Spring is quite possibly the most beautiful time of year… when it isn't raining. Yes, yes, rain means pretty flowers everywhere and green grass and birds singing and whatnot, but it really sucks to be stuck inside all day. When it rains, I usually end up watching a movie marathon on the couch and feeling like a total wasteland. So! I made a list of WAY better rainy day options to keep me away from the boob tube. 

1) Go To The Aquarium Or Planetarium

Embrace the weather by appreciating our planet earth. Explore the deep blue sea or stare up at a much clearer pretend night sky. You might even forget it's raining outside at all!

2) Check Out A Museum

Rainy days are perfect for wandering around a museum, looking at beautiful works of art with a friend, or even alone. Or, for a fun twist on the usual, check out a science museum and play and explore your way through the day.

3) Channel Your Inner Child

While searching for fun rainy day activities, I came across SO MANY sites that have fun stuff for kids to do when the skies turn grey. And I thought… why do kids get to have all the fun? Break out the arts & crafts, do a puzzle (they're addictive!) or play a board game. By yourself? crossword/sudoku time!

My two favorite ways to channel my inner child though, are newspaper snowball fights, and having a picnic in a homemade blanket fort. Seriously, when was the last time you threw rolled up newspaper around the room or camped indoors? Oh, and since you aren't actually a kid, bring a bottle of wine to that picnic!

4) Go To The Spa

Spend the day indoors getting primped! Get a massage, have your hair done, maybe even rock out some eye cucumbers! Or, if the spa is too expensive or you'd rather stay in the dry coziness of home, then indulge in a long bath, do your own nails - and maybe even dye your hair a new color! Seriously, there's nothing like making yourself feel pretty when the weather outside is so ugly.

5) Plan A Trip To Somewhere Sunny

Don't just dream of a place where the sun shines all day and the breeze cools your skin - make it happen! Take the bad weather as an opportunity to research and plan your next exotic vacation. It'll take your mind off the ick outside and energize you for weeks (or months) to come!

6) Get Yourself In Shape

Another great way to plan for sunnier days is to exercise! Seriously, you'll feel so much better about your day if you DON'T spend it sitting around all day. Whether you venture out to the gym, do a workout DVD, or even search toning techniques on YouTube, you won't regret getting your heart pounding and your body ready for that bathing suit!

7) Bake Something Yummy

OK, this might contradict #6, but it's still a great idea. When you're stuck inside, make the most of your kitchen! Want some great ideas? Check out Sweetie Pie's drool-worthy recipes. They'll fill the house with amazing aromas and you'll feel like you accomplished something that will make everyone smile.

8) Curl Up With A Good Book

Feed your brain! Instead of turning on the television, break out that book that's been sitting on your nightstand for months, untouched. Get yourself a blanket and some good lighting, and enjoy the quiet indulgence that is reading. Maybe even throw a nap in there after a few chapters, for the ultimate rainy day relaxation. Goodie Two Shoes has some great book recommendations, check em out!

9) Catch Up On The Little Things

The last thing I want to do when the weather is beautiful is stay inside and sew that missing button back on my shirt. But then every time I want to wear said shirt, well, it's missing a button! I know you've got plenty of mending, hand washing, and linen closet organizing piling up, so even if it isn't the most exciting rainy day activity, you'll feel so satisfied tomorrow having all that stuff taken care of.

10) Volunteer At Your Local Food Bank

If you're going to spend the day inside, why not spend it in a place helping others. Hunger is a serious problem for women and children in the United States, and there are so many ways you can make a difference. Speaking of which, Middle Sister's Help A Sister Out Campaign is promising to donate $15,000 PLUS $1 more for every new newsletter sign-up this April and May to food banks across the country. You can also help on your own by hosting a party with your friends to collect food to bring to your local food bank - and we all know a party with friends is the perfect rainy day distraction!