Spring is full of fresh air, blooming flowers, and longer days — but let’s be honest, it’s also full of rain. While those gray, drizzly afternoons might put a damper on outdoor plans, they also offer the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy cozy indoor moments. Luckily, there’s plenty to enjoy indoors this spring. Here are some fun, low-cost (even free!) ways to make the most of a rainy day.
Host a Movie Marathon
Rainy days and movie marathons just go hand in hand. Bring out your inner kid and create a cozy setup with blankets, snacks, with your favorite streaming service. Pick a theme: rom-coms, throwback favorites, an entire series (like Marvel and Harry Potter), or good old fashioned feel-good classics. Invite a few friends to join for even more fun. If you’re solo, make it a self-care movie night. Add a face mask or your favorite comfort food to the mix.
Get Crafty or Try a DIY Project
If you’ve been meaning to decorate your space or pick up a new hobby, now’s the time! Try painting, journaling, knitting, making jewelry, or even upcycling old clothes. Sites like Pinterest and TikTok are full of easy and affordable DIY ideas that require minimal supplies.
Bonus idea: Make your own vision board for the season—it’s a fun and creative way to stay inspired.
Visit a Local Museum or Gallery
Rainy days are perfect for indoor adventures around the city. Many museums and galleries offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week. Whether you’re into art, history, or science, wandering through a museum is a peaceful way to spend a rainy afternoon—and you might learn something new along the way! Here are a few to keep in mind:
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Free admission on Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and NY, NJ, and CT students (valid ID required)
- The American Museum of Natural History – Suggested admission (you can pay what you wish)
- The Brooklyn Museum – Pay-what-you-can besides ticketed exhibitions
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum – Free admission on Mondays from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Have a Cozy Café Study Session
Grab your laptop or a good book and head to a local café. There’s something extra relaxing about sipping a warm latte while watching the rain through a foggy window. Choose a cozy spot with plenty of outlets and people-watching potential during your breaks. It can turn even the gloomiest day into a productive and peaceful experience.
Try a New Recipe or Bake Something Sweet
If you’re stuck indoors, why not head to the kitchen? Look up a recipe you’ve never tried—maybe something seasonal like lemon loaf, spring pasta, or a colorful salad. Baking is especially comforting on rainy days, and your space will smell amazing.
No oven? No problem! Try no-bake energy bites, meal prep ideas, or easy microwave recipes.
Dive Into a New Book or Podcast
Rainy days are made for curling up with a great story. Whether you prefer physical books, audiobooks, or podcasts, set aside some quiet time to dive into something new. Check your campus library, local bookstore, or apps like Libby (for free e-books!) for something that fits your vibe. Not sure what you want to read? We have a list of must-reads for you to try!
Practice Mindfulness or Yoga
Sometimes a rainy day calls for slowing down. Light a candle, roll out your mat, and try a gentle yoga or meditation session. There are plenty of free guided videos on YouTube or apps like Calm. Taking a few minutes to breathe and stretch can lift your mood and help you recharge.
Organize or Refresh Your Space
If you’ve been putting off decluttering or reorganizing, use the rainy weather as motivation. Tidy your desk, switch out your seasonal wardrobe, or rearrange your room. A fresh, clean space can make a big difference in how you feel — especially when the semester or workweek gets hectic.
Create a Personal Playlist
Make a new playlist for cleaning, studying, or simply relaxing at home. It can include throwbacks that you forgot about or discover new songs/artists (or both!). Music can be very therapeutic and set the tone for your day, lift your spirits, or spark creativity. Share it with friends or keep it as your rainy day go-to!
As you can see, rainy spring days don’t have to be dull. With the right mindset and a little creativity, you can turn a gloomy forecast into a relaxing, productive, or just plain fun experience. Gray skies may change your original plans, but they also serve as a reminder to the simple joys in life and offer the perfect opportunity to recharge.
