Make a splash! A Vancouverite’s Survival Guide for Rain Days

I’ve always been drawn to the sun. Like a housecat, I’ll seek out a sunbeam and bask in it all day. Needless to say, the dark and damp Vancouver winters aren’t usually my favourite time of the year. 

But I’m proud to announce that this was the year I finally pushed myself to get outside and brave the elements. And I’ve never appreciated the wet winter weather more!

Since we can’t pick and choose our weather, it’s important to get outside and enjoy nature—no matter what the forecast. 

Here are 10 drizzle-friendly ideas for easy family activities, plus some guidance for parks groups looking to organize all-weather events for the public. We promise they’ll have you looking forward to the next rainy day.

10 Great Rainy-Day Activities

1. Invasive pulls. Pulling out invasive weeds in the rain is much easier as the soil turns into soft mud. It’s a lot of fun, can be great exercise, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment by helping to protect our native biodiversity. To get started, consider volunteering with groups such as SPES, Free the Fern, Everett Crowley Park Committee, the Lower Mainland Green Team, or Wildcoast Ecological to join group activities, and to learn more about which weeds are best to pull in your area.
2. Adopt a catch basin. When it rains, leaves, debris, and litter can block catch basins and stop rainwater from properly draining. By “adopting” a catch basin and keeping it clear for you and your neighbours, you’ll help to protect water quality, reduce the risk of flooding, and keep the sidewalks dry—while having fun. Plus, Mmny municipalities run adoption programs where they send materials, training guides, and safety equipment for volunteers.
3. Have a mini boat race. Here’s a great idea for kids (and the young at heart). Create a little raft using natural materials like leaves, then float them down a small stream to see who’s the fastest. Make sure you only use biodegradable materials that have already fallen from trees and bushes, in case your raft accidentally floats into a storm drain. To get started, read this resource on honourable harvesting.
4. Go dancing. Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. Make your own “Dancing in the Rain” playlist, or try this one on Spotify. Pop in your headphones (or borrow some waterproof speakers), put on your rain gear, and twirl away. You can even channel your inner Gene Kelly and use your umbrella as a prop—just make sure everyone is spaced out far enough so that nobody gets an unwanted poke in the eye. 
5. Host a rain gear fashion show. Who says Gore-Tex can’t be chic? We’re inspired by Single Line Theatre’s Umbrella Fashion Show, where contestants competed to present the most creatively decorated umbrella. Organize your own runway show by embellishing your waterproof outfits with unique accessories. 
6. Make a mud sculpture. When’s the last time you got really muddy? Mud is a textural wonder that both kids and adults love to play with. Better yet, scientists have found that soil-based microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. While you can always play with mud on a sunny day by adding water to soil, it’s great to take advantage of the rain to help wash you off after you’re all done. Clean up’s a breeze!
7. Make rain art. There are countless ways to incorporate rain into art activities. Rain transforms watercolours and chalk, so take some paper outside and see what patterns the raindrops leave on your canvas. If you really want to stay dry, try shining some flashlights at a wall—the shadows from the raindrops can look beautiful.
8. Get musical. Grab pots of different sizes and place them out in the rain to see what sounds the raindrops make. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider making your own version of one of the winning entries in the Life Between Umbrellas competition to create wind chimes. Try different kinds of materials to see if you can come up with the next #1 hit! 
9. Take a nature walk. The same trails you walk on sunny days may transform in the rain with different sounds, smells, and colours. As a plus, the tree canopy should also help to keep you dry while you explore.  Keep a special eye out for ducks and slugs that may be hiding in the bushes when the sun is out. Hot tip: in Vancouver, bird watching is actually better in winter than in summer. Our mild temperatures and rich coastal habitats are like a magnet to seabirds and songbirds, plus it’s owls’ breeding season. 
10. Wait for a snow blitz. Of course, every once in a while we get a little bit of snow in Vancouver. Esther Moreno, an inspirational leader in the Fraserview community, never lets a rare Vancouver snow dump go to waste. She texts and calls all her neighbours whenever there’s snow in the forecast and keeps extra layers, sleds, and hot chocolate handy to share when the time is right. If you follow Esther’s lead, organize a meeting spot in advance and keep an inventory of the winter items that neighbours are willing to share so that everyone can participate.

Tips for Parks Groups

• Help people prepare. Make it clear that your event will be held rain or shine. To get people excited, talk about the unique charm of getting outside in the rain in your promotions. Include a reminder to “dress for the weather” in all communications and event details, and offer a prep-list for participants. 
• Bring extra gear: The Norwegians have a saying, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Coordinate with your fellow organizers to bring backup umbrellas, slickers, or waterproof ponchos in case participants need a little extra rain protection. 
• Offer themed programming. Host talks or workshops about the benefits of rain for ecosystems, gardens, and wildlife. Highlight how plants and animals adjust to the rain with guided tours or scavenger hunts.
• Keep things cozy. Serve warm beverages (like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) and snacks to keep participants comfortable. Set up a sheltered area with towels or hand dryers, and if permitted, include portable heaters or fire pits for warmth.

Do you have any other tips or ideas for rainy day activities? We’d love to hear from you!