101 Things to Do on a Rainy Day

Sources & Further Reading

These sources offer more background on the topic above.

• Scholastic — Rainy Day Activities — A collection of indoor activities to keep kids entertained on rainy days.
• Scholastic — Rainy Day Crafts for Kids — Simple craft projects for kids to try on a rainy afternoon.

Introduction

A rainy day does not have to be a wasted day. Rain gives you a built-in excuse to slow down, stay in, and do the things you never make time for when the sun is out — or to head out and enjoy the city at a quieter pace. The trick is having a plan before the boredom sets in.

This list gives you 101 things to do on a rainy day, from cozy solo ideas to group activities, creative projects, productive tasks, and safe ways to enjoy the rain itself. Pick one, or mix and match a few into a full rainy-day plan. If you want more ideas for beating boredom at home, see our 101 things to do when bored at home alone with no money, and for group ideas, try our 101 things to do when bored with friends.

Rainy day with kids stuck in a classroom rhythm? These things to do when bored at school translate surprisingly well to a wet afternoon indoors.

How This Article Was Put Together

This list was put together by researching the activities people commonly turn to on rainy days — at home alone, with friends and family, creative projects, cozy and productive options, and safe outdoor ideas. We grouped the ideas by setting so you can pick something that fits your day, and we checked each one for clarity and safety, including noting where an idea needs an adult’s help or safe conditions. Written by the 101Thing team and reviewed for clarity and safety.

At Home Alone

1. Make a cozy blanket fort and read a book inside it. Gather a few cushions, a string of fairy lights if you have them, and your current book. Even 20 minutes of quiet reading inside feels like a small escape.
2. Cook a slow, comforting meal you have never tried before. Pick a recipe with steps you can enjoy at a relaxed pace, and lay out all the ingredients before you start. The slow simmering time is part of the pleasure, not just the wait.
3. Watch a movie trilogy back to back with popcorn. Choose the trilogy in advance so you do not lose time deciding between films. Set up a snack station so you can pause only for refills.
4. Take a long, warm bath with music playing. Keep the water comfortably warm rather than very hot, and bring a towel within reach. Dim the lights or light a candle to make it feel like a real break.
5. Organize one drawer or shelf you have been avoiding. Start by taking everything out, then keep only what you actually use. A small tray or box can keep the tidy result from sliding back into chaos.
6. Start a journal entry about your week. Write for ten minutes without worrying about neat handwriting or full sentences. Jot down one thing that went well and one thing you want to do differently.
7. Learn a new recipe from a video tutorial. Watch the video once all the way through before you start cooking. Pause and rewind at any tricky step rather than guessing.
8. Do a gentle stretching or yoga session indoors. Follow a short beginner session and move gently, especially if you have been sitting. A mat, towel, or carpeted floor is all you need.
9. Listen to a full album from start to finish without skipping. Put your phone on silent and listen with headphones if you can. Hearing the songs in the artist’s chosen order often reveals links you miss on shuffle.
10. Try a new tea, coffee, or hot chocolate recipe. Start with a simple version and adjust the sweetness or milk to taste. Write down the mix you liked so you can repeat it next rainy day.
11. Watch a documentary about a topic you know nothing about. Pick a subject you know nothing about rather than a familiar one. Jot down one surprising fact to share later.
12. Rearrange one room for a fresh feel. Move just one large piece first and live with it for a few minutes before shifting more. Small changes, like swapping lamp and chair, can refresh a room fast.
13. Take a nap with the sound of rain in the background. Set a gentle alarm for 20 to 30 minutes so you wake up refreshed. Keep the room cool and dark, and let the rain sound do the rest.
14. Do a puzzle — jigsaw, crossword, or sudoku. Clear a flat surface and sort edge pieces first to get a quick start. If you are doing a crossword or sudoku, pencil in light guesses you can erase.
15. Write a rainy-day letter to your future self. Describe what this slow, grey day felt like, what you hope for, and one question you want your future self to answer. Seal it with a date to open, such as one year from today.
16. Declutter your phone photos and back up the keepers. Delete duplicates and blurry shots first, then save the keepers to a backup or cloud folder. Doing it in short bursts keeps it from feeling like a chore.
17. Practice a skill on an app — a language, an instrument, or drawing. Pick one short lesson and finish it fully rather than starting three. A daily streak matters less than actually using what you learned.
18. Binge a comfort TV show you love. Choose a show you already love so there is no pressure to keep up. Make a cozy spot and give yourself permission to watch a few episodes guilt-free.
19. Bake cookies, bread, or muffins from scratch. Measure your dry ingredients first, then preheat the oven so nothing waits around. Let baked goods cool on a rack so they stay crisp instead of going soggy.
20. Make a playlist for rainy days. Start with five songs that fit a rainy mood, then add a few upbeat ones for balance. Save it under a name you will remember next time it rains.
21. Try a face mask, hair treatment, or at-home spa routine. Read the product directions first and patch-test anything new on a small area. Keep the routine simple: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and rest.
22. Plan your next trip, even if it is months away. Pick one destination and look up one place to stay and one thing to do. Saving links in one note keeps the plan easy to return to.
23. Photograph the rain from your window. Try shooting through the glass at different angles to catch droplets and reflections. Wipe one small circle clear for a sharp focal point.
24. Read the news or a long magazine article you saved. Choose one article you saved and read it without skimming. Take a moment afterward to note what you agreed or disagreed with.
25. Build a pillow nest and do absolutely nothing for 30 minutes. Set a timer for 30 minutes so your mind can truly switch off. Leave your phone in another room for the full half hour.

