Rain taps gently on the window.
That soft, steady sound changes everything. The world feels quieter. The light goes dim. The sky turns gray, and the smell of wet earth floats in. You reach for a blanket. Maybe light a candle. Or maybe you just sit and listen.
Rainy days slow us down. They pull us away from busy routines, loud plans, and long drives. And honestly, that’s often exactly what we need.
This list is for those days. 100 things to do on a rainy day at home—real, simple ideas that bring a little comfort, creativity, or calm. You don’t need anything fancy. Just some curiosity, a warm drink, and a little time to yourself (or with someone you love).
It’s not about being busy.
It’s about being here. Right now.
100 Things to Do on A Rainy Day at Home
You can wander between these ideas however you like—do one thing or try three. Let the rain outside set the pace.
Creative Arts & Crafts
Rainy days are a great time to make something with your hands. You don’t need to be an artist—just have fun with paint, paper, yarn, or whatever you have at home.
1. Watercolor Painting
Dab a little color on wet paper and watch it bloom like magic. Let it run, mix, and surprise you.
2. Origami Zoo
Fold frogs, birds, and maybe even an elephant. Line them up on your windowsill like a tiny, paper jungle.
3. DIY Greeting Cards
Make cards for birthdays or just because. You’ll feel surprisingly happy slipping them into envelopes later.
4. Knitting or Crocheting
There’s something steadying about yarn running through your fingers. Scarves, coasters, or just little swatches—it all counts.
5. Homemade Candles
Melt wax, stir in scent, pour into a jar. When you light it later, it’ll feel like lighting a piece of your own calm.
6. Clay Modeling
Shape a bowl or a tiny cat. Let it dry and paint it your way. Imperfect is perfect here.
7. Watercolor Resist Art
Write a message in white crayon, then paint over it. The words will peek through like secrets.
8. Pressed-Flower Bookmarks
Find flowers or leaves in the yard, press them flat, and turn them into delicate little keepsakes.
9. Tie-Dye T-Shirt
A splash of color on fabric can change your whole mood. Just be prepared for a mess—and maybe a masterpiece.
10. Bullet Journal Rainy Layout
Draw clouds, umbrellas, or puddles. Let your to-do list feel like a tiny art project.
Kitchen Adventures
11. Bake Sourdough Bread
It’s slow, satisfying, and your house will smell like a bakery by dinner.
12. Homemade Pasta
Rolling out dough by hand is weirdly therapeutic. Plus: carbs.
13. Chocolates & Truffles
Warm cream, melt chocolate, roll in cocoa. You’re now officially a chocolatier for the day.
14. DIY Pizza Party
Everyone makes their own. Kids pile on cheese. Adults get creative with toppings. Everyone’s happy.
15. Fermented Veggies
Mix cabbage and salt, tuck it into a jar, and let time do the work. Crunchy, tangy magic in a few days.
16. Smoothie Bowl Art
Blend berries, banana, and yogurt. Top it like a garden: seeds, nuts, sliced fruit in spirals or hearts.
17. Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Use brie, apples, cheddar, onions, or whatever you find. Add a bowl of tomato soup if you’re feeling extra cozy.
18. Infused Olive Oils
Warm oil with garlic or rosemary, bottle it up, and keep it by the stove. It’s a little touch of fancy on a quiet day.
19. Homemade Ice Cream (No Churn)
Just cream and condensed milk—whip, mix, freeze. Add cookie chunks or swirl in jam.
20. Tea Blending
Mix dried herbs, petals, and spices into your own blend. Brew slowly. Sip slowly. Exhale.
Mind & Body Wellness
21. Guided Meditation
Let someone’s gentle voice walk you out of your thoughts and into your breath.
22. Yoga Flow by the Window
The sound of rain pairs perfectly with deep stretches and slow inhales.
23. At-Home Spa
A foot soak, a scrub, a mask, and no need to talk to anyone. Heaven.
24. Core Pilates Routine
Just 10 minutes can change how you stand, move, and feel all day.
25. Foam Roll & Stretch
Work out the knots. Release the tension. Let your muscles say “thank you.”
26. Breathing Exercises
Box breathing is simple: in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. Try it now. Feel better?
27. Journaling Prompts
Write something like: “The last time I felt truly peaceful was…” and just keep going.
28. Sound Bath
Put on calming tones and lie flat. The sounds do the rest.
29. Digital Detox Hour
No screens. Just music, a book, or sitting with your thoughts. (Remember those?)
