Rainy Day Fun in Boston

Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you have to feel trapped inside. Try checking out some of these fun acitivities on your next rainy day in Boston .

Prepare your own gourmet meal

Feel like getting creative while stuck indoors? Try looking up a fancy recipe and preparing it yourself. Head to South End Formaggio in the South End for specialty cheeses, cured meats, dry goods, and wine. Next, make a stop by Christina’s Spice & Specialty Shop at 1261 Cambridge St. in Cambridge to pick up the perfect exotic spice. And don’t miss Trader Joe’s, with locations in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Arlington, and West Newton, to get the rest of the ingredients.

See a movie on the BIG screen

Lots of people head to the movies on a gloomy day, but why not try something different? Several IMAX theaters in and around Boston offer exciting pictures on giant, five-story tall screens. The IMAX at the New England Aquarium offers shows on the deep sea, outer space, and also features special major motion pictures. Or check out the flicks at the Mugar Omni Theater at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Relax at the spa

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to take some time and relax. Why not treat yourself to a day of comfort at a spa? Rejuvenate your skin with a body wrap or facial at G2O spa and salon on Newbury Street. Or get a glowing summer skin (safely) with a Body Bronzing Treatment at Bella Sante on Newbury.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch

Nothing says “comfort’’ like a tasty brunch, and believe us — Boston knows how to brunch. Head to Newbury Street’s Sonsie for some thick French toast with rum bananas, caramel, and mint, or enjoy a waterfront brunch in comfy lounge love seats at The Living Room.

Pictured is the jazz brunch at Ryles in Cambridge.

Go bowling

Lace up those bowling shoes and head to the lanes. Boston and Cambridge have several fun bowling spots that are sure to cure the rainy day blues. Lucky Strike Lanes on Ipswich Street near Fenway Park offers a hip, modern place to get your bowl on, with computerized consoles and TV screens displaying sports games. Or, if it’s raining at 4 a.m. and the urge to bowl is irresistible, head to Boston Bowl on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Experience Japanese at the Porter Exchange

The Porter Exchange, a small mall on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, is home to several Japanese eateries and shops, making it the perfect spot to eat and explore on a dreary day. Try the Japanese hamburgers at Cafe Mami, or head to Ittyo Restaurant for authentic Japanese noodles and rice bowls. And don’t forget to stop by Kotobukiya Market, a Japanese grocery store, to pick up your own goodies to cook at home.

Go antiquing

When it’s cold and dreary outside, why not take the opportunity to spruce up the nest? Find inspiration at Cambridge Antique Market. With more than 150 dealers, you’ll find everything from high end to low brow.

At right, “true blue’’ offerings at Still Life Home Consignment in Hudson.

Curl up with a book

Nothing chases a rainy day away like escaping within the pages of a good book. A number of cozy Boston bookstores offer used books at a discount, along with comfy chairs to take a seat and ignore the weather. Try Trident Booksellers & Café on Newbury Street for books and brunch, or head to Lorum Ipsum Books in Cambridge, which offers a 10 percent discount on rainy days.

Laugh the rain away

A few jokes are sure to brighten any gloomy day, so head to one of Boston’s many comedy studios to avoid the miserable weather. Check out some improvisational comedy at the Improv Asylum or sip on a scorpion bowl while giggling at The Comedy Studio in Harvard Square.

Take a two-hour drive

It can’t be raining everywhere, right? Try taking a trip outside Boston in search of sunnier skies. Head to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire for boating and water sports or take a tour of coastal vineyards.

Hopefully the sun follows you back home.

Enjoy an indoor water park

Summer weather means fun in the sun and sand, and that doesn’t have to stop just because a humid thunderstorm has rolled in. Try a few of the resorts in New England that have indoor water parks, complete with slides, wave pools, and kiddie areas. The CoCo Key Water Resort in Danvers keeps the temperature at a warm 84 degrees yearround. Float down the Adventure River or play water basketball in the Coral Reef Cavern. Or head down to the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, which features a huge indoor wave pool and slides. Find out about more indoor water parks across New England.

Make your own arts and crafts

Try creating the perfect string of beads to match your new outfit, or design a new vase to hold those summertime blooms the rain will surely bring. There are plenty of spots in and around Boston sure to get your creative juices flowing. Beadworks, with locations in Boston and Cambridge, offers thousands of unique and colorful beads, as well as jewelry already made. Or head to Made by Me in between Harvard and Porter squares to pick out and paint your own vases, cups, plates, and more.

At left, The Clayroom in Brookline.

Shoot some pool

There’s no shortage of spots in and around Boston to shoot a game of pool, so what better way to spend a rainy day than trying a few out? Most have full menus so you can grab a bite or a brew while you play. Try Jillian’s in Fenway.

Get an outdoor workout indoors

Bummed because a torrential downpour has ruined your planned run through the woods? Try an indoor rock climbing gym for a unique and fun workout. MetroRock Gym, in Everett and Newburyport, has special instructional courses, Friday night events for students, after school programs, and party and sleepover options.

Race Formula One style

Get your heart pumping as you race around the track at F1 Boston’s open racing session. After you suit up and receive a driver briefing, you hit the road, racing against other drivers. Sessions include a practice run and a race. Reservations are recommended. Call 781-228-2010 for hours and availability. All drivers must be at 18 and have a valid driver’s license.