hospitals, shops, and restaurants.

You can even build LEGO buildings directly on the map, letting children drive toy cars and imagine daily life in their fictional city.

Recommended Purchases

• Large Colored Pencil Set (160 colors), about $27 →
• Double-Sided Markers (60 colors), around $25 →
• Crayola Wax Crayons (24 pieces), approximately $3 →
• LEGO Classic Creative Building Set, about $43 →

Plan Your Next Vacation

Brighten a rainy day by dreaming and planning your next trip with your kids. Ask them where they want to go and have them create a detailed itinerary and budget.

Let children research ticket prices, hotel options, attractions, and activities—this makes for an educational and exciting way to spend time together filled with anticipation.

Assemble a Large Puzzle

Working on a shared project while chatting about everyday topics is a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds.

Recommended Purchases

• 1000-Piece Puzzles Featuring Famous Art, about $7 →
• Space-Themed 1000-Piece Puzzle, approximately $12 →
• Challenging Puzzles for Adults and Kids (1000 pieces), price varies →
• Step Puzzle Marvel Infinity War (560 pieces), around $2 →

Learn to Fold Paper Airplanes

Experiment with different folding techniques and find the best design. Practice with your kids and hold a contest to see whose airplane flies the farthest.

Create a Book Together

Fold sheets of paper in half and staple or sew them to form a book. Together, invent a story to tell through the pages. Draw pictures on separate sheets, cut them out, and glue them inside. You can also use images from old books or printed photos.

Make it even more fun by including your children in the story—cut out their photos and add them to the book. Let them decide how they want to participate.

For more inspiration, here are 26 additional ways to entertain kids indoors on a rainy day.

Solo Activities for a Rainy Day

Read an Engaging Book

Few pastimes are as rewarding and immersive as reading a captivating book. If you’re unsure what to read, explore lists of Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners.

If you prefer practical literature, here’s a list of books to help you acquire useful skills, and here are Telegram channels where you can find great reading recommendations.

Recommended Purchases

• Tolino Shine eReader with 6-inch Screen and Backlight, about $48 →
• PocketBook 614 Plus eReader with 6-inch Screen (no backlight), around $90 →
• Kindle Paperwhite with 6-inch Screen and Backlight, approximately $147 →
• Apple iPad 2019 Wi-Fi 32GB, about $375 →

Take a Nap

Rainy weather often makes us sleepy. Don’t resist the urge—allow yourself a refreshing nap. Daytime sleep can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Recommended Purchases

• Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow, about $16 →
• Soft Pizza-Print Blanket, around $16 →
• Plush Animal Sleep Masks, approximately $3 →
• Sleepace Smart Sleep Mask with Headphones, about $26 →

Indulge in Self-Care

Create a luxurious bath experience with homemade bath bombs infused with essential oils or try new bath products. Make natural face and hair masks with ingredients from your fridge, or use that spa kit you’ve been saving. Take time for yourself as you rarely do on busy days.

Recommended Purchases

• Set of Bath Bombs, about $10 →
• SeaCare SPA Cosmetic Set, around $14 →
• BioAqua Oxygen Clay Face Mask, approximately $5 →
• Hydrating Hand Cream Wax, about $5 →

Play with Your Pet

Clean your pet’s cage or bed, groom their fur, wash their bowl, make a new toy, or simply enjoy some playtime together.

• Silicone Grooming Glove, about $2 →
• Squeaky Animal Toys, around $6 →
• Stainless Steel Nail Clippers, approximately $4 →
• Sisal Cat Scratcher for Table Legs, about $7 →

Try New Recipes

Have you been meaning to cook something special but never found the time? Now’s the perfect opportunity. Find unique recipes for special occasions, delicious burgers, cheese lovers’ appetizers, and cheesy nachos on Lifehacker. Cook, invite friends, and enjoy a movie night with tasty treats.

Organize Your Storage or Balcony

Use this chance to declutter your storage space or balcony. Throw away items you haven’t touched in over a year. If things are still in good condition, consider donating, selling online, or gifting them.

Practice Stretching or Yoga

If you’ve wanted to start stretching at home, a rainy day off is ideal. Create a list of stretches, spread out your mat, play your favorite music, and gently stretch your entire body. If you enjoy it, it might become your new habit. Find many stretching exercises here and here.

Try stretches for those who sit a lot or exercises to correct rounded shoulders. This article can help you build a proper routine.

Recommended Purchases

• Non-Slip Yoga Mat with Alignment Markings, about $17 →
• PVC Yoga Bolster Cylinder, around $21 →
• Fitness Ball (65 cm), approximately $14 →
• Anti-Slip Yoga Socks, about $6 →

Learn to Make Cocktails

Cocktail making is an art. Use your free time to practice mixing ingredients, try classic recipes, or invent your own. Here’s a beginner’s guide to cocktail mixing.

• Cocktail Making Kit with Organizer Stand, about $25 →
• Stainless Steel Bar Shaker, around $14 →
• Bormioli Rocco Cocktail Glass Set, approximately $7 →
• Silicone Ice Cube Tray, about $4 →

Indulge in Online Shopping

Online shopping can be just as addictive as in-store. Check your favorite online stores for sales or new arrivals. Browse AliExpress for fun, inexpensive items you wouldn’t find locally. It’s sure to lift your spirits.

Play Video Games

Even if you usually limit gaming time, a gloomy day is a great excuse to enjoy some video games and boost your mood.

• 8BitDo Wireless Gamepad with Analog Sticks, about $37 →
• Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB Console with Two Games, around $285 →
• Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Fortnite Edition, approximately $420 →
• Nintendo Switch Lite Console, about $205 →

What are your favorite rainy day activities? Share your tips for making the most of a wet weather day!

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