With Friends and Family

26. Host a board game tournament. Pick three games with different lengths so the tournament does not drag. Keep score on paper and offer a simple prize, like choosing the next movie.
27. Cook a big family meal together. Assign each person one job, from chopping to setting the table, so everyone helps. Cook one dish everyone knows and one new one to try together.
28. Play card games with a small prize for the winner. Agree on the rules before the first hand to avoid mid-game debates. A small prize, like picking dessert, keeps it friendly.
29. Have a movie marathon with themed snacks. Pick a theme, such as a film series or a cuisine, and match two or three snacks to it. Prep snacks before the first film so you do not pause mid-scene.
30. Do a group puzzle and race the clock. Sort by color or pattern first so everyone can work on a section. Set a relaxed target time rather than a strict deadline.
31. Play charades, Pictionary, or trivia. Split into two teams and keep rounds short so everyone gets a turn. Use prompts from everyday life so younger players can join in.
32. Bake something together and decorate it. Choose a simple recipe with steps kids or beginners can handle. Set out toppings in small bowls so decorating stays fun and tidy.
33. Build the biggest blanket fort you can. Use chairs and sofa cushions as the frame, then drape sheets and blankets over the top. Leave one side open as a door so it does not feel stuffy.
34. Have a karaoke night at home. Make a playlist with a mix of easy sing-alongs and crowd favorites. Take turns choosing songs so no one singer dominates the night.
35. Play video games together, cooperative or competitive. Pick a cooperative game if the group prefers teamwork, or a party game for friendly competition. Agree on a time limit so the session ends while it is still fun.
36. Start a storytelling circle — each person adds a sentence. Start with a simple opening line and keep each addition to one or two sentences. There are no wrong answers – the sillier the twist, the better.
37. Do a family photo sort and share old memories. Sort photos into piles by year or event before you start sharing stories. Ask older relatives to label people and places while memories are fresh.
38. Host a “cook-off” with whatever is already in the fridge. Set a time limit and let each cook use only what is already in the fridge. Taste each dish together and vote on categories like most creative and best flavor.
39. Play hide-and-seek — yes, even as adults. Agree on safe hiding spots and boundaries before you start. Keep rounds short and rotate who seeks so everyone plays.
40. Put together a talent show with silly awards. Give every act a silly award, from best dramatic pause to boldest costume. Keep acts under two minutes so the show stays lively.
41. Have a popcorn-and-podcast listening session. Pick an episode under an hour so it fits easily into the evening. Pause halfway for a quick snack refill and a chat about what you heard.
42. Teach each other a card trick or magic trick. Start with one simple trick and practice the steps slowly before performing. Teaching it to someone else is the fastest way to remember it.
43. Make friendship bracelets for the next sunny meetup. Lay down newspaper or an old sheet to protect the table. Choose simple supplies so everyone can start at once, and hand them out when the group meets outside again.
44. Play a “two truths and a lie” game. Keep each statement short and believable so the game stays tricky. Take turns guessing, and share the real story behind the lie.
45. Call or video-chat a faraway friend you miss. Agree on a time beforehand so you do not catch them off guard. Have a drink or snack ready, just as you would for an in-person visit.

