Staying In: 15 Date Ideas For Rainy Days

Every relationship needs some type of maintenance to keep it healthy and fulfilling. Many couples find that having regular date nights helps them stay connected and allows them to have fun together. While it may be easy to find things to do when the weather is nice out, you and your partner may find yourselves more limited when it rains. In this article, we’ll be giving you 15 date ideas for rainy days that you can use to keep your relationship fresh and strong. Even if it’s not raining outside, these ideas may be so much fun that you decide to stay in more in the future.

1. Have a sip and paint date

Sipping on a drink while painting a picture can be a fun activity to try with your partner. Even if you’re not the artistic type, you can still enjoy your time and maybe even get some laughs out of the experience. You and your partner can choose your favorite drink to sip, whether it’s water, coffee, soda, or wine. You can both come up with an idea of what to paint, such as your dog, a bowl of fruit, or even each other. An expensive easel and paint aren’t required—you can even use kids’ paint and a thick piece of paper. The point is to have fun together, and if one or both of you create a masterpiece, it could make the experience even more exciting.  

2. Plan an indoor picnic

Picnics outside can be nice, but an indoor one can put a unique spin on the activity to make it memorable. Grab a blanket and pillows and toss them on the floor. Pack up some sandwiches, cheese, crackers, or whatever else you want. Get a bottle of wine, some lemonade, or water, and have a seat with your honey. Enjoy a relaxing meal and pretend you’re outside. Lay down and look at the ceiling and pretend you are looking at the clouds. Then, describe what you see and let your partner do the same. You may be surprised at how creative you each can be. Take this time to relax and enjoy spending quality time together.

3. Indoor camping

Turn your picnic into a camping trip by putting up a tent in the living room. Fill it with blankets and pillows so you can be comfy. Turn out all the lights and use a lantern or flashlight to make the experience feel even more like the real thing. Pretend you’re outside in the woods and use your imagination to describe what you see or hear. Maybe you hear the crickets or frogs peeping in the woods or even a coyote howling. Enjoy yourselves and try to be creative.

4. Scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts can be a fun way to pass the time with your significant other. Start by making a list of the things your partner must find and set up clues to help them locate the items. For example, you could write a note that says, "Go to the room where you cook and find a utensil used for mixing the batter." Alternatively, you can give them a list of random things to find like a sock, pencil, key, battery, etc. Or even more vague and interesting, you can tell them to find something soft, something orange, something big, etc. This idea can be taken in almost any direction you wish.

5. Get crafty

Crafts can be fun no matter how old you are. Grab some glue, scissors, colored paper, wood, or whatever else you have handy. Do you have some stickers or crayons lying around? Whatever you happen to have that you can make stuff with, get busy and see who can be the most creative. If you have children, you can even use their Play-Doh, markers, or other craft materials to make something fun.

6. Have a cook-off

Instead of making a craft, you might prefer to cook or bake some food. Try having a cook-off where you both make the same thing and then decide whose is better. You could also pick out the same ingredients, make different things, and then choose a winner. After you’re done baking or cooking, enjoy feasting on whatever you two made together. Even if you’re not particularly skilled in the kitchen, this activity could provide hours of entertainment plus something tasty to try (or even a full meal).

7. Enjoy a couples game night

Games can be entertaining while also bringing you and your partner closer, depending on the type of games you choose to play. Perhaps you opt for card games like rummy, poker, or Texas Hold 'Em, or board games like Monopoly, Life, Clue, Sorry, checkers, or chess. Maybe you want your game night to get a bit deeper and decide to play an intimate game of 20 questions. The internet is full of questions you can ask your partner, ranging from funny ones to those that are sure to make you stop and think. Even if you don’t have games on hand, there and plenty you can create with a pencil and paper, and many others that don’t require any materials at all.

8. Build a fort together

When you were a kid, you probably built a fort or two, so this idea may feel both nostalgic and easy. Though you’re not a kid anymore, you can still have some fun with your partner by building a fort together. Gather up some blankets and pillows and pick an area where you have enough space. You can toss a blanket or sheet over a table and climb underneath or be elaborate and use chairs, beds, or the sofa. Don’t forget to put some things to do inside, like a book to read, a TV to watch, or a game to play. Throw some snacks and drinks in as well to make the experience more complete.

