Just because the weather has decided to be gloomy and rainy doesn’t mean you have to call off a day of fun and games. There are many sports games and physical activities you can pick up indoors to keep the competition and excitement going even while the rain is pouring.
Darts
Playing a few rounds of darts is a great indoor option that doesn’t take up too much space or require much bulky or expensive equipment. The game of darts will challenge you and your friends in ways you might not expect, requiring careful concentration and even more precision than many other sports.
Table Tennis
Table tennis, or ping pong, is an old favorite for many reasons. It holds the allure of friendly competition and a lot of fun in a small space. You don’t need an official ping pong table to play, either. You can set up a net on a dining room table and start the game.
Bowling
This game might make you nostalgic for the bowling birthday parties you went to when you were a kid, and you might be surprised to find that it lives up to the excitement you remember. While it’s hard to set up at home, visiting a bowling alley is affordable. Plus, most bowling alleys also have arcade games, bars, and pub-style food like fries and burgers, making this activity even more enticing.
Basketball
While basketball is usually played at the court in a local park or a driveway, it is a game you can bring indoors if the weather interferes with your plans. You can play an indoor-friendly version at home with a small net and mini basketball, ideally on the softer side, which is unlikely to cause serious damage if the game becomes too lively. Alternatively, you can find an indoor court nearby and start a game. All you’ll need is a basketball and a comfortable pair of sneakers to play.
Boxing
Boxing is an incredible workout that can get your heart pounding, build muscle, and improve coordination. Admittedly, it’s not without some drawbacks, but if you approach this activity with caution and coaching, it can be an enjoyable way to pass a rainy day. You can take this on at home with a punching bag or head to a local boxing gym to meet new people, get valuable insights from other boxers, and sign up for a class or lesson.
Billiards
Another friendly competition game that’s entertaining for groups is billiards. Like darts, choosing your next move requires focus, precision, and some critical thinking. You can set up billiards without crazy high costs at home with a tabletop version of the game that can be placed on another table, like a dining table. Of course, you could also just head to your local pool hall or bar for a game.
Sports Video Games
Video games allow you to indulge in the thrill and excitement of playing a game from the comfort of your couch. Popular video sports games include Super League Baseball 2 and RetroMania Wrestling. You could even try your luck at earning extra cash with sports-themed Hacksaw Gaming slots from casinos.com.
Fitness Classes
Staying indoors with fitness classes can be a fun and free way to participate in sports and exercise. At home, you’ll need plenty of free space, a screen, and access to the internet to try this out. Find an online class or video to follow, and you’ll find tons of entertainment and movement, even on a rainy day. If you usually track your workouts, don’t forget to set your tracker or smartwatch before starting a program.
Sometimes, you can turn individual activities, like learning a new dance or challenging yourselves to a kickboxing or Pilates class, into fun games for groups. So, if you planned to meet with friends before it called for rain, you can still do something fun and active together.
Weightlifting
Picking up a set of weights has many benefits for your physical health. Of course, this activity allows you to build muscle, but it also strengthens your bones and improves your mental and cardiovascular health. If you’re unsure where to start, look for basic guidance online or schedule time with a personal trainer.
Cycling
Hopping on your bike is a great stress reliever and another activity with many health benefits. If you have a bike you typically use outdoors, you can get attachments that allow you to use it as a stationary bike in your home. Once it is set up, you can play music or put on a show and start your workout. Alternatively, you can go to the gym and use a stationary bike there or attend a spinning class.
Running
If you had planned to go out for a run before it started raining, you can always bring your run indoors by using a treadmill. You can set yourself up for success by listening to your usual running playlist or playing a video of a running trail or TV show. As with cycling, if you don’t have a treadmill at home, the gym is the perfect place to go, and it also presents an opportunity to meet other runners.
Hula-Hooping
Another popular recommendation for an indoor activity is hula-hooping. It’s an activity that brings out your inner child while delivering the many benefits of exercise. Once you find your groove, you can look up tricks to learn to keep the activity mentally stimulating and challenging.
Conclusion
Although the rain can change your plans, it doesn’t mean you have to cancel them entirely. You can pick up your favorite games or activities indoors and have an enjoyable day of competition, exercise, and fun.