Check the weather forecast and feel your heart skip a beat: it will rain all day and maybe there will even be a thunderstorm! But wait: the day is not yet lost. You can do many things to keep yourself busy without being outdoors, from fun activities like playing games and visiting a museum to more productive ones like doing housework and exercising.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Have Fun at Home
Step 1. Watch a movie marathon
Sit on the sofa with a nice blanket and play those movies you always wanted to watch or your favorite classics. You can use an online streaming service or your DVD player if the Wi-Fi isn't working. If you are with your family or a group of friends, let everyone choose a movie. Don't forget the popcorn!
If you are with your sweetheart, make it a romantic date! Pick a romantic comedy, light a few candles and enjoy each other's company
Step 2. Play a video game
Turn on the console and call a couple of friends or see what fun apps you have on your phone. You will do something exciting and competitive at the same time.
Step 3. Cook something
See what kind of dinner or lunch you can prepare using only the ingredients you have at home, or make some cookies and eat them fresh out of the oven.
Step 4. Organize an impromptu dance party with your friends
Plug in your stereo or iPod speakers and pick a fun playlist, or learn a few new moves with a YouTube tutorial. Put on some colored lights to set the mood, then put on a nice dress or dance the night away in your pajamas!
Step 5. Organize a scavenger hunt or set up an indoor campground for the kids
Hide clues around the house that lead them to the treasure: a toy, a few coins or a chocolate bar. Or let them have fun by setting up curtains in the living room or creating them by draping sheets or blankets on the sofa. Snuggle up inside them on pillows and sleeping bags munching on a mix of dried fruit.
Method 2 of 5: Be Productive
Step 1. Plan a vacation
What better time to start thinking about a great beach vacation or mountain getaway than when you're stuck at home, out of the rain? Pull out a map and start budgeting, then grab a couple of travel guides or surf the internet and start planning some fun things to do.
Step 2. Train at home
Do some bodyweight exercises, such as pushups, crunches, or squats. Increase your heart rate by doing jumping jacks or rope jumps. Just because you're indoors doesn't mean you can't burn calories!
Step 3. Clean your home
Or just the bathroom, the kitchen or your bedroom. Put on some music to cover the storm, take out the rags and cleaning spray and get busy!
Step 4. Do your homework
Rainy days are great for catching up with homework or work. Get comfortable with a thick blanket and a hot drink, and open your books or your laptop.
Method 3 of 5: Relax
Step 1. Take a bubble bath
Use your free time to enjoy a nice relaxing bubble bath. If you don't have a bubble bath or crystals, opt for a regular bath, placing a few candles and preparing a snack to make it extra special.
Step 2. Make hot drinks
What better time than a rainy day to curl up with a tea, coffee or hot chocolate? If you are with friends or children, you could even organize a "tea party": put on an elegant dress, take out the porcelain tea set and prepare some appetizers … of course you have to drink with your little finger up!
Step 3. Listen to music, the radio or a podcast
Pick a few relaxing songs, light a few candles, and use the rainy day as an opportunity to unwind.
Step 4. Take a nap
Maybe your life has been so hectic lately and you haven't slept much or you just need some rest to recharge. The sound of rain on the roof and in the streets can be very relaxing - let it rock you until you fall asleep.
Method 4 of 5: Go out when it rains
Step 1. Go to the cinema to take your mind off the rain
It's the classic rainy day activity: Escape the gray weather by holing up in a movie theater with popcorn and a good movie. Buy tickets online or a few hours before the show if you can - others may have had the same idea as you!
Step 2. Go to the mall
Turn rainy day into shopping day. Go to the shops to stay out of the bad weather and do some shopping.
Step 3. Go out to eat with your friends
Call a couple of friends and go to your favorite restaurant or try somewhere new to try to brighten up your day.
Step 4. Visit a museum or art gallery
Call ahead or look online to see if the museum or gallery has free admission - it happens often! Fill the rainy day with culture and a little learning too.
Step 5. Go to the gym
Most gyms are closed places, so you have no excuse to skip your training session! Grab a couple of friends to motivate you even more and lift weights or jog on the treadmill. You could also go swimming in an indoor pool.
Step 6. Go to an indoor skating rink
Replace the rain with some ice! Most ice skating rinks offer relatively affordable admission and skate rental rates. Organize a nice group with friends, family or children and don't forget to take frequent breaks with a cup of hot chocolate.
Step 7. Go bowling with friends or family
Bowling is the perfect activity for bored children indoors all day or for a group of friends who want to have a laugh. In all bowling alleys it is possible to rent shoes and balls, so that everyone can play. Just aim for fun or try to play a real game!
Step 8. Dance or take a walk in the rain
It can be nice to escape from the rain, but it can be even more fun to go outside and have fun. Put on your boots and raincoat, grab an umbrella and go for a walk with friends or even alone. Savor the sound of rain in the streets and the fresh, clean smell. When you wake up tomorrow, maybe the sun will shine!
Avoid going out if it rains heavily or there is thunder and lightning
Method 5 of 5: Have fun when the power fails
Step 1. Spend time with your family by playing games
Grab your favorite board game or deck of cards, some candles or flashlights and play against friends or family. There are dozens of games that you can try, or you can invent your own!
Step 2. Organize a fashion show with friends
Open your closet or ask your parents and friends for permission to look into theirs and use the flashlights as spotlights. Wear elegant clothes and shoes and don't forget the accessories! You might even practice some new makeup techniques, like contouring. Dress as you like - after all, you won't be going out any time soon!
Step 3. Do some creative projects
It could be something as simple as drawing with crayons or markers, painting with watercolors, or making a collage. Use your free time to tap into your creativity or entertain the kids with drawing or coloring books.
Step 4. Play with your pet to give him some exercise
If you're indoors, your dog or cat probably is too! Pull out a couple of feathers or a piece of string to play with your kitty, or throw an object at your dog and have it returned. When they are tired, let them relax by giving them some cuddles.
Step 5. Read a good book to pass the time on your own
If you're stuck with no friends and no power, get on the couch with a flashlight, some candles, and a good book. Pick a bestseller or classic you haven't read yet, or reread one of your favorite titles. If there are bored children in the house, get them together and read them a good story. Light the candles to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Step 6. Write a little to reflect on yourself
Keep a journal, write a poem or start writing a story. Let the rain help you feel introspective and inspired.
Step 7. Talk to friends and family
If you and your loved ones are stuck in the house together, take advantage of it! Get their latest news and inform them about what's going on in your life. Put away your phones and tablets and use this time to reconnect with each other.