9. Play video games

Do you have an Xbox, Wii, Switch, or PlayStation? If so, gather up some games (or rent some) and have a competition with your partner. If not, you can also borrow or rent one. When it comes to playing video games, age doesn’t matter, and neither does your skill level. Whether you’re an expert gamer or you’ve never played a video game in your life, it’s never too late to try your hand at something new. What matters is that you can have fun with your partner, and perhaps a competitive side of you will come out that you didn’t realize you had. 

10. Order takeout

If you don’t want to leave the house for food because it’s raining, consider getting takeout instead. Kick your feet up and relax while you wait for your meal to arrive. Ask your partner about their week and let them ask you about yours. Consider putting your phones down so that the two of you can connect without any distractions. Communication can be an important part of a healthy relationship. Since you don’t have to spend time cooking, you can use these extra moments in your day to talk to your partner about anything on your mind.

11. Binge watch a TV series

A rainy day can be the perfect opportunity to watch TV all day. Whether there’s a show you and your partner have been meaning to catch up on or there’s a series you’ve both been wanting to start, this could be your chance. You can use a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, or buy the series elsewhere. Popular TV series include Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, The Office, Orange is the New Black, Ozark, Stranger Things, and Parks and Recreation, among others. Your options are endless but try to ensure you and your partner can agree on a show before starting. 

12. Read together

Perhaps you and your partner enjoy reading but can’t find enough time for it during the week. A rainy day can give each of you the chance to catch up on your latest book. You two can snuggle up together on the couch or in bed and read as long as you’d like. Maybe you even choose to read the same book together and discuss it along the way. Couples who enjoy doing their own thing while still being in proximity of their partner may enjoy this activity even more. 

13. Have a spa day

Making time for self-care can help ensure you and your partner stay mentally healthy, which can improve the relationship you share. There are many ways you can practice self-care, one of which could be having a spa day. You and your partner can take a warm bath together, give one another massages, or put on face masks together. You can each end the day feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and closer as a couple.

14. Have a movie marathon

While it can be fun to head to the theater to see a movie, you can also watch movies at home. Perhaps there’s a series you both love, like Harry Potter, or a new series you’ve been dying to watch. Pop some popcorn, bring out the snacks, and get started on a movie marathon for a fun rainy-day activity. Cuddle up on the couch and enjoy the sound of the rain as you get lost in the storyline of the movie together. 

15. Redecorate

If you and your partner are feeling creative, you might consider redecorating your living space together. Even if you two don’t live together, you could pick one of your houses to give a makeover. Try moving the couch to the other side of the living room or even hanging some pictures or paintings. Take some time to organize the areas that feel cluttered and make a pile of things to donate or sell. If you and your significant other are busy bodies, this could be the perfect activity to keep you active throughout the day. 

Online counseling for relationships

Spending quality time together can be an important part of a relationship. When things like stress, work, responsibilities, and even the weather get in the way, it can be crucial to still find ways to connect with your partner. If you need ideas for date ideas or want to learn how to express your needs for connection in a healthier way, speaking to a counselor could be helpful. Regain provides individual and couples counseling online via video chats, phone calls, and an in-app messaging feature. You have the option to attend therapy by yourself or alongside your partner, depending on your needs. With online counseling, you don’t need to leave the house to get support, which could make it ideal for a rainy day. 

The effectiveness of online counseling 

Online counseling could be a viable option for those struggling with a variety of mental health concerns. In one study, researchers found that an internet-based therapy intervention was equally beneficial to regular face-to-face therapy for treating adult depression. Long-term results, which were observed in the online group at a 3-month follow-up, were not found in the face-to-face group, speaking to the effectiveness of virtual interventions.

Takeaway

Rainy days may disrupt your original plans with your significant other, but they don’t have to ruin your time together. Instead, you can come up with different date ideas right from the comfort of your home and venture out only if you want to. Whatever you choose to do, ensure it’s something you’re both interested in and focus on enjoying one another’s company. If you’re struggling to find interests that you have in common or don’t how to communicate your needs, it could be helpful to speak with a therapist. A therapist can help you and your partner learn important communication skills and give you tips for making your time together more meaningful. This may support each of you in creating a closer bond and strengthening your relationship.