As the rain starts pouring down, families often find themselves in a dilemma about what to do for fun. However, instead of sulking about the weather, an exciting opportunity arises when planning a tropical vacation during the rainy season. Contrary to the popular belief that tropical destinations are best visited in the dry season, the rainy season can actually be the perfect time to explore the wonders of nature with loved ones. With vibrant green trees, blooming flowers, and a unique sensory experience filled with colors, sounds, and scents, a tropical vacation during the rainy season promises to be unforgettable.
When ready to take the plunge, it’s important to know where to go and what to do when you get there. Fortunately, there are stunning destinations in Central America and the Caribbean that are particularly enjoyable during the rainy season. So gather the family, pack up the hiking boots and insect repellent, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Planning a family vacation during the rainy season isn’t as crazy an idea as it sounds. Instead of enjoying the sunny beach or cozy cabin in the mountains, tropical vacations with family can provide spectacular beauty and unique experiences. Trees will glisten like emeralds, flowers will bloom in vibrant colors, and every sense will be delighted by the spectrum of sights, sounds, and smells. Such vacations aren’t commonplace, which is what will make it even more special and unforgettable. Best of all, there are incredibly beautiful places to visit in several countries and islands of the Caribbean and Central America that are best enjoyed while the rain pours down. Family vacations like those offer such an adventure-filled, wow-inducing opportunity to marvel at the wonders of nature growing and thriving that it would be a shame to miss out.
Choosing the Right Destination
A rainy season can put a damper on the best family vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think creatively and plan a great trip, regardless of what the weather holds. Choosing the right destination is paramount to having a fun vacation, rain or shine. Tropical destinations are some of the best places to go during the rainy season. Not only do tropics usually enjoy a balmy climate, but they also typically have both wet and dry seasons, and rain is usually short-lived in the tropics. Destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Tahiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Fiji Islands are full of sunshine, sea, and sand but are often drenched in rain through hurricane season. With stunning scenery and balmy rainforest jungles, many tropical resorts have invested in indoor activities and excursions that the whole family will enjoy, despite an intermittent downpour. Be sure to explore resorts that offer complimentary services such as water park access, indoor activities like museum visits or cooking classes, and fun excursions like game nights and hula dancing lessons.
For families that prefer to hone in on the cultural aspect of a journey and get their groove on in an urban environment, a city in the rainy season is a great choice for an itinerary filled with indoor activities and excursions. Big cities like New York City, London, Chicago, and Tokyo have something for everyone, right inland or beneath its bustling streets. Visit the numerous art museums in Chicago, including the Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art, or take the kids to one of the many science exhibits at the Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, or the Shedd Aquarium. In New York City, families can visit the Bronx Zoo or the American Museum of Natural History, and in London, families can take several day trips that include the London Eye and experiential stops in West End. In Tokyo, families can explore Harajuku, Akihabara, and Ikebukuro, or try typhoon simulation rides at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
For families that prefer the down to earth and laid-back vacation style of woodsy cabins and hikes in the mountains, there are plenty of options to escape the summer deluge. In the rainy season, many mountain resorts drop their prices significantly to lure in some off-season clientele. Mother Nature also strikes a balance: mountains that are drenched in sunshine during the summer usually get more rain in the winter, and vice versa. It all comes down to the right patterns of wind and moisture. Retreating to a cozy cabin nestled in a mountain range is a warm, rustic, and romantic getaway. Many resorts have worked on family-oriented indoor activities while there was a lull in the summer family crowd. Enjoy arts and crafts, family board game nights, and scavenger hunts!
Tropical Destinations
With summer approaching, many people are starting to think about vacation plans. However, what happens when there are unforeseen weather changes? Instead of allowing a rainy season to ruin your plans, there are plenty of other options to consider. Consider taking your family on a vacation to a tropical destination. Countries close to the equator such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam are usually not affected by the rain. In most cases, the rain turns out to be short, spotty showers with no disruption to plans.
Aside from the rain, another reason why tropical destinations are a good idea is to escape the brutal summer heat. Traveling from a country with extremely hot weather to a tropical destination will be a dramatic weather change for anyone. However, it is advisable to check weather patterns and forecasts once more before making a decision. A chilly destination is not something that most tropical locals are familiar with.