Creative

46. Start a sketchbook page with only rainy-day scenes. Sketch what you see from your window, even if it is just rooftops and wet streets. Use quick lines first, then add shading for the rain.
47. Paint, watercolor, or try a new art medium. Start on scrap paper to test colors and brushes before your main piece. Keep a cup of water nearby for rinsing and a cloth for blots.
48. Write a short story, poem, or comic strip. Begin with one character and one rainy-day problem to keep the story focused. Aim for a short draft you can finish in one sitting.
49. Learn to play a simple song on an instrument. Choose a song with three or four chords so you can play it through quickly. Practice the hardest section slowly, then join it to the rest.
50. Start a scrapbook or photo album. Gather your photos first and sort them by event or theme. Add short captions with dates so future you remembers the details.
51. Try hand lettering or calligraphy. Practice basic strokes on lined paper before writing full words. Use a pencil guide line to keep letters even.
52. Make a rainy-window collage from old magazines. Sit by the window while the rain runs down the glass and tear out images that match the mood of the day. Arrange pieces on the page first, then stick them down.
53. Design your dream room on paper. Sketch the room shape first, then add furniture to scale as best you can. Label each item so the plan is easy to revisit later.
54. Write song lyrics, even if they are silly. Start with a chorus of two or four lines that are easy to sing. Do not aim for perfection – a playful draft is a good first step.
55. Try a DIY project — candle, soap, or tie-dye. Read the full instructions and gather all supplies before you start. Work on a protected surface and keep the area ventilated.
56. Take indoor portraits with window light. Place your subject near a large window so soft daylight falls on one side of the face. Turn off overhead lights to avoid mixed color tones.
57. Make a stop-motion video with household objects. Plan a short sequence of 10 to 15 moves before you shoot. Keep the camera still and move objects a little at a time between frames.
58. Start a blog post or personal essay. Write a rough draft without editing, then step away before revising. Start with the one idea you most want the reader to remember.
59. Draw a map of an imaginary island. Sketch the coastline first, then add mountains, rivers, and towns. Give places names that hint at their story.
60. Create a vision board for the next season. Choose three goals for the season, then find images that represent each one. Place the board where you will see it every day.
61. Try pottery with air-dry clay. Keep your hands slightly damp so the clay stays smooth while you shape it. Let finished pieces dry fully before painting.
62. Make greeting cards for upcoming birthdays. Fold card stock in half and sketch your design lightly in pencil first. Write the message inside before decorating the front.
63. Learn a new dance from a tutorial video. Watch the full routine once, then learn it in short sections. Practice each section slowly before joining them together.
64. Build something with LEGO or a model kit. Sort pieces by color or size before you start building. Follow one step at a time and double-check each connection.
65. Record a voice memo story for a child in your life. Pick a short story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Record in a quiet room and speak slowly so young listeners can follow.

Cozy and Productive

66. Meal-prep lunches for the week. Choose two or three recipes that share ingredients to save time and money. Label containers with the day so weekday lunches are grab-and-go.
67. Deep-clean one room with music on. Start at the top – shelves and surfaces – and work down to the floor. Put on a playlist with a set length so cleaning has a natural endpoint.
68. Sort and donate clothes you no longer wear. Try a simple rule: if you have not worn it in a year and it still fits, it goes in the donate pile. Bag donations at once so they do not drift back into the closet.
69. Update your budget or review your spending. Look at one month of spending and sort it into a few broad groups. Pick one small change for next month rather than overhauling everything.
70. Back up your computer and phone. Back up to two places if you can, such as cloud storage and an external drive. Check that the backup finished before you delete anything.
71. Organize your bookshelf by color, author, or mood. Take all the books off one shelf at a time so the job stays manageable. Dust the shelf before the books go back.
72. Learn a new skill with a free online course. Pick one course and commit to the first lesson only. If it holds your interest, schedule the next lesson for tomorrow.
73. Plan next week’s meals and write a shopping list. Check what you already have before you write the list, so you do not buy duplicates. Plan one flexible meal that uses leftovers.
74. Clean out your email inbox. Start with the oldest unread messages and archive or delete in batches. Unsubscribe from two newsletters you never open.
75. Write thank-you notes you have been meaning to send. Keep each note short and specific – mention what the person did and why it mattered. Address and stamp envelopes as you finish each note.
76. Organize your digital files and folders. Create a few broad folders first, then move files into them in batches. Delete duplicates and rename files you cannot identify at a glance.
77. Do a home workout — bodyweight, dance, or yoga. Choose a short session that matches your energy, even ten minutes counts. Clear a small space and keep water nearby.
78. Update your resume or portfolio. Add your most recent role or project first, while the details are fresh. Ask a friend to read it for typos before you send it anywhere.
79. Read one chapter with rain sounds in the background. Pick the book you keep putting off, put your phone on silent, and read for 20 minutes while the rain does the ambience for you. A small, finished chunk often makes it easier to keep going tomorrow.
80. Mend, iron, or tailor clothes that need attention. Start with the simplest fix, like a missing button or a loose hem. Iron one garment at a time so the pile does not feel overwhelming.
81. Plan a garden, even if it is just a windowsill herb pot. Pick herbs you actually cook with, such as basil or parsley. Check how much light your windowsill gets before you buy seeds.
82. Research a topic you are curious about. Write down one question you want answered before you start searching. Stop after 30 minutes and note what you learned.
83. Set goals for the month and break them into steps. Pick two or three goals at most so the list stays realistic. Break each goal into one small step you can do this week.
84. Call a family member you have not spoken to in a while. Pick a quiet moment and keep the call short if they are busy. Mention one specific memory or question to get the conversation going.
85. Prepare a cozy “rainy day kit” for next time — snacks, blanket, book. Pack snacks that will not spoil, a cozy blanket, and a book or puzzle. Store the kit where you can grab it when the next rainy day arrives.

