Rainy Day Recipes & Ideas

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Make the most of it by trying out a fun new activity or finishing a project you started. Cook together as a family (try our “rainy day recipes” below), craft a masterpiece, or go on a creative adventure.

Here are 10 ideas to get you energized on this dreary, rainy day.

1. Get Cooking

Expend some of that pent up energy by getting creative in the kitchen! Often times on cold, rainy days all that’s needed is some warm, cozy comfort food to help lift our spirits. Hearty recipes like soups and grilled cheese are perfect for the occasion and can be great family activities to help pass the time.

Try these three Rainy Day Foods below:

Rainy Day PB&J

Create an edible illustration of your rainy day with the help of some cloud-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, blueberry raindrops, and a green apple and yellow bell pepper umbrella. Click the video below to watch this food art transform into something much sunnier!

Recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/rainy-day-pbj
Video: Rainy Day PB&J

Grilled Cheese Dippers

What could be more comforting on a dull, grey afternoon than an ooey, gooey grilled cheese sandwich? Just one thing: dunkable grilled cheese strips paired off with some delicious dipping sauces! Test out your culinary skills by experimenting with different cheese + sauce combinations.

Our variations include: White American Grilled Cheese with Balsamic Dipping Sauce, Taco Cheddar Jack Grilled Cheese with Ranch Dressing, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese with Marinara Sauce.

Recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/grilled-cheese-dippers
Video: Grilled Cheese Dippers

Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Bread Bowls

Rainy days tend to be a little chilly. Warm up with some cozy chicken and corn chowder scooped into edible bread bowls of hollowed-out Martin’s Dinner Potato Rolls. There’s something about chicken soup that just soothes the soul!

Recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-corn-chowder-bread-bowls

2. Get Lost in a Book

Go on an adventure to another land or place and time (preferably one more exciting than your present dreary surroundings). Out of new stories to read? Take a trip to the library to check out a new book or borrow one from a friend.

3. Host a Family Game Competition

Pass the time by playing a long board game, putting together a difficult jigsaw puzzle, or learning a few new card games together as a family.

4. Build a Fortress

Use everyday household objects like blankets, cardboard boxes, chairs, and tables to construct a massive blanket fort or indoor city, complete with secret passageways, hideouts, and maybe a draw bridge! Or if you have the space, you could even pop up a tent in the middle of your family room and have an indoor camping experience.

5. Perform a Science Experiment

Learn how to make homemade slime or playdough, or discover a new trick. 5-Minute Crafts has some great ideas for kids!

6. Get Dressed Up

Make costumes of your kids’ favorite characters, put on a fashion show, or have the kids perform an original play for the family or their own audience of stuffed animals!

7. Do Some Spring Cleaning

Take advantage of the poor weather to tidy up around the house, finish a load of laundry, complete a few household to-dos, or get started on a new home improvement project. Check out our previous blog post for some clever organization tips for your kitchen.

8. Have a Themed Party (with Food!)

Bring the excitement indoors by having a tea party, indoor picnic, or another type of themed party. Try a colorful food party with DIY Toast Art and our recipe for Rainbow Grilled Cheese to brighten up your rainy day! Or these smile-worthy sandwich ideas should do the trick!

9. Do Arts & Crafts

Get inspired by drawing pictures using crayons, colored pencils, and markers, making a collage or scrapbook, painting a picture, or coloring in a coloring book—adults included! The possibilities are endless.

10. Go Outside

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside. If you need to stretch your legs, grab your rain boots, jacket, and umbrella, and head outside for some rainy day fun. If the temperature’s nice, you can set up a slip-and-slide, water balloon fight, or any number of other water-themed yard games (just be prepared to get a bit muddy)!

A rainy day at home is a bit like a “staycation.” Check out our Staycation blog for more themed ideas you can do right at home such as backyard camping, a movie marathon, family games, creative projects, or exploring your hometown. Find recipes, tips, and examples for all five themes at: https://potatorolls.com/blog/staycation-resources.