Summer stands for sun, warm temperatures and carefree days outdoors. But even in the loveliest season a rain shower is inevitable. Instead of getting annoyed by grey clouds, you can use rainy days in summer for special activities. Indoors or outdoors – we show you many creative, relaxing and exciting ideas for making sensible use of summer rain.
Indoor activities for rainy days in summer
1. Home wellness: pure relaxation
A rainy summer day is the perfect opportunity for a short wellness day. You don’t need an expensive spa – a warm bath with essential oils, a face mask, a massage with a soothing massage oil such as Sonett Mistelform Massageöl Zitrone Zirbelkiefer and relaxing music already create real feel-good moments. We recommend the essential oils from ARIES, e.g. ARIES Bio Lavendel Öl. Complement it with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing infused water. And with the right room fragrance relaxation is complete. Here you’ll find beautiful room fragrances made with pure essential oils.
2. Decluttering and rearranging
Rainy days are ideal for getting your home in order. Sort out clothing, tidy drawers, or rearrange your room. Maybe you’d like to start a DIY project – make new decorations, paint a piece of furniture, or frame photos.
3. Try summer recipes
If you enjoy cooking or baking, now is the right moment to try new recipes. How about homemade summer ice cream, fruity smoothies, or a colorful salad? Jam or pickled summer vegetables are also great projects for a rainy day.
4. Indoor exercise to lift your spirits
Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you have to skip physical activity. With online workouts, yoga videos, or a short dance session at home you stay fit and lift your mood. Especially yoga or Pilates help bring body and mind into balance.
5. Series, films & documentaries
A classic for rainy days: make yourself comfortable on the sofa and enjoy a series marathon or a movie night. Many streaming services offer exciting summer documentaries, nature films, or inspiring travel reports – at least that brings holiday feelings home.
Creative activities for rainy weather
6. Crafts & DIY projects
Adults can relax while crafting too. Whether making candles yourself, dyeing fabrics, or journaling – creative activities improve concentration and are simply enjoyable. Maybe you’ll also craft small gifts for the next birthday or holiday souvenirs.
7. Writing or Reading
Take time for a good book or to write yourself. Whether a travel diary, a summer story, or a personal journal – writing helps organize your thoughts and be creative. With a cup of tea at the window watching the rain, a new favorite book often emerges almost incidentally.
8. Painting and Drawing
Painting is not just for children. With watercolor, acrylic, or colored pencils you can put your impressions on paper – perhaps the weather is inspiring you right now! Mandalas or coloring books for adults are also a great way to find calm.
Activities with Family and Friends
9. Game Night or Board Game Tournament
Time together with friends or family becomes even cozier in the rain. Take board games, card games, or puzzles out of the cupboard and organise a small game night – preferably with tasty snacks and summery music in the background.
10. Cooking or Baking Together
Cooking connects – especially in bad weather. Choose a new recipe with your loved ones, cook together and enjoy the result by candlelight or on a covered balcony. Baking together also lifts the mood – summer rain or not.
11. Indoor Picnic
If summer rain catches you by surprise, simply move the picnic into the living room! Spread out a blanket, set out small snacks and drinks, and enjoy the day in an original way. Children love this little adventure – and so do adults!
Out and About Despite the Rain
12. Visit Museums and Exhibitions
Summer rain is the perfect opportunity for cultural outings. Whether an art museum, natural history museum, or contemporary gallery – you discover something new and stay dry. Museums often also offer holiday programs or special exhibitions, ideal for families.
13. Swimming Pool or Thermal Spa
Why get upset about rain when you want to be in the water anyway? Swimming pools or thermal baths are less crowded on rainy summer days. In the sauna, in the whirlpool or during a massage you quickly forget the bad weather outside.
14. Indoor playgrounds or trampoline halls
For families with children, indoor playgrounds, climbing halls or trampoline parks are the perfect choice. Here the little ones can let off steam while the adults relax — or join in. Bowling, mini golf or escape rooms also provide variety.
15. Café tour or bookstore
Use the rain for a leisurely stroll through town with stops at pleasant cafés or bookstores. With a hot coffee or a new book in hand, you can enjoy the day — without rush or hurry.
Outdoors in the rain? No problem!
16. Walking in the rain
With appropriate clothing, a walk in the rain can be especially refreshing. The smell of wet grass, the patter of droplets and the calm of nature are almost meditative. Important: a waterproof jacket, shoes and possibly an umbrella!
17. Rain photography
Summer rain alters colors, light and mood — a perfect opportunity for striking photos. Puddles, reflections or raindrops on leaves offer great motifs. Grab a camera or smartphone and go exploring!
18. Gardening in the rain
A light summer rain is ideal for gardening — the plants are softer, the soil is easy to work. Whether balcony, raised bed or garden: use the opportunity to weed, if necessary to fertilize (we recommend the fertilizers from ARIES), transplant plants or sow new seeds.
Conclusion: Summer rain can be pleasant
Even if the sky is gray, your day does not have to be dull. Summer rain offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, be creative or consciously take time for yourself and others. Whether you relax, learn something new or simply have fun — it all depends on your attitude. With our tips, every rainy summer day becomes a small highlight.