Walking Ideas for Rainy Days

This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post
for more information and links to other helpful posts.

When we think of summer, we think sunshine and warmth. We think long days spent at the beach—or by the pool. But, in reality, I feel like so many fun summer activities end up delayed or changed or canceled because of a summer storm. I spend so much time checking my weather app during the summer that you could probably consider it one of my hobbies.

But a rainy day doesn’t have to ruin your summer walking streak. Whether you decide to venture out for a rainy-day stroll or you choose to stay inside where it’s dry, there are plenty of ways to keep moving when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Enjoy a Refreshing Rainy-Day Stroll

A little bit of rain doesn’t have to ruin your walking plans! Earlier this summer, when we were planning a day at Disney before heading home from volleyball nationals, the forecast called for rain all day. We added some rain ponchos to our backpack and noted all of the indoor activities and crossed our fingers—but instead of storms, we got some light drizzle in the afternoon, and it was actually perfect. It cut through the heat, and we happily walked through it instead of taking cover.

If the rain is light and merely drizzling, it could be the perfect time to get outside for a cool, refreshing walk! When it rains, the temperatures tend to cool—and the light drizzle will feel like running through the sprinklers as a kid.

Of course, you’ll want to make some slight adjustments for your rainy-day walk. You’ll want to plan for a shorter route—or possibly short loops near your house or car—so you’ll be close to shelter if the rain picks up. You might want to carry an umbrella, too, just in case. If you’ve got water-resistant shoes, wear those to keep your feet dry—and consider other rain gear, like a light rain jacket or baseball cap. And stick with paved paths to avoid a muddy walk.

Sometimes you just need to embrace the unexpected—and this rainy summer stroll could turn into one of your favorite summer memories!

Safety First

While rainy-day strolls can be fun and refreshing, it’s important to keep your safety in mind. Walking in the rain can be fun, but it’s not quite as much fun if you end up dealing with low visibility or storms.

If the forecast calls for dangerous conditions, it’s best to stay inside. Here’s where that radar feature on your weather app comes in handy. If stronger storms are coming—with lightning, heavy winds, or flooding—don’t risk it. These are the times when it’s okay to change your plans and choose an indoor option instead.

Take It Inside

If you’re not feeling like strolling through the rain—or the conditions just aren’t safe—there are plenty of ways to go for a walk without braving the elements.

Walking at Home

If you don’t feel like leaving the house, you’ve still got plenty of options! Of course, if you’ve got a treadmill or a walking pad handy, that’s a no-brainer. But you can also head to YouTube and give an indoor walking workout a try (here are some of my favorites).

For something even simpler, you can fit a few Walking Snacks into your day. You can tackle the stairs, walk around the house while listening to a favorite podcast, or even march in place while watching your favorite show. If you need more ideas, here are some to get your started.

Close to Home

It’s nice to be able to get your steps at home, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery. And if it’s been raining for a couple of days, you’re probably more than ready to leave the house.

You can always try:

– An indoor track. Check your local rec center to see if they’ve got somewhere for you to walk. If they’ve just got the standard workout equipment, a little bit of treadmill time could be worth the price of a day pass. If they’ve got a hot tub for a little post-walk relaxation, even better!

– A mall walk. When the weather turns ugly—whether it’s a stormy day, a sweltering day, or a snowy winter day—I’ll often head to the mall for a walk. Check to see if your local mall offers early hours for mall walkers. If not—and you decide to brave the crowds—here are some tips for mall-walking survival (https://willwalkforcoffee.com/2024/10/29/mall-walking-101-essential-tips-for-beginners/)

– An educational walk. If you want to stay active while also staying inside—and you want a walk that’s scenic, too—head to a local museum or aquarium! Admittedly, rainy days might attract bigger crowds—and you’re not going to be speed walking inside a museum—but they make for an engaging way to get extra steps.

– A stroll through a store. Even if big box stores feel a little…soulless, they can come in handy on rainy days. You can show up at Walmart or Costco, wander the aisles, get some steps, and no one will question you. Be warned, though, that this might not be a low-cost option.

Wait It Out—Then Turn It into an Adventure

Maybe you don’t want to walk while it’s raining—but there are so many things to enjoy once the rain stops. Not only will the air be cooler, but there’s just nothing like the smell of the air after it rains. And there are things to see, too! So get the kids off their devices and go out and explore the rain-drenched outdoors.

You can:

– Grab some rain boots or water shoes and go on a puddle walk. Jumping in puddles as you pass is mandatory!

– Look for rainbows!

– Search for rain-loving wildlife—from frogs and birds to worms.

– Snap some pictures. The world looks completely different after the rain. Be sure to capture the puddles and clouds and maybe some raindrops on roses, too.

– Go on a mindfulness walk. This one might not be your kids’ favorite, but if you’re on your own, you can take some time to take it all in. Listen to the birds. Breathe in the smell. Listen to the breeze. And let it bring you a few minutes of peace in your crazy summer day.

Enjoy It—Don’t Avoid It!

Summer days aren’t always perfect—and your summer schedule isn’t always predictable. So keeping up with a walking routine during the summer requires a whole lot of flexibility. Whether you’re staying in the house for some Walking Snacks throughout the day, or you’re heading out for a walk at the mall, or you’re venturing out on a rainy walk, a rainy day is just another opportunity to show up for yourself.

Enjoy your walk—and be sure to treat yourself to an iced coffee and some dry socks when you’re done!

How do you prefer to get your steps on a rainy day? Do you stay inside or enjoy a walk in the rain?