Family vacations in tropical destinations are all about relaxation and leisure. It is very common to find a slew of economic high-quality accommodations that look out to a pool or the nearby beach. A seaside activity is usually included, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, or even taking a day tour on a nearby island. Most seaside exotic vacations in tropical destinations feature beautiful natural scenery and an endless supply of blue hues.
With exotic restaurants, the experience adds to the joy of being on holiday. Imagine having breakfast while the sun shines on the sea, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Enjoying a piña colada while relaxing on a sunbed with a white sandy beach underfoot is an unforgettable experience. After sunset, there is nothing like an evening spent enjoying barbecues with sizzling seafood and fusion Asian food. Then continue to listen to a local band under the moonlight while breathing fresh air filled with a cool breeze.
Urban Escapes with Indoor Activities
Urban escapes can be an excellent family vacation idea during the rainy season, especially when they come loaded with indoor activities. Rainy days become your cue for family fun amid the greatest indoor facilities accessible. From amusement parks to aquariums, planetariums to museums and cities, these urban locations offer unique experiences to cherish on a family vacation, rain or shine.
Amusement Parks: You have never played in an amusement park? Maybe it is time for you to discover one. Amusement parks are a must-visit family vacation idea. They offer unlimited rides for people of all ages, making children squeal with excitement, teens thrilled, and adults flashback to their childhood. Try visiting Wonderla, Universal Studios, Disneyland or Horchata and Little America.
Aquariums: Fancy marine life? There are many aquariums clustered in urban locations. Get up-close with sea animals like dolphins, jellyfish, killer whales, and morays. In Hershey Park, for instance, touch acts like a stingray and dolphin shows for hugs with these huge creatures. Later, it is nice to unwind in the recliner seats of their 4D theatre.
Planetariums: For kids and adults who dream of flying into space, checking out the planets, catching shooting stars, or visiting the moon, a planetarium stop is a must. Missed outdoor hiking adventures? Go counting the stars with your head tilted back in a dark dome instead. The Grandeur of the Universe at Nicholas Copernicus Planetarium, Teatre de la Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, or UNLV Planetarium are the way to go.
Museums or Cities: There are interesting museums beyond the boring history or art ones that students usually dread. Want to see nothing but sexy adult dolls or an odd collection of wacky curiosities? There’s a museum for that too! From Science, History, Art, Music, and Transportation to the weirdest things ever, museum-hopping in a new city sounds interesting. Curiosities city tours usually pair famous tourist attractions with off-the-beaten-path oddities. Exploring these earthling extravaganzas is a sure way to make lasting memories with the family.
Mountain Getaways
If the closest mountain range is just a few hours away by car or train, consider taking a family vacation in the mountains, even with kids and toddlers in tow. Some family-friendly mountain activities and ideas to add to the itinerary include swimming in lakes, going on short hikes, and exploring nature.
Family-friendly mountain vacation activities: – Lake Swimming: Swim in the Header Lakes. Visit the nearby header lakes even if you have to drive a little. Splash in the water with your baby, toddlers, and small kids, letting them cool down while paddling in the shallow areas. Take the two older kids with float tubes to swim and have as much fun as possible. The cute family swimsuits will take cuter and funnier pics of everyone playing. – Short Family Hikes: Pack a daily backpack for hikes, loaded with trail snacks, picnic lunches, kid-friendly hiking gear such as buckets, exploration kits, and cameras, and an extra layer or two. Visit the popular waterfall hike nearby, which is an easy-peasy 1.6-mile loop. This easy hike is friendly for families with small kids due to the shorter distance, maintained trail surface, logging bridges, lots of water views (and wiggle stones) on the way, and plenty of shady forest. – Explore Nature with a Critter Catching Kit: Stop by a local dollar store and buy a critter catching kit for only $10 before hitting the mountains. Bring it along on hikes, to lakes, and any forest adventures. The kids will be excited to seek out hidden critters all day long! – Have a Webcam View of the Sunrise: Consider splurging on a vacation rental that overlooks the forest-filled valley and snow-capped mountains and arrive in time to watch the sunset. Once dawn breaks, view the forest through large bay windows, listen to the chirping of birds, and sip on delicious coffee. Don’t forget to pull out a lovely mountain book stocked with local butterflies, birds, and wildflower guides.
