What to do when it rains? Plip, plop, plop… The sound of rain drumming on the windows… Did you have plans to go out, but the weather is putting a damper on things? Don’t let a few raindrops dampen your good mood! On the contrary, take this opportunity to recharge and let your creativity flow. Why not turn these rainy days into truly enjoyable moments? Here are 13 ideas for things to do when it rains to lift your spirits!

How to Enjoy a Rainy Day

It’s raining, raining, raining… but what to do? How do you fight boredom? The classic idea would be to turn your living room into a movie theater. Popcorn, pillows, blankets, and movies galore? Sure, but wait—the kids have already been glued to the TV for hours, and the day seems to be dragging on forever… And besides, keeping a kid entertained without a screen or convincing a teenager to put down their phone is quite a challenge, isn’t it? 

Keep your spirits up—we’ve got plenty of ideas for screen-free activities on rainy days. But first and foremost: stay positive! We need water for the planet. So put on your raincoat and boots and head out to celebrate the rain! Who says dancing in the rain is only for romantic movies? Okay, fine—if that’s not your thing, we’ve rounded up a few activities you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. 

Why not stimulate your imagination with a creative hobby? Or rethink your home by moving some furniture around and hanging up a forgotten picture frame? Perhaps you would prefer a contemplative escape by assembling a poetic puzzle? Come on, let's go, it's time to discover our 13 things to do when it rains to brighten up dull weekends and holidays!  

 

 

👉 Related Reading: 6 Relaxing Activities to Slow Down

13 things to do when it rains

When it rains, there are plenty of ways to relax at home: creative activities, puzzles, reading, cooking, yoga, family games, or redecorating… Yes, there’s something for everyone! All you have to do is pick from our 13 indoor activities for rainy days:

  1. Practice meditation or yoga: treat yourself to a session to refocus, calm your mind, and release muscle tension.

  2. Get started with creative hobbies: painting, drawing, sewing, pottery, or jewelry making… Let your imagination run wild!

  3. Cook up some delicious meals: put on your chef's apron, try out new recipes, or give batch cooking a try. 

  4. Escape through reading: dive into a good novel to travel to another world… without leaving your home.

  5. Start a writing project: A quarter of French people would like to write a novel—how about you? It’s raining—now’s the time to get started!

  6. Give your brain a workout: puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, word searches, brain teasers—take your pick.

  7. Dig out your photo albums: flip through the pages and reminisce about your memories. Or maybe you haven't made any yet? That works out perfectly—you have plenty of time on this rainy day!

  8. Play board games: It’s a chance to share some fun time as a couple or with your family. From the classic Pictionary to Time’s Up, you won’t even notice the rain falling!

  9. Do a jigsaw puzzle: it's an activity you can enjoy on your own, and it can keep you busy all day on a rainy day if you take on a challenge with 1,000 pieces or more…

  10. Let the music play: play an instrument, sing, or dance to liven up the mood on gloomy days.

  11. Take on small DIY projects: repair everyday items or make new DIY home decor pieces.

  12. Indoor gardening: Repot your plants or plant herbs or seedlings in pots. It’s a great way to stay connected to nature while staying at home!

  13. Rearrange your space: Clear your mind by rearranging your furniture and closets—sort through your belongings and get rid of what you don’t need! There’s nothing better for promoting mental clarity, whether you follow the principles of Feng Shui or minimalism

 

Things to Do with Kids on a Rainy Day

When rain rolls in and your kids are already bored, there’s no need to sigh as you watch the raindrops slide down the windows. It’s the perfect opportunity to switch to a different pace as a family and finally slow down! Bring out the board games, lay out a puzzle on the living room table, and bake a cake while the rain patters down outside… These rainy days become a cozy break, perfect for bonding and relaxing!

Rainy Day Ideas for Couples

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to enjoy some quality time together. Why not turn the bathroom into a real at-home spa? A warm bath, scented oils, lit candles, a soothing playlist… The atmosphere is perfect for letting go

 

  500-piece bathroom puzzle, made in France

What Can You Do on a Rainy Sunday?

When it rains on Sunday, take the opportunity to slow down: do a puzzle, read, cook, watch a movie, play board games, or simply treat yourself to a long nap! It’s also a great chance to try your hand at batch cooking to save time during the week. And if you feel like getting out and about, a trip to the movies, a play, or an art exhibition are always great options for indoor outings on Sundays and holidays.

 

So, the next time rain throws a wrench in your plans, you won’t have to wonder what to do when it rains! You’ll remember that there are plenty of rainy-day activities to choose from. Or why not just let yourself relax? Take some time to unwind, switch off from screens, and let your mind wander? We all deserve a moment of peace and quiet in our hectic lives. Do you remember the last time you savored the art of doing nothing? Welcome to the era of slow living!

 

👉 Related Reading: 13 Creative Activities to Try at Home

 

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