Tired of just sitting and watching the rain? Not sure how to make the most of your time? Instead of sinking into boredom, try one of our suggested activities!

How to Entertain Yourself

Step 1. Cook Something Delicious.

Step 1

Cooking is a fantastic way to keep yourself busy on a rainy day. You can use pantry ingredients and try new recipes. In the end, you’ll not only have fun but also treat yourself and your loved ones to some tasty treats!

  • Try baking something familiar, like chocolate chip cookies, or find a trendy cupcake recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even attempt to bake bread from scratch.[1] X Source
  • Use an old family recipe to cook something special. If you have kids, teach them how to make grandma’s cookies or your favorite apple pie.
  • Explore recipes from different cuisines. Step outside your comfort zone and create something new in your kitchen.

Step 2. Knit or Sew.

Step 2

A rainy day is perfect for knitting or sewing. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to sew your favorite dress or a pair of pants for some time.

  • Look for online tutorials on knitting or sewing. If you’re a beginner, spend the day learning. Pick an interesting pattern and create a gift for someone.
  • The possibilities are endless: you can knit finger puppets, blankets, hats, toys, and much more.

Step 3. Dive into a Book.

Step 3

Reading is a wonderful way to spend a rainy day. You can embark on an exciting adventure without leaving home! Find a book on your shelf, visit the library, or download an e-book.

  • No matter what genres you enjoy—adventure, romance, history, thrillers, or horror—you’ll surely find something interesting. Take some time to browse the summaries and choose something that speaks to you.
  • If you’re feeling brave, pick a random book and start reading. It could turn out to be a real gem!
  • If you’ve seen the movie adaptation, try reading the original source material.
  • Take the opportunity to read that classic literature you’ve been putting off for ages.

Step 4. Write Your Story.

Step 4

Let your creativity flow and write a story. Come up with an interesting plot and start creating. Build your unique world and enjoy the process.

  • You can write a fantasy version of your memories, devise a spooky tale, or craft a romantic story. Try writing in a genre you’re not familiar with.
  • If writing isn’t your thing, consider drawing instead!

Step 5. Clean the House.

Step 5

Cleaning is something we often put off. Use a rainy day to tidy up your home. Get organized in those areas that need attention, so you won’t have to worry about it when sunny weather returns.

  • Choose one room to start with, or systematically move from one room to another.
  • Work on tasks you’ve been procrastinating: declutter closets, organize the pantry, or clean the garage. Prepare items for charity, vacuum, and wash the windows.

Step 6. Take a Walk Outside.

Step 6

If you don’t mind getting wet, grab an umbrella and go for a walk. Visit a park or check in on a nearby friend. Marvel at how the world changes in the rain. You might also explore a local park or nature reserve. If you’re in the city, take a rainy day tour.

  • The advantage of a rainy day is that there are fewer people outside. It’s a great chance to explore new places without the crowds.[4] X Source
  • The rain gives you the opportunity to wear something you typically wouldn’t. Try on that raincoat or those boots that have been gathering dust in your closet.[5] X Source
  • Spend some time outside; it will help you feel like the day wasn’t wasted.
  • If you enjoy photography, don’t forget to bring your camera— inspiration can strike at any moment!

Step 7. Host a Movie Marathon.

Step 7

Gather your friends and family for a movie marathon. Choose your favorite films or new releases and enjoy watching together.

  • Let your films be about rain or storms, or just put on something with the word "rain" in the title, like "Singing in the Rain."
  • Pick a genre and watch a few movies from that category. Fill your day with diverse emotions, from horror to comedy.
  • You can also host a TV marathon: pick a show you’ve been wanting to watch or binge-watch missed episodes of your favorite series.

Step 8. Have a Game Day.

Step 8

Gather family and friends for board or card games. It’s a wonderful way to spend time together, chat, and have fun.

  • Try strategic games like Risk, Settlers of Catan, or Ticket to Ride. Or play classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, or Life. If you have enough players, try Hearts, Preference, or Durak. For larger groups, poker, Phase 10, or Skip Bo work well.
  • Don’t forget about video games. It’s a great option if you’re playing solo. Invite a friend to play together or compete with people online.

Step 9. Enjoy the Rain.

Step 9

Sit on the balcony or porch with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Enjoy the sounds of the rain and watch the droplets fall to the ground. Take your time and simply focus on the moment.

Entertainment for Kids

Step 1. Jump in Puddles.

Step 1

Put on raincoats and rubber boots and head outside to jump in puddles. Have races to see who can splash the most, or play hopscotch by jumping from puddle to puddle.

  • Sit on the ground and build sandcastles or send paper boats sailing in the puddles.
  • This activity is suitable for all ages—jumping in puddles is fun at any age.

Step 2. Organize a Treasure Hunt.

Step 2

Create a treasure hunt by hiding clues around the house. Each clue should lead to the next, keeping the kids entertained in their search for treasure.

  • The treasure could be a toy, a treat, a fun activity, or a small prize.
  • Kids can compete against each other or work together to find the treasure.[9] X Source

Step 3. Create an Obstacle Course at Home.

Step 3

Set up an obstacle course for the kids. You can think of different tasks: crawling under tables, walking on a line, throwing soft toys into a basket, and jumping around the room. Involve the kids in the process by letting them suggest ideas.

  • For the winners, you can make medals out of colored paper.[10] X Source
  • Make sure the obstacles are safe so your fun doesn’t end in injuries.

Step 4. Get Creative.

Step 4

Pull out all your crafting supplies and get creative. Make crafts from pine cones, create puppets, paint with watercolors, or make collages from leaves. Your imagination is the only limit.

  • Let the kids choose what they want to do. This way, everyone can engage in what interests them and avoid boredom.

Step 5. Build a Blanket Fort.

Step 5

Rainy days are perfect for building blanket forts. Use chairs and blankets to create a cozy shelter. Having a picnic under the blankets will be fun!

  • Turn your fort into a camping site. Spread sleeping bags and air mattresses inside. If you have a small tent, set it up in the room.[12] X Source

Step 6. Construct a City from Cardboard.

Step 6

Gather boxes and cardboard to build a city. Cut out 3D shapes or simply make flat buildings. Decorate them with markers, chalk, and colored paper. Create a whole city with a fire station, school, and houses.

  • Use toys and cars to play in your cardboard city. Or create your own figures and cars for the city’s inhabitants.

Step 7. Host a Tea Party.

Step 7

Dress up in fancy outfits and hats, and host a tea party. Brew some tea, set the table nicely, and decorate it beautifully.

  • Bring soft toys and invite imaginary guests. Let the kids make a list of their favorite characters.
  • Ask them to help bake small pastries and sandwiches for the party.