Packing Essentials for Rainy Season Travel
Rainy season travel, especially with family, can be a refreshing and enriching experience if the right preparation strategy is followed. A family-friendly travel checklist would include items that accommodate both enjoyment and safety for every member during the trip while adding convenience to parents. The first packable essentials are shoes. In addition to flip-flops or sandals, waterproof shoes with good grip are essential as floors inside the hotel or resort may be slippery due to rain. Waterproof sneakers or clogs may also keep feet protected from the rain as children jump in puddles while playing. The next essential is a raincoat. Unlike umbrellas, rain jackets have the advantage of not being blown away by strong winds, thus making them more reliable. Another often overlooked but useful item is swim goggles. Children often enjoy splashing water during their playtime but may be more cautious of this if they cannot see clearly underwater. In that regard, goggles would help children recognize water as a form of play, increasing the enjoyment when swimming or diving at the beach or in pools. A highly recommended packable essential is water-resistant foldable bags. They can be used for several purposes to protect items from rain, such as storing wet clothing or containing items that must stay dry, and are also foldable, making them convenient to store when no longer needed. Towels are common items packed for vacations but are even more essential during rainy seasons as they can help dry children off and avoid getting sick from being wet for too long. A pocket-size towel that can easily be carried around after a trip to the beach is a great travel companion. As there will be much water around, it is essential to be reminded of safety by packing engraved emergency information bracelets or wristbands for all family members. Lastly, sunscreen is a must-pack item that may be taken for granted when traveling when it is cloudy and rainy, as rays from the sun can penetrate cloud coverage. These items can enhance the enjoyment of a family vacation during the rainy season.
Another preparation strategy, in addition to having the right packing essentials, is creating a bucket list of family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed despite heavy rain. While some activities may only be feasible if it rains lightly, some activities can be enjoyed regardless of rain. The first family-friendly activity is indulging in local cuisine. Traveling often means enjoying specialty delicious food, and that enjoyment is even more heightened when it is raining while being sheltered indoors. The next activity is visiting attractions that provide great shelter, such as aquariums, art museums, caves, and botanical gardens that are common in many places around the world. Live performances using local artistry also provide a great experience while also leaving a small footprint on the earth when travelers tend to leave less waste behind compared to other forms of activity. Family game day is one of the best ways to bond as a family. Board games are often less frequently played when living a busy life back home, which makes it worthwhile to unload and enjoy simply as a family. If there are not many board games packed, a DIY game day can be created using items found at the hotel or resort. A highly amusing and fun activity that can be enjoyed at home and on vacation is a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts take clever thinking as treasure or items to find need to be announced without being easily guessed, leading to unexpected discoveries of items or sights that have never been paid attention to. Lastly, if it pours, there is nothing more relaxing than kicking back while reading something completely unattainable in daily life and enjoying a novel or stories from childhood on the beach or in the hotel room. Traveling during the rainy season may seem like an upheaval task, but with the right preparation strategy followed, it can be turned into a delightful experience for the family and cherished memories.
Fun Activities for Rainy Days
While rain showers sweep across the landscape, don’t let gloomy weather dampen your spirits. What can you and the family do on these wet days? Here are several fun activities that will make your rainy-day vacation memorable.
Indoor Games and Crafts
Rainy days can put a damper on outdoor plans, but they can also present an opportunity to get creative and have fun inside! Here are some ideas for indoor games and crafts that the whole family can enjoy together.
Game Night: Dust off your board games and host an old-fashioned game night. Choose a variety of games to keep everyone engaged, from classic options like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue to more modern favorites like Codenames, Exploding Kittens, or Ticket to Ride.
Craft Time: Gather some art supplies and let your creativity flow! You can create DIY greeting cards, paint flower pots, or even try your hand at knitting or crocheting. Some other fun crafting activities include making friendship bracelets, decorating notebooks, or creating paper-mâché sculptures.
Indoor Picnic: Set up a cozy picnic spot in your living room, complete with blankets and pillows. Prepare a selection of snacks or a simple meal, and enjoy a relaxing picnic while listening to the sound of rain outside.
Home Science Experiments: Conduct fun and educational science experiments using household items. A few simple ideas include creating a homemade volcano with baking soda and vinegar, making slime, or testing the pH level of various liquids with red cabbage juice.
Family Movie Marathon: Choose a theme or a series of films (like Disney classics or superhero movies) and enjoy a cozy movie marathon together. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Puzzle Challenge: Take on a large jigsaw puzzle as a family, or work on smaller puzzles individually or in teams. Set a timer and see how quickly you can complete it!
