How to Make a Rainy Weekend at Home Feel Like a Mini Vacation
As someone who loves to go outside, waking up to heavy rain on Saturday morning used to completely ruin my mood. It's not just me, it is scientifically proven that rain can negatively impact your emotions.
I just want to go for a walk or hit up the farmers' market, but here is what I realized: a rainy weekend is the perfect excuse to finally try all those other things I had been putting off for a "free day."
So if you are looking for ideas to turn a gloomy weekend into a mini indoor vacation, here are a few things to make your weekend perfect.
Set the Mood First
While some people can just lie on the couch all day and watch TV or scroll on their phone, I personally need a little more than that. When I am multitasking 99% of the time, I need to be doing something more.
So if the idea of staying in your living room all weekend fills you with dread, what about giving it a makeover? Take out your blankets, stack the pillows, and use those scented candles to change the environment and your mood.
If you have string lights tucked away somewhere, too, now is the time. Dim the overhead lights, and suddenly the whole house feels cozier and more intentional, like you chose to be here. Then, anything you might want to do with the family feels a lot more special.
Have a Themed Dinner
One trick to making weekend meals at home feel different from a regular weeknight: pick a theme. Italian, Tex-Mex, a backyard BBQ in the kitchen are just a few ideas, and then build dinner around it. Put on a matching playlist, use the good dishes, and light a few candles. Add decorations if you feel like it, too! Younger kids will especially love this, but my bet is that so will the older kids.
Of course, you don't have to go all out if you don't want to. You can simply go with a recipe you had saved from YouTube, but always talked yourself out of on a busy weeknight. Great for recipes that are more complicated or take longer to make! And it does not have to be something that makes sense for dinner. Even if you made cinnamon roll apple crumble for dinner, anything goes.
And if you do not feel like cooking? Order in and do not feel at all guilty about the splurge!
Build a Movie Marathon (with Snacks)
A movie marathon hits different when you treat it like an event. Let everyone pick one movie in advance and set up a concession-style snack bar: popcorn in individual bowls, candy, homemade queso, or the snacks you have been saving for well, a rainy day!
If you are thinking "but we have already watched everything good on Netflix" (or Hulu or HBO Max, whatever streaming service you are on.) What about a VPN for LG Smart TV? You can easily find new content from other parts of the world that you have been missing out on.
Get the Games Out
I'm not anti-video games for my kids, but I do believe they should also experience board games, card games, and physical puzzles, and rainy weekends are practically made for them.
We love classics like Uno, Scattergories, and Monopoly, but consider things like escape room puzzle books and games, mystery games, and things that really make you think. They're great for older kids and adults who want something with a little more brain engagement.
Spa-ify the Bathroom
If the kids are occupied with their own stuff, carve out some spa time for yourself in your tub. Stock up now on face masks, scented candles, epsom salts, and bath bombs for spa days for yourself.
Grab a book, queue up a podcast or soft playlist, and close the door. Voilà, you have a spa. Sometimes, you just have to pamper yourself.
Make Breakfast Feel Like a Hotel Morning
If your family loves breakfast food, then rainy Saturday mornings are the perfect chance to recreate a hotel breakfast at home. Go all out with fluffy pancakes, a full egg scramble, fresh fruit, and more. And serve it slowly, don't rush.
The Real Secret to Having Fun on Rainy Weekends
Truth be told, the key lies less in the specific activities and more about the decision to be present. Weekends where you're forced to stay indoors have helped us to slow down and actually appreciate the little, mundane moments, the moments that I'd normally rush right past any other day.
