Rainy-Day Fun: What to Do When You’re Stuck Inside

You never know when a storm is going to put your day on pause, especially this time of year. Whether you’re stuck inside the house with family pestering you or if you live alone, it might feel like there is nothing to do while sequestered at home. However, a rainy day might be just what you need to lift your spirits. 

Read (or listen to) a book: A rainy day can be the perfect time to start that one book that has been sitting on your nightstand for the past year and a half. For rainy-day book recommendations, see our monthly Buzz Reads column and weekly Page Turners column by Cindy Burnett and see our June story on what to listen to this summer by Andria Frankfort for suggestions of audiobooks, podcast series, and more.  

Learn an instrument: If you have an instrument sitting around that you’ve never had the time to play, or a family member plays an instrument that you would like to learn, a day spent indoors can be the perfect time to pick it up. There are so many apps and programs online that can teach you an instrument without ever leaving your house. Apps such as Skoove, Simply Piano, Simply Guitar, or Trala for the piano, guitar, and violin are great for learning a new instrument. 

Family game night: If the whole family is stuck inside because of a thunderstorm, some quality time together might be just what is needed. Create your own family version of a popular game show such as “Jeopardy” or “Family Feud,” or crack open a good board game and play with the whole family. Find ideas for family game nights here.

Dance your heart out: If you’re looking for a fun way to work out when you can’t go outside, dancing is your solution! Just Dance and Zumba games, purchasable through gaming platforms, are a great cardio exercise as well as something fun that the whole family can join in on. If you don’t want to spend the money, YouTube is full of completely free Just Dance and Zumba recordings. 

Clean the house: With a long day indoors, it might be the perfect time to get to that household cleaning or decluttering that you have been meaning  to do. Cleaning up the house will make time indoors so much more enjoyable. Make a game out of it and see who in the family can do the most cleaning! Get inspiration for decluttering in this story of friendship and tidying together.  

Puddle jumping: If you’re not afraid to get wet (and if it’s safe to do so), run outside in the rain and go searching for some puddles! Grab your raincoat and some rain boots and go jump in the puddles, making a huge splash and some memories that won’t be forgotten.

Editor’s note: See these tips and resources for staying prepared and safe through hurricane season in Houston.