Indoor Treasure Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt by hiding clues and tasks around the house. Create a treasure map or write riddles for added excitement!
Cooking and Baking: Look up new recipes as a family and get everyone involved in the kitchen. Bake delicious homemade cookies, make fresh pasta from scratch, or prepare a fancy dinner! Unleash your inner chefs and enjoy the tasty results.
Indoor Obstacle Course: Build an obstacle course using pillows, furniture, and other household items. Challenge family members to complete the course in the fastest time, or add silly tasks to make it even more entertaining!
Reading Nook: Create a cozy reading nook with blankets and pillows, and dive into a stack of books. You could even start a family book club where you read the same book and discuss it together.
By the end of the rainy season, everyone’s sure to have a treasure trove of happy memories. Indoor games and crafts can bring families closer together while still allowing everyone to show off their individual skills and creativity!
Cooking Classes and Food Tours
Cooking classes and food tours provide engaging, immersive experiences for families. At local cooking classes, the family can learn to prepare traditional dishes, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore new ingredients and flavors together. Various cooking styles from around the world are often taught by chefs in fully equipped kitchens or professional schools. Besides, many chefs throw escape classes for at-home cooks. Therefore, families can gather in their kitchen and learn to recreate chef Julian Siguens’ churros or Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s sushi.
Alternatively, local food tours can reveal favorite spots for pizza, pastries, and other culinary delights, often providing insight into a city’s history and culture. A food tour can be a fun, extraordinary way for families to spice up a vacation! Families can visit one of the many exciting food tours offered in cities like London, Paris, Marrakech, New Orleans, and many more towns across the continents, stopping at cafés, shops, and markets. A tour might include a visit to a chocolate shop, where chocolatiers make truffles by hand, or a lunch at a market stall where vendors sell crispy Parisian baguettes with homemade chicken confit.
Visiting markets can also be thrilling! For instance, families might discover that Marrakech has colorful spice souks, and Barcelona has beautifully tied hams and chorizos hanging in the Boqueria, or markets with alleys of fish fresh from the boats in Brittany and Naples.
Visiting Museums and Cultural Sites
Rainy days can often put a damper on outdoor plans, but they can also provide a unique opportunity to explore the world of creativity, knowledge, and artistic flair. Visiting museums and cultural sites can be a fun and informative way for families to spend time together while discovering something new. Not only can they foster shared interests and passions, but they can also be a great way to learn more about a family member’s individual interests during the interaction. The options are endless and can be tailored to suit the unique interests of each family, whether it is contemporary art, ancient history, film collections, or local sports teams.
Museums often provide family-friendly events and programs aimed at engaging visitors of all ages. Cultural sites too, such as botanical gardens, nature sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums, often provide an inclusive experience and family-oriented activities. Taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immersing the family in ocean life, prehistoric creatures, or outer space can give a whole new perspective.
New balloon-filled parks, kids’ play zones, and exhilarating obstacle courses have begun popping up everywhere recently. On rainy days, these types of indoor amusement parks make for a wild and crazy adventure. For families that enjoy high-energy outings, bouncing out all that pent-up energy in one of these parks is sure to leave everyone feeling tired yet happy!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Rainy Season Family Vacation
Choosing the right destination can make a significant difference in your vacation experience. Some places are more conducive to enjoying family activities during the rainy season than others. Research destinations that have a variety of indoor attractions, such as museums, aquariums, or indoor water parks. Look for destinations where the weather is mild or where rain showers are brief and infrequent. The Pacific Northwest in the United States, for instance, has a reputation for significant rainfall, but it can also be a region with beautiful greenery, mild temperatures, and opportunities for enclosed hikes and exploring waterfalls.
Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for everything—sunny skies or sudden downpours. Instead of bulk-packing a little of this and that, have everyone wear their favorite clothes on the airplane. All of you are less likely to get food stains on them if you eat before the flight. You can wear shoes that are difficult to lose or as a fashion statement as opposed to slippers suitable for lounging around.
Flexible itineraries should be on hand and thought out. You can vacation somewhere that has enough options for fun on cloudy days, like Kansas City. Besides adrenaline-pumping activities such as roller coasters and water slides, escape rooms, painting classes for kids, or science museums can be considered. When researching and booking excursions, keep in mind that rain out refunds are usually handled differently than day trips if just one event gets rained out.