Free rainy day fun
Yeah, it’s the weekend! And we’re stuck indoors… again. So if you're with the kids, with your partner or inviting friends around, check out these ideas for making the most of those wet weekends… without spending ANY money!
Bake something yummy
When was the last time you made a cake? Or a fruit crumble? Or flapjack? Or chocolate brownies? So maybe this isn’t entirely free, but the ingredients will be cheaper than buying snacks. I recommend any recipes that involve making ‘breadcrumbs’ with your fingers. The messier the better. Plus after an hour or two you get to eat it. Yum.
Host an indoor picnic
There are some key ingredients to making this work:
1. Invite friends around. It’s a perfect social occasion.
2. Make sure it looks like a picnic. Checked blankets and a picnic basket are essential.
3. No chairs. Everyone on the living room floor. Cushions permitted if required
4. Fun food and drink! If it’s yesterday’s curry heated up, it doesn’t really work.
Read a book
Turn off the TV and take a fresh look at your bookcase. If you’ve already read them all, call a friend and arrange a book swap. Or head to your local charity shop and pick up a classic for 50p. If it’s going to rain all week, go for a mammoth like John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’… it’s worth it!
Make a den
Just because you’re a grown up, doesn’t mean it’s not allowed… even if you’re just watching telly, everything’s more fun in a den. Get some spare bed sheets out of the cupboard, look in the shed for a broom or a rake that could double as a tent pole, make use of chairs, sofas and the coffee table, and chuck a load of pillows on the floor. Now get out the Cowboy and Indians fancy dress gear… just kidding!
Play cards
I’m not suggesting you gamble to pass the time! But you can have a ton of fun with a set of playing cards. If you’re bored of the games you know, learn a new one. Ask your friends which ones they know, or get on the internet and learn one from scratch. This stuff can be compulsive, which means it’s great for boring days inside! Warning: don’t play with over-competitive friends. Those hurts take time to heal…
Brave the attic
Everyone has a mental ‘to do’ list marked ‘one day when I can be bothered’. But tackling one of those never-day jobs can be quite rewarding, and even fun! Be prepared to get lost in the attic looking at pictures from your primary school days, or reading through old diaries. You may leave your loft even more messy than it was in the first place, but at least you’ll have enjoyed a trip down memory lane.
It’s good to talk
Most phone companies have free calls to landlines on weekends. When was the last time you spoke to your Grandparents? Or how about that old housemate from your uni days who you promised to stay in touch with but haven’t spoken to in years? Get out your address book, take the plunge and make the connection again. If it’s raining, it’s Sunday afternoon and you’re bored, chances are the other person will be too.
Become a culture vulture
Most museums and art galleries have free entry. Find your nearest one and go get yourself an education. If it all sounds too grown up, you can always play hide-and-seek around the exhibitions!
Check out the new, improved LOUNGE area for some recipe ideas to kick-start your rainy day baking session.
Written by Becky Matyus.
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