When the weather turns sour and things start to get soggy, as it often does this time of year, it can be hard to find the motivation to leave the house. But just because it’s miserable outside doesn’t mean that you have to be—rainy days can make for some of the best social events if you know where to look.
To help you find ways to fill the rainiest of days, we’ve rounded up a list of the best things to do when it’s bucketing down that aren’t just staying home all day. Read on for some rainy-day inspiration thanks to our pals at TImezone and Zone Bowling.
Check Out Timezone
If you’re looking to tap into your inner child (or if you need something to keep the young ones in your world entertained) look no further than Timezone. Not only does Timezone have some of the best arcade games on offer, but you can also jump into rounds of laser tag, bowling and bumper cars, making it the ideal spot to fire up your competitive spirit. So the next time it starts pouring, round up your mates and settle some scores at your local Timezone.
Visit An Art Gallery
Who doesn’t love soaking up a little bit of culture when it’s soaking wet outside? There are heaps of large-scale exhibitions on display across the country as well as some local galleries showcasing incredible emerging artists in your area. The best bit? Heaps of galleries have free exhibitions so you can get your arts and culture fix without a hefty price tag.
Zone In On Ten Pins
Consider yourself the competitive type? In our opinion, rainy weather is the ideal time to battle your mates—or a date—at the bowling alley. The crew at Zone Bowling have been providing top-tier bowling experiences for over 30 years and have over 30 locations across the continent making it a go-to destination for some good old-fashioned fun. It's not just ten-pin bowling on offer at Zone. Each location has a range of other great offerings including laser tag. Plus, the tasty food and drink options are guaranteed to please all palates.
Catch A Flick
Rainy days make the perfect movie-watching weather, so why not hit up your local cinema and save yourself from endlessly browning through Netflix on your couch next time the rain settles in? There’s something magical about the shared experience and a giant bucket of popcorn (and maybe a frozen drink if you’re feeling especially nostalgic), so take the opportunity to catch up on the latest releases or some old classics at your local theatre when the weather turns.
Get Your Skates On
There are only a few activities that are simultaneously as fun and as humbling as ice skating. This makes it one of the more adventurous options on the list, but one we promise is worth trying. Not only is ice skating a great way to test your coordination but it’s also guaranteed to inject some excitement into your day, especially if the last time you were on the ice was back in primary school.
Channel Your Inner Creativity
Channelling your inner artist can come easily to some, but others might need a little encouragement and structure to get those creative juices flowing. That’s why signing up for a class is the perfect way to turn a rainy day around. Whether you’ve been meaning to dabble in ceramics, painting, or photography, or if you’ve always wanted to tuft a rug, design your phone case, or learn how to cook excellent Thai food, there are plenty of options that you can sign up for either as a solo adventurer or with some friends. Not only will you be able to create something you can keep, but you’ll be able to give yourself a break from the screens and enjoy working with your hands.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Timezone and Zone Bowling. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: supplied and via Zone Bowling Instagram.