We all know that feeling when you plan the perfect summer weekend, and then Mother nature decides to rain on your parade. Well, that's exactly what happened to me this weekend. This past Friday, I completed my school year working at the middle school, as well as my grad classes. I had the perfect weekend planned to kick off summer, including a hike upstate, and watching the sunset from one of the best spots on Long Island. Unfortunately, things don't always work out the way you plan. As a result, I decided to dedicate this post to those rainy, dreary summer days. Below, you will find a few activities you can do when you're stuck inside. Whether it is during the summer or the winter, these activities will make those boring, rainy days a little better!
1. Plan Your Next Adventure
Whenever I am stuck inside due to the weather, I always take the opportunity to plan for what I want to do once it is nice out. This is the perfect time to take advantage of the free-time you have, so might as well plan your next outdoor adventure! Personally, I have been using recent dreary days to plan for my upcoming trip to Europe. Planning ahead allows you to know exactly what you want to do, when, with who, and most importantly, become even more excited for the upcoming months.
2. Play Board Games
As children, we always used to play classic board games, such as Scrabble, Monopoly, and Checkers. While I know many of us no longer plays board games, a rainy day is a great excuse to dig out your old games and play. Be careful though- even as adults, board game competition is still very real and evident!
3. Watch a Movie (or Binge Watch a Show)
Obviously, the best time to watch a movie is when the weather is crummy. Whether you stay in or go out to your local movie theater, a movie is always a great idea. To make this even more enjoyable if you're staying in, I like to make yummy homemade snacks prior to watching a movie or show! If you're not into the trial and error of baking (especially for those who are less experienced, like me), a great alternative is to buy and try new snacks from a store. However, I think making your own snacks is more fun, as well as creates better memories. There are tons of videos and sites that show step-by-step processes of how to bake new, unique foods, so might as well give it a shot!
4. Be Creative (DIY Day)
I don't know about anyone else, but I love watching do it yourself (DIY) videos. I have a whole bunch of crafts that I want to attempt to make own my own, and rainy days are a great time to try making them! Whether you are making new room decor, gifts for friends or family, or getting your DIY on in another way, arts and crafts are a great way to pass time in a creative, productive, and fun way. I recommend watching some step-by-step videos, or looking up some ideas on Pinterest. Below are some of my own DIY projects!
5. Shop Till You Drop
Nothing like going to the mall on a rainy day! One of my favorite malls on Long Island is Roosevelt Field since it is so large. It is definitely the best mall for rainy days since you can spend multiple hours there. If you don't want to dedicate the entire day to a mall, I recommend Smithhaven Mall since it is decently sized, and has a lot of great stores.
6. Go Bowling
While this is another pretty obvious one, bowling is another indoor activity that many of us do often forget about. Again, many of us do not do this activity now that we are older, but it is still just as fun!
7. Create a Blog
While I have not had this blog for that long, I think blogging is a great hobby! When it is a rainy day or I have nothing else to do, blogging is always there for me to work on. It allows you to be creative, motivates you to try new things, and allows you to share your experiences with others.
8. Video Game or Arcade Day
I am the type to do anything outside when it is nice out, but when the weather is not the best, I enjoy playing some video games. If you want to get all of your friends together, playing a classic game of Mario Party or Mario Kart is alway a fun time! Additionally, some other great games that you can play with a friend or solo are Guitar Hero or Call of Duty. Similar to playing board games, rainy days are the perfect excuse to find your old childhood games and play like you used to! I also enjoy going to indoor arcade-like places, such as Dave and Busters, since there are so many fun games, as well as food, all in one area.
Of course, if there is truly nothing on this list that you would like to do, the best thing that I believe everyone can agree on is that rainy days are best for relaxing. So sleep in, get in your comfiest clothes, and relax! Let me know what your favorite rainy, dreary day activities are.
Many more posts to come :)
~Ashley
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