What to do on a rainy day

Don't be disappointed when a rainy day keeps you indoors. There are all sorts of things you can do to make the most of the bad weather!

Here comes the rain!

No one wants to spend a day stuck indoors because the weather outside is frightful. Instead of being disappointed because of a fall storm, take advantage of it! Consider taking on one of these four projects, and you might be surprised how much fun you can have on a rainy day!

Bake a batch of cookies for a neighbor or friend

Were the last batch of cookies you baked devoured by your son's Boy Scout troop or your daughter's soccer team? Not that the kids aren't deserving of your cookies, but it's also nice to bake for someone who isn't expecting a sweet treat. Use a rainy day to bake one of your more extravagant recipes — you know — the kind you reserve for special occasions because they take some extra time? For an added touch, when they're ready, wrap them in a cute tea cloth and package them in a rustic basket, or fold them into some parchment paper and put them in a colorful bakery box. Don't forget to make a few extra to keep for yourself!

Bake these brightly colored leaf sugar cookies > >

Write a letter or card to a faraway friend or family member

Do you remember the last time you wrote a letter, let alone received one? It might seem outdated and a bit on the slow side of the "send" button, but when you're on the receiving end of the mail, a special envelope in the mailbox can make your day. We all rush through our days and end up sending choppy texts, emails or tweets to stay in touch, but a letter gives you the opportunity to spell it all out — in full sentences, even!

Take letter writing one step further and consider starting a journal. Whenever you have a few extra minutes (or better yet, make sure to make time for your journaling), pick up your journal to write. It can be good activity for many reasons: It can help alleviate stress, help you remember things, help document your goals and milestones, and it can even be a good way to help you lose weight.

Learn how to journal your way to weight loss >>

Settle in for a movie marathon

Whether you're ready to catch a few romantic chick flicks, or you want to take in a classic, there's no better time to catch a few movies than on a rainy day. Settle in with some snacks like popcorn and hot tea or cocoa, grab a blanket and kick back. Don't forget to grab a box of tissues if you've got your heart set on a tearjerker.

Review this list of classic movies to watch >>

Set up an indoor treasure hunt for the kids

If you're indoors with kids on a rainy day, you know boredom can set in quickly. That's definitely something a treasure hunt can fix! Even though a treasure hunt is something that's usually reserved for the great outdoors, with a few tweaks, the indoors can still provide an adventure.

First pick your treasure, whether it's a small basket of treats, a toy, book or movie. Next map out an area where you're comfortable with the kids searching. Determine how many clues you want to leave, and where you'll place them. When you write your clues, make sure each leads to the next. A treasure hunt is a fun way to entertain the kids for a while when they're stuck indoors, and it's a nice alternative to some of their usual games.

Get details to plan a treasure hunt for your kids >>

When the weather calls for rain, don't be disappointed. There is a lot of fun to be had right inside your own home.

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