30. Bedtime Tea Ritual
Warm milk, chamomile, maybe a touch of honey. Then a book. Then sleep.
Entertainment & Media
Rainy days are perfect for movies, books, music, or games. Whether you’re watching something old or trying something new, just relax and enjoy the moment.
31. Movie Marathon
Harry Potter? Lord of the Rings? Wes Anderson? Your couch, your rules.
32. Virtual Museum Tour
You can “walk” through the Louvre in your socks. Why not?
33. Podcast Binge
Learn about cults, trees, happiness, or history while you fold laundry or just listen.
34. Read a Classic Novel
Sometimes all you need is a couch, a cup of tea, and Jane Austen.
35. Dive into a Comic Series
Get lost in images and storylines—graphic novels are way more satisfying than you might think.
36. Make a Stop-Motion Short Film
Toys, clay, and your phone. Watch your creativity come to life, frame by frame.
37. Karaoke at Home
Belt it out in the living room. Loudly. Badly. Joyfully.
38. Couch Co-op Gaming
Team up with someone at home. Laugh. Compete. Rematch.
39. Audiobook + Sketching Combo
Let a voice read to you while your hand doodles. It’s relaxing and surprisingly immersive.
40. Dance Party in Pajamas
Blare your favorite tunes. Move like no one’s watching (because they aren’t).
Brain Teasers & Learning
A rainy day is a great time to stretch your mind. Try a puzzle, learn something new, or just explore whatever makes you curious.
41. 1000-Piece Puzzle
Start with the edges. Then lose yourself in little patterns and satisfying clicks.
42. Crossword Challenge
Play solo or with a partner. “Three-letter word for cozy?” You.
43. Learn a New Language (App)
Even five words of a new language can spark curiosity.
44. Take a Free Online Class
Learn about photography, philosophy, or pasta-making. No grades. Just fun.
45. Chess Puzzle Practice
Sharpen your mind, one tiny battle at a time.
46. Build a Model Kit
Whether it’s a tiny house or a spaceship, watching it come together is pure satisfaction.
47. Science Project at Home
Make slime. Or a volcano. Or something bubbly. Learn while you play.
48. Try Photography Indoors
Shoot shadows, textures, or your pet. Edit it with free tools and surprise yourself.
49. Memory Palace Game
Use your home to mentally “store” facts you want to remember. It’s weird—and it works.
50. TED Talk & Explore
Watch one video. Then dig deeper. Follow that rabbit hole—you’ll emerge smarter.
Family & Social Fun
Rainy days are perfect for spending time together. Play a game, tell stories, or just enjoy being close to the people you love.
51. Board Game Tournament
Pick your favorites—Monopoly, Uno, Codenames—and keep a leaderboard. Winner gets bragging rights (or snacks).
52. Storytelling Circle
Start with “It was a dark and stormy night…” Let everyone add to it. No rules. Just imagination.
53. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Leave clues around the house. Kids love it. Adults secretly love it too.
54. Blanket Fort Building
Sheets, cushions, fairy lights. Add snacks and books. Boom—magic.
55. Make a Family Cookbook
Gather recipes from everyone. Type them up. Add little stories. You’re preserving legacy.
56. Dance-Off Challenge
Make up moves. Pick a song. Perform. Laugh. Repeat.
57. Living-Room Campout
Sleeping bags, ghost stories, indoor s’mores. No mosquitoes. 10/10 would recommend.
58. Family Cook-Off
Everyone makes a snack with a “mystery ingredient.” The results are…interesting.
59. DIY Photo Booth
Props, a sheet backdrop, a phone on timer mode. Instant memories.
60. Memory Sharing Night
Flip through old albums. Ask questions. Listen to answers you haven’t heard in years.
Home Improvement & Decluttering
Stuck inside? It’s a good chance to tidy up, fix little things, or change something around the house. Even small changes can make your space feel fresh.
61. Closet Clean-Out
If it hasn’t been worn in a year, it goes. Be ruthless. Then reward yourself.
62. Rearrange a Room
A small shift can feel like a total refresh. Move a chair. Swap art. Instant upgrade.
63. Deep-Clean Just One Space
Pick one: your desk, a drawer, the entryway. Just fifteen minutes. You’ll feel amazing.
64. Organize Digital Life
Sort photos into albums. Back up important files. Declutter your desktop. Yes, finally.
65. Fix Something Small
Squeaky hinge? Crooked frame? Loose button? Fixing tiny things makes you feel big.
66. Tend to Your Houseplants
Water them. Wipe their leaves. Talk to them. (They might not answer, but it helps anyway.)
