It’s every parent’s nightmare. You get to a super fun destination like a theme park or beach and torrential downpours keep your family confined to the hotel. Sure, you could flee to a museum or mall, but when the rain is especially bad, it’s tough to layer up the kids and keep them dry. Chances are also high you didn’t bother to bring along umbrellas, galoshes and a raincoat.
Instead of immediately turning to screen time, occupy the kids with some fun and games right in the hotel. Then when they’re sufficiently tired out and ready to crash, turn on a movie for some peace and quiet for Mom and Dad. Here are five things to try on your next rainy day vacation.
Raid the Amenities
Whether you’re staying in a motel or luxury hotel, there’s bound to be a few amenities you can raid on a rainy day. Ask the front desk about any age requirements, and then hit the gym, indoor sauna and hopefully a pool for a dip.
Build Forts
Hotels load up guests with towels, sheets, robes and even more sheets that can all be transformed into the perfect fort. Better yet, create a giant fort tunnel draping across your hotel beds and over nightstands and chairs for a subterranean adventure.
Photo: Constantin Opris | Dreamstime.com
Splurge on Room Service
Kids lose their minds in glee when they’re finally allowed to order room service. But if they’ve been there and done that, scour the menu for a contraband item like milkshakes or ice cream sundaes you wouldn’t normally indulge in. And if room service isn’t really in your travel budget, go shopping at the vending machines and have a potluck with snacks everyone can enjoy.
Go On a Scavenger Hunt
A respectful and quietly executed hotel scavenger hunt may become your kids’ new favorite activity. Send a parent to take a few quick notes on where vending machines, ice machines, conference rooms and laundry areas are and come up with clever clues where your kids have to guess where these spots are. Team up a grown-up with a kid and see who wins. Pass out prizes from the vending machine where everyone can win at least one thing.
People Watch in the Lobby
Even little kids can get in on the fun of people watching. But turn it into a game and make a list of 10 things they have to spot from high heels to trench coats. They’ll get fired up by the competition and forget they’re just sitting around waiting for the rain to pass them by.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedSlideshow
May 22, 20256 Roman Walls for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Santa Monica’s New AI Program Makes Visiting a Breeze
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and it really is changing the way we travel. Santa Monica, the vibrant Southern California hot spot where family travelers to Los Angeles go to enjoy the sea, sand and quintessential “beach lifestyle,” joins the AI trend. When it comes to using AI to improve the tourist experience, plenty of destinations have recently gotten with the program, like Lake Tahoe, Aruba and New Zealand. By partnering with GuideGeek to create customized itinerary support to help travelers plan their vacations, Santa Monica is keeping up.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Explore Hawai’i with “Lilo & Stitch” Magic
Ohana travelers might want to take time out of their busy Memorial Day weekend plans to head to the movies for the premiere weekend of Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch. With the movie set in stunning Hawai’i, family travelers might find themselves inspired to plan their own Hawaiian adventure.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025The Family Heritage Experience Opens in Boston
There’s an innovative new exhibition for family travelers to Boston. Family Heritage Experience opened to the public on April 25, inviting visitors to ponder questions about their own family, from its origins to its cultural traditions.
Destinations / North America
May 20, 2025Discover Massachusetts’ College Towns
Families with high school students thinking about college choices can combine summer family travel with campus visits. College towns — and the schools themselves — are often rich in museums, attractions and activities for the rest of the family to enjoy while the prospective student tours the campus.
Destinations / North America
May 20, 2025What’s New at These Virginia Hotels in 2025?
Virginia is a popular destination for family travelers. Now, there is even more draw to the state thanks to a slew of new and updated hotels debuting in 2025. Add these hotels to your family travel list:
ShareThis