When the rain starts pouring, there are plenty of ways to have fun without staring at a screen. Whether you’re feeling creative, thoughtful, or ambitious, here are some fun ideas to try!

On a rainy day when you are stuck indoors, the temptation to binge-watch another series or scroll endlessly on your phone can be strong. But it can also be refreshing to unplug and find other ways to stay entertained. Whether you’re on your own, with family, or looking for a group activity, there are plenty of options for making the most of a rainy day without defaulting to looking at screens.

1. Get Creative with Arts and Crafts

Creativity is a great way to pass the time, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to dive into an art project. Consider painting, drawing, knitting, or trying a new craft like candle-making. If you have kids, setting up a DIY craft station with supplies like paper, glue, and recyclables can keep them occupied for hours.

2. Try a New Recipe

Cooking or baking can turn a dreary day into something delicious. Experiment with a comforting soup, bake a fresh loaf of bread, whip up a batch of cookies or, if you’re feeling ambitious, try making pasta from scratch! Cooking together as a family or solo can be both rewarding and tasty.

3. Tackle a Jigsaw Puzzle

Piecing together a jigsaw puzzle is a relaxing yet engaging activity for a rainy day. Large puzzles provide hours of concentration, while smaller ones offer a quicker sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re working on a puzzle alone or with family, it’s a good way to unwind and stay mentally sharp at the same time.

4. Play a Board Game

Board games offer an excellent way to stay engaged indoors, with options ranging from strategy-based games like Chess and Risk to word-focused challenges like Scrabble and Boggle. For a quicker pace, card games such as Uno or Rummy provide easy entertainment. With so many choices, there’s a game for every preference.

5. Read a Book

Curling up with a good book is a classic way to enjoy a rainy day. Transport yourself to another world with fiction, expand your knowledge with non-fiction, or lean into the introspective calling of a rainy day with some poetry. Add a warm drink and a comforting blanket to maximize your coziness.

6. Start a Journal

The ambience of a rainy day also calls for some journaling. Start a journal where you can jot down your daily experiences, ideas, or even short stories. If you’re not sure where to begin, try writing a gratitude list or setting goals for the next few months. Writing is a great way to reflect, relax, and document your thoughts.

7. Learn a New Skill

Why not use your time indoors to pick up a new skill? Try your hand at a musical instrument or learn a few words in a new language. If you have a hobby you’ve been meaning to explore, like calligraphy or origami, now’s the time to dive in. Learning something fresh keeps your mind active and makes rainy days feel more productive.

Rainy days don’t have to be boring or dominated by screens. Next time the rain starts to fall, consider it an opportunity to unplug and entertained yourself in other ways.