67. Make a Vision Board
Gather cutouts that represent your dreams—travel, peace, love, creativity. Tape it somewhere visible.
68. Pantry Inventory
You might discover three bottles of soy sauce. Organize. Label. Make a list.
69. Wallpaper an Accent Wall
Peel-and-stick styles are renter-friendly and oddly addictive.
70. Install a Shelf
One plank. Two brackets. Boom—new home for plants or books.
Personal Projects & Self-Discovery
Rainy days can give you time to think, create, or try something new just for you. Write, dream, plan—or simply enjoy getting to know yourself better.
71. Write a Short Story or Poem
Rainy days are writing days. Don’t judge. Just let it out.
72. Dream Up a Future Trip
Pick a country. Research food, spots to see, hidden gems. Build a dream itinerary.
73. Map Out Career Goals
What do you want in 1 year? 5? Break it down. It’s empowering, not scary.
74. Try Podcasting
Record a 5-minute episode on something you love. You don’t need a studio—just your voice.
75. Draft a Blog Post
It doesn’t need to go live. Just put your thoughts into words. See where it leads.
76. Research Your Roots
Use free family tree websites. Call a relative. Unearth something cool.
77. Make a Time Capsule
Add a note, small object, a photo, a news clipping. Hide it away.
78. Update Your Budget
Rainy days are good for financial clarity. Review. Adjust. Breathe.
79. Learn a Bit of Coding
Write your first “Hello, world.” It’s oddly thrilling.
80. Start a Tiny Habit
One push-up. One sentence written. One glass of water. Tiny things lead to big shifts.
Digital & Virtual Connections
Even if you’re staying in, you can still connect with others. Call a friend, join something online, or share a little moment from your day—it all counts.
81. Host a Virtual Tea Time
Send invites. Brew together. Catch up. Rainy-day friendship in real-time.
82. Try a Virtual Escape Room
Team up online. Solve puzzles. Yell at each other lovingly. Win or laugh trying.
83. Digital Art Practice
Use a tablet or phone to sketch. Test brushes. Make mistakes. Make progress.
84. Build a Custom Playlist
Mood: rain, warmth, slowness, soft vocals. Share it or keep it private.
85. Explore Google Earth
“Visit” a waterfall in Iceland. A street in Tokyo. A beach in Australia. Without moving an inch.
86. Join an Online Workout
Zoom yoga. Instagram pilates. Whatever moves you—literally.
87. Family Video Call
Call your parents, grandparents, cousin, or college roommate. Say hi. It matters.
88. YouTube Watch Party
Pick a funny video or documentary. Watch together, react in real time.
89. Volunteer Online
Help out with remote nonprofit work—editing, translating, designing. A small gift of time.
90. Design a Virtual Room
Use 3D modeling apps to rearrange furniture and test colors. It’s like adult dollhouse fun.
Simple Joys & Slow Moments
Sometimes the best part of a rainy day is doing almost nothing. Sip something warm, watch the rain, rest, and just enjoy the quiet.
91. Watch the Rainfall
Sit by a window. No phone. No book. Just the sound. Just you.
92. Make Hot Cocoa (the Real Way)
Milk, cocoa, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir slowly. Sip slower.
93. Light a Candle & Read Poetry
A quiet poem and a flickering flame can feel like church for the soul.
94. Cuddle With a Pet
They love you. They don’t care if you’re “productive.” Just be together.
95. Take a Nap (Guilt-Free)
Blanket. Dark room. No alarm. Just rest.
96. Write a Thank-You Note
Pick someone. Write what they mean to you. Mail it. No occasion needed.
97. Rewatch a Favorite Show
Comfort TV is real medicine. No shame in rewatching “The Office” for the sixth time.
98. Draw in the Fog on the Window
Let your finger doodle. Smiley faces and hearts never go out of style.
99. Sit With Someone in Silence
Not everything needs words. Just be together.
100. Breathe
Rain reminds us: the world keeps turning. It’s okay to slow down.
Final Thought
Rainy days have a quiet kind of magic. They wrap the world in soft light and steady rhythm. They strip away the loud and the urgent. And in their place, they leave you with time.
- Time to rest.
- Time to play.
- Time to breathe.
So the next time the clouds roll in, don’t sigh. Smile a little. It’s not just rain. It’s a gentle invitation to reconnect—with your home, your hobbies, your people, and yourself.
Keep this list bookmarked. Come back to it. Let rainy days become your favorite days.
After all, the best kind of sunshine sometimes starts with a storm.