Things to do on a family beach vacation when it rains
While the main purpose of a family beach vacation is to have fun on the sand in the sun, Mother Nature sometimes sends rain to ruin those plans. Instead of sitting inside and anxiously waiting for the rain to stop and the clouds to clear, there are plenty of fun family activities to do on a rainy day.
Shopping
Shopping malls are one of the most popular activities for rainy days at the beach. Tourists generally take a little time to find souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home. Rain provides a good opportunity for indoor activities like shopping.
Puzzles and games
When spending time outdoors is not an option, spending time in a hotel suite can be just as relaxing and fun. It’s always a good idea for the family to pack some of their favorite games to take on vacation just in case. Games, puzzles, and cards are fun sources of entertainment. Many hotel resorts will keep an extra board game or deck of cards at the front desk so guests can borrow if needed.
Indoor pool
Stay at a beach vacation resort hotel with an indoor pool. When the weather outside is uncooperative, children can still go swimming and parents can still relax. Pack some pool toys, like water wings and skateboards. Bring swimming goggles and nose plugs if necessary. Beach hotels with indoor pools offer an alternative to driving in the rain and spending extra money on entertainment. Parents should ensure that children follow the pool rules to enhance their enjoyment and safety.
Museums
While the holidays are a time of fun and relaxation, it doesn’t hurt to add a little educational value at the same time. Rainy days are ideal for visits for this reason. Visits to local museums and historical landmarks are one way to help children experience history and culture first-hand. Whether there are lighthouses and maritime museums or houses from the Civil and Revolutionary War period on display, viewing artifacts and photos from local history is a practical way to learn.
Films
For some routine fun with an unfamiliar twist, rainy days are good candidates for a visit to the local cinema. While the family may be used to home theaters, trying a different venue is a fun, if a little unusual, experience. The function of the building is the same, but the design, lighting, and concessions are different enough to make the experience unique and memorable. One advantage of going to the movies on a rainy day is that there is almost always something new that all family members can see together.