Mother Nature can be a fickle beast—there’s no doubt about that. So what do you do when the weather doesn’t do what you want it to?

We’ve all been there: the weather all week long is sunny, warm, and perfect while you’re cooped up at the office—but the moment you pack up the car and head up to the cottage, it rains… and rains… and rains.

Unfortunately, some of the best cottage activities—think barbecues, boat rides, and lounging on the dock—simply aren’t that fun on a grey, rainy day. For those crummy weather weekends, you’ll have to get a little creative to avoid coming down with a serious case of cabin (cottage?) fever.

Explore Obscure Attractions

Your cottage weekends are probably steeped in tradition and outdoor activities—why not take the bad weather as an opportunity to check out local museums and attractions that you’ve never had the chance to check out?

From the Algonquin Logging Museum to the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in Parry Sound, there are tons of random attractions that will entertain you for awhile and teach you something new.

Bust out the Cards

From solo games to group affairs, from little kids to grandma and grandpa, a good old deck of cards is the perfect way to pass a few rainy hours indoors. Decks can be bought just about anywhere, and chances are good there are a few already kicking around the cottage somewhere (just make sure the deck is complete to avoid frustration!)

Whether you’re playing an old favourite or learning something new, playing cards are a rainy day classic for a reason.

Start a New Project

There’s always something to be done around the cottage—but who wants to work when the sun is shining? Take this opportunity to tackle a project around the house, whether it’s an old repair you’ve been neglecting or a new upgrade that will make the space more fun to use.

Unearth Old Treasures

If you’re lucky enough to have a cottage that’s been in the family for a while, the odds are pretty strong that there are some interesting piles of junk to explore.

You know the saying—one man’s trash is another man’s treasures, and flipping through magazines from the 90s, finding old photos, or playing dress up in grandpa’s rejects can lead to lots of laughs, not to mention the revival of some classic cottage stories.

Puzzles, Puzzles, and More Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a throwback to simpler times when entertainment didn’t require batteries or WiFi. A thousand-piecer can easily fill a weekend for a couple of keen puzzle builders. You’d be surprised at how quickly time passes when you’re in the puzzle zone.

Tackle a Good Book

Sometimes, a rainy day offers a welcome excuse to sit back, relax, and do absolutely nothing all day except to read a solid book. Pluck a random old book off a shelf, hit up the library, or see if the neighbours have anything to lend you—then curl up with a big mug of tea and get lost in the plot.

Hit the Kitchen

Beat the storm by cooking or baking up a storm! With nothing but time to fill, this is the perfect opportunity to get others involved in whipping up a decadent multi-course meal or experimenting with a fancy, labour-intensive dessert. Best of all: you’ll all get the taste test the final product!

If your cottage isn’t close to a well-stocked grocery store, be sure to double check the ingredient list before you leave home, and pick up anything that might be hard to find in cottage country.

Embrace the Rain

Unless you’re made of sugar, the rain won’t melt you—so get out there. Whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just going for a walk, a little time in the rain can feel awfully good, especially if you’ve been cooped up for a few days. Set out towels, warm blankets, and a dry change of clothes for your return, and go explore!