Out in the Rain (Safe)

86. Take a short walk with an umbrella and rain boots. Check the forecast for lightning before you head out, and stay on paths away from flooded areas. A short loop of 15 minutes is plenty.
87. Jump in puddles — carefully, and away from traffic. Choose shallow puddles on grass or quiet paths, well away from traffic. Wear boots and change into dry socks as soon as you get home.
88. Visit a nearby cafe and watch the rain from inside. Pick a cafe with a window seat and order something warm to linger over. Bring a book or journal so you can stay a while without rushing.
89. Go to a museum, library, or indoor market. Check opening hours before you go, since rainy days can change them. Pick one exhibit or section to explore deeply rather than rushing through all of it.
90. Take photos of reflections in puddles. Crouch low so the reflection fills the frame. Look for puddles near interesting buildings or lights for a stronger image.
91. Visit a bookstore and browse without rushing. Give yourself a time limit, such as 45 minutes, and browse one section at a time. Note titles you like instead of buying everything at once.
92. Go to an indoor pool, gym, or climbing wall. Bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for the trip home. Start with a gentle warm-up so cold, damp muscles do not get strained.
93. Walk a dog that loves the rain (and towel off after). Use a leash and avoid deep puddles and fast-moving water. Towel your dog off thoroughly when you get home, including paws and ears.
94. Drive to a scenic overlook and watch the storm from the car. Park safely well away from the road and keep the engine running if you need heat. Stay in the car if there is lightning or strong wind.
95. Visit a farmers’ market with covered stalls. Bring a reusable bag and a little cash, since some stalls may not take cards. Head to covered stalls first so your purchases stay dry.
96. Go to a matinee movie. Pick an earlier showing so you still have daylight for the trip home. Arrive a few minutes early to choose good seats.
97. Sit on a covered porch and listen to the rain. Bring a warm drink and a blanket so you can sit comfortably. Put your phone away for a few minutes and just listen.
98. Visit a friend who lives nearby — bring pastries. Text first to check they are home and happy for a visit. Bring pastries in a bag that keeps them dry.
99. Explore a thrift store or antique shop. Set a small budget before you walk in so browsing stays fun. Check items for damage before you buy, since returns may be limited.
100. Take a bus or train to a part of town you rarely visit. Check the timetable before you leave, as rain can cause delays. Pick one stop to explore so the trip has a clear destination.
101. End the day with a warm drink at your favorite cozy spot. Order your usual and take a moment to enjoy it before heading home. Ending the day this way turns a rainy day into a memory worth keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to do on a rainy day at home?

There is no single best answer — it depends on your mood. If you are tired, pick something cozy like a bath, a movie, or a nap. If you are restless, pick something active like a home workout, a creative project, or cooking. The best rainy-day plan is the one you will actually enjoy, not the one that looks most productive.

What can I do on a rainy day with kids?

Lean on the With Friends and Family section: blanket forts, baking, board games, crafts, storytelling circles, and talent shows all work well with kids. Let them choose one activity, and keep a second one ready for when the first runs out of steam. Simple and hands-on beats complicated and messy.

Is it safe to go out in the rain?

Light rain is fine for most people with the right gear — umbrella, rain boots, and warm layers. Avoid going out during heavy storms, lightning, flooding, or high winds. Skip flooded roads, stay away from rivers and drains that can rise fast, and head indoors if you hear thunder. When in doubt, stay home.

What should I do on a rainy day when I am bored and broke?

Start with the free ideas: read, journal, stretch, declutter, call a friend, cook from what you already have, or watch something you already own. Our bored-at-home list has more no-spend ideas if you need them.

How can I make a rainy day feel special instead of gloomy?

Add one small ritual: a special drink, a candle, a favorite blanket, or a playlist you only use on rainy days. Rituals turn an ordinary gray day into something you look forward to. Pick one cozy thing, one fun thing, and one thing that makes you feel good about the day, and you have a plan.

About This Article: You don’t need to do everything on this list — pick one idea that sounds good, start small, and let the day unfold from there.

Conclusion

Rainy days are a gift if you let them be — a forced pause, a quieter city, and a reason to do the cozy, creative, or productive things you keep postponing. Keep this list saved for the next gray forecast. Pick one idea, start small, and let the rain do the rest.

101Thing

101Thing publishes practical guides and lists that help readers try new ideas, start conversations, and make everyday life a little better. Articles are researched, written, and reviewed for accuracy and usefulness before publication. Questions or corrections can be sent via the Contact page.