So your great plans are spoiled by an epic rainstorm, and now you’re stuck inside… all. day. long? Your only option isn’t staying in bed with the latest Netflix movies or YA novels—though those are great ideas. There are plenty of fun and productive things to do on a rainy day without ever leaving the house (or taking off your pajamas). Here, some of the best ways to pass the time.
Fun in rain
1. Act like kids
Think of the fun stuff your parents took you to do when you were driving them nuts inside the house. Playing at an arcade or visiting a roller-skating rink (so retro!) is a much more fun indoor activity than sulking.
2. Play grown-up games
Pool halls are basically the arcades of the older set. Being inside a dingy, dark bar on a glorious spring day would be a waste, but it’s the perfect use of a cold and rainy one. If pool’s not your thing, find one that offers other activities like Ping-Pong or video games while you sip from that questionable glass.
3. Splash like children in puddles
Use those new rain boots you just went shopping for.
4. Take a trip down memory lane
Go through each other’s high school yearbooks and crack up at your mutually regrettable haircut decisions.
5. Video game tournament
Now’s the time to dust off that old video game console you collected from your parents’ house—or finally get to play two-player mode on your shiny new game.
6. Catch up on the classics
Stream an old movie neither of you have ever seen. Might I suggest Singing in the Rain?
7. Create a one-day book club
Pick a book to snuggle up with and read together, then talk about it. OK, maybe a short story if you’re not a fast reader.
8. Build a fire
But you know, only if you have a fireplace. Otherwise it’s just dangerous and not cozy.
9. Play board games—with a twist
What, you haven’t ever played Strip Monopoly? Now’s the time.
10. Take a bubble bath
Getting wet outside comes with all kinds of annoying problems, like pants that are soaked to the knee and broken umbrellas. Getting wet indoors, however, is much, much better.
Or just rest and recharge. You don’t have to do anything on a rainy day. Don’t underestimate the power of simply sitting back and recharging your mind and body—you deserve it. Comment below if you tried any of these fun activities in this season.