Rainy day activities are my go-to when Seattle’s weather decides to be a total buzzkill, like it is right now, August 19, 2025, with the rain pattering my window like it’s got a personal grudge. I’m sitting here in my cramped apartment, coffee mug (slightly chipped, oops) in hand, my cat Muffin giving me the stink-eye from the couch. I’m no expert, but I’ve cobbled together some fun things to do on a rainy day after way too many soggy weekends. These are my 10 faves—messy, imperfect, and straight from my own fumbles. I’ve spilled coffee, lost puzzle pieces, and maybe cried once (okay, twice), but these indoor activities keep me sane. Sorta. Let’s dive in, yeah?
Why I’m Obsessed with Rainy Day Activities
I’m in Seattle, so rainy days are like, my entire life. Used to be, I’d just scroll X ‘til my eyes hurt, feeling like a soggy burrito. But I’ve learned indoor activities can be fun and sneak in some brainy stuff. These aren’t just for kids—me, a full-grown adult, needs educational indoor fun too, ‘cause cabin fever is real. My list comes from real moments of “ugh, what now?” and some cringey mistakes I’ll fess up to. Buckle up.
1. Puzzles (and My Cat’s Sabotage)
Puzzles are my rainy day activities savior. Last week, I tackled a 500-piece ocean scene, thinking I’d be all zen. Nope. Muffin decided it was her playground, and I found a piece in my cereal bowl. Still, puzzles are dope for focus and patience, and finishing one feels like winning at life. Check out Ravensburger’s puzzle lineup for cool designs.
- Why it’s educational: Sharpens your brain, like, for real.
- My screw-up: I swore I lost a piece, but it was stuck to my elbow. Classic.
2. Kitchen Science Gone Wrong
Nothing says fun things to do on a rainy day like a baking soda volcano. I tried this a month ago, feeling like Bill Nye, but used way too much baking soda. My kitchen looked like a science fair crime scene. Kids love it, and I learned about chemical reactions while scrubbing counters. Exploratorium’s guide is clutch for this.
- Why it’s educational: Chemistry, baby, with a side of chaos.
- My oops: I posted the explosion on X. My “wow!” sounded like a dying walrus.
3. Board Game Battles
Board games are prime rainy day activities. I’m hooked on Ticket to Ride—last time, I got so into building train routes I forgot to feed Muffin. We play in my tiny living room, rain drumming outside, snacks everywhere. It’s strategic and sneaky-educational. BoardGameGeek has killer game recs.
- Why it’s educational: Math and strategy, plus yelling about trains.
- My fail: I knocked over my coffee mid-game. Table’s still sticky.
4. Scavenger Hunt Shenanigans
Indoor scavenger hunts are my jam for indoor family activities. I hid stuff like a pen, a sock, and my old earbuds around my apartment last weekend. My roommate thought I was nuts, but we had fun. It’s creative and gets you off the couch. Scholastic’s hunt template is a lifesaver.
- Why it’s educational: Makes you think and move.
- My goof: I hid a spoon so well I still can’t find it. Send help.
5. Paper Airplanes (Not Cranes, My Bad)
Okay, I meant to do paper cranes, but I suck at origami, so I switched to paper airplanes for my rainy day crafts. They’re easier, and I spent an hour chucking them at Muffin (gently, I swear). It’s calming and teaches precision. YouTube’s origami channel has better ideas than me.
- Why it’s educational: Fine motor skills and, uh, aerodynamics?
- My confession: One plane hit my lamp. It wobbled but didn’t fall. Phew.
6. Virtual Museum Wandering
Virtual museum tours are a godsend for rainy day activities. I “toured” the Met last month, sprawled on my couch in sweatpants, rain blurring my window. It’s like traveling without soggy shoes. Google Arts & Culture has free tours that blow my mind.
- Why it’s educational: Art and history, no plane ticket needed.
- My flub: I zoomed in on a painting and forgot how to zoom out. For, like, 20 minutes.
7. Blanket Fort Fiascos
Building a blanket fort is peak indoor activities. I made one last rainy Saturday with every blanket I own. It was epic until it collapsed while I was eating chips inside. Kids love it, and it’s creative as heck. HGTV’s fort guide has solid tips.
- Why it’s educational: Engineering and imagination, yo.
- My embarrassment: I got tangled in a sheet trying to escape. Roommate laughed for days.
8. Cooking Catastrophes
Cooking’s a rainy day activity that’s fun and useful. I tried brownies last week, but forgot the sugar. They tasted like sadness. Still, I learned about measuring, and my next batch was fire. Tasty’s kid recipes are easy to follow, even for me.
- Why it’s educational: Math and patience (which I lack).
- My disaster: Flour on my shirt, my face, my cat. Everywhere.
9. Story Slam Shenanigans
Storytelling slams are great for fun things to do on a rainy day. My friends and I made up tales about a haunted raincoat last time. Mine was garbage, but we laughed ‘til I choked on my tea. It’s awesome for creativity. StoryCorps has storytelling tips.
- Why it’s educational: Boosts imagination and talking skills.
- My flop: My story had no ending. Just rambled. Whatevs.
10. Learning Random Stuff Online
Rainy days are perfect for learning weird skills online. I tried knitting via Skillshare last month. My scarf looks like a drunk caterpillar made it, but I had fun. There’s classes for everything—coding, drawing, you name it.
- Why it’s educational: New skills, new confidence.
- My cringe: I knitted my sleeve to the scarf. Don’t ask.
Wrapping Up My Rainy Day Activities Mess
Alright, that’s my messy, slightly unhinged list of rainy day activities that keep me from going stir-crazy in Seattle’s endless drizzle. From puzzle fails to fort flops, these indoor activities are fun, kinda brainy, and proof you don’t need sun to have a good time. I’m no pro—just a gal with a cat and too much coffee, trying to make soggy days bearable. Got a fave rainy day activity? Hit me up on X or try one of these and tell me how it went. Seriously, save me from another day of doomscrolling!
