A little rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your family getaway. In fact, some of the best holiday memories are made indoors, when everyone slows down and spends quality time together. Whether you’re staying on the Coromandel coast, lakeside in Taupō, or tucked away in a rural retreat, there are plenty of ways to turn a rainy day into a highlight of your holiday.
Here are some simple, family friendly ways to stay cosy, make memories, and enjoy quality time together when the rain rolls in.
1. Bring Out the Board Games
Nothing says holiday downtime quite like gathering around the table for a board game marathon. It’s a great way to bring the whole family together, away from screens and into a little friendly competition.
Family favourites:
- Monopoly
- Cluedo
- Scrabble
- Bananagrams
Quick and easy games:
- Uno
- Dobble
- Skip-Bo
No board required:
- Charades
- Heads Up
- 20 Questions
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, or grandparents, there’s a game for everyone.
2. Create the Ultimate Movie Afternoon
Turn your bach into a cosy cinema for the day. Grab some blankets, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a family movie marathon.
Family favourites:
- Harry Potter
- Paddington
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Lord Of The Rings
- Night At The Museum
- Madagascar
Many Bachcare holiday homes feature Smart TVs, making it easy to stream your family’s favourite movies and shows.
3. Cook Up Something Delicious Together
Rainy days are perfect for spending time in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking sweet treats or preparing a hearty family meal, cooking together can become one of the most memorable parts of your holiday.
Try:
- Baking fresh cookies or scones
- Decorating cupcakes with the kids
- Making homemade pizzas
- Creating a hot chocolate station complete with marshmallows and toppings
Need inspiration? Check out our favourite Chelsea winter recipes for cosy baking ideas the whole family can enjoy: https://www.bachcare.co.nz/blog/our-favorite-chelsea-winter-recipes/
Cooking together isn’t just about the food, it’s about creating moments and memories around the table.
4. Build the Ultimate Blanket Fort
Sometimes the simplest activities are the most fun. Transform the lounge into a cosy hideaway using blankets, cushions, and chairs.
Once it’s built, you can:
- Read books together
- Watch a movie inside the fort
- Enjoy some treats
- Let the kids decorate their own space
It’s a classic rainy day activity that never goes out of style.
5. Get Creative Together
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to slow down and get creative.
Try:
- Starting a holiday journal or scrapbook
- Completing a family puzzle
- Drawing or painting the view outside
- Colouring competitions
- Creating postcards to send to friends or family
These quiet moments often become some of the most cherished memories from a family getaway.
6. Hot Chocolate and Story Time
When the weather turns grey, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm drink and a good story.
Set up a cosy reading corner and enjoy:
- Reading a favourite family book together
- Taking turns telling stories
- Introducing the kids to a new chapter book
- Sharing memories from past holidays
Add a mug of hot chocolate and you’ve got the perfect rainy day activity.
Make the Most of Your Bach Stay
Sometimes the best holiday memories aren’t made under blue skies. They’re made around the dining table, inside a blanket fort, or during a rainy afternoon spent playing games together.
A holiday is all about spending quality time together, no matter the forecast which is why the team at Bachcare have you covered.
So if the rain rolls in during your next stay, embrace it. Slow down, get cosy, and enjoy the simple moments that make a family holiday truly memorable.
