It goes without saying that this year has been an especially rainy—and windy—one. And even though spring is on the horizon, more showers are likely (and hopefully!) headed our way. If you’ve already exhausted all your creative rainy day diversions, don’t worry: We have you covered with some fresh ideas guaranteed to keep you (and the kiddos!) entertained. Read on for inspiration. 

Take a tropical getaway (without the plane ride)

Thoughts of sandy beaches and relaxing waves will flow through your mind after your first sip of the Flamingo Mango Tango Tea from Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, thanks to notes of mango, papaya, coconut, apple, and hibiscus. The loose-leaf blend even comes with tiny flamingos sprinkled with rose sugar to truly transport you somewhere sunny and warm. Enjoy a cup in-shop (while reading the latest issue of STYLE) or grab a bag to brew at home. 25055 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-358-9950, chocolatefishcoffee.com

Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters. Photo by Christina Best Photography.

Explore an independent bookstore

There’s something special about reading a new book on a rainy day that makes for the perfect pairing. Face in a Book has all the latest and greatest best-sellers along with the cult classics, so you’re sure to find a page-turner to pique your interest. Cozy up at a table onsite or check their calendar for upcoming events: tea times, book signings, story times, crafts, and book clubs are just some of the happenings bibliophiles of all ages can look forward to. 4359 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 113, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9401, getyourfaceinabook.com

Face in a Book

Cozy up with a bowl of soup

When hunger hits, head to Erik’s DeliCafe for a warming (and filling) bowl of soup for your soul. The beef stew or jailhouse chili are musts if you’re feeling extra famished. If you're under the weather in the cool weather, then dig your spoon into the chicken rice vegetable offering! Vegetarians will appreciate the silky butternut squash or creamy tomato basil bisque. But the best part? Any soup can be ordered in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl for the ultimate rainy day delight. 1450 Lead Hill Boulevard, Roseville, 916-782-5566; 411 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 400, Folsom, 916-510-2200, eriksdelicafe.com

Erik's DeliCafé

Warm your body (and your heart)

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply craving some movement, the offerings at Bikram Yoga Folsom will warm your muscles to the “core.” Choose between a Bikram yoga class, which is a traditional 90-minute option with up to 26 postures, or a slower-paced yin-style class where poses are held for longer periods of time, which will help with strengthening and lengthening. 1013 Riley Street, Suite 300, Folsom, 916-330-0081, bikramyogafolsom.com

Bikram Yoga Folsom

Go wine tasting

Take in the rainy day sights and sounds while you explore the Placer Wine Trail. With over 20 wineries to choose from, you can find everything from intimate spaces to large, lush areas with gorgeous views. Whatever your vibe, there’s a vineyard—and varietal—sure to please. You might even find a bottle (or three) to take home and enjoy by your very own fireplace, too! placerwine.com

Placer Wine Trail. Photo by Heirloom Photography by Anne.

Bake at home without the fuss

Baking on a dreary day always sounds (and smells!) appealing but making a pie from scratch can be both time-consuming and intimidating. Enter: take-and-bake pies from Ikeda’s California Country Market! Order a juicy, fruity marionberry pie that’s been freshly baked then immediately frozen for freshness. If you don’t feel like turning on your oven, thaw-and-serve pies are available, too—don’t worry: your secret is safe with us! You can even have them delivered or shipped to your house, so you don’t have to brave the elements. 13500 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-885-4243, ikedas.com

Ikeda's California Country Market. Photo @ikedasbakery.

Visit a museum

Want to learn something new? Sierra College Natural History Museum is the place to go for interactive knowledge on a budget. Self-exploration of over 140 skulls, 70 taxidermy animals, a weather station exhibit, and more, are all generously offered free of charge (though donations are appreciated). “Free First Saturday” events, which are two hours in length, and guided tours ($3 per person) are also available. 5100 Sierra College Boulevard, Rocklin, 916-660-7923, sierracollege.edu/campus-life/things-to-do-on-campus/natural-history-museum

Sierra College Natural History Museum

Tackle an escape room

Escape the showers with an escape room adventure at EscapeOut. With glowing reviews (“Can't recommend this place enough! All the rooms are challenging within reason, and the puzzles are fun with creative solutions...”) they must be doing something right. You and your group will be given 60 minutes to sleuth, explore, investigate, and solve your way out of the room. Are you up for the challenge? 1011 East Bidwell Street, Suite 114, Folsom, 916-467-7339, escapeoutfolsom.com

Indulge in an indoor picnic 

This beloved activity doesn’t need to be pigeonholed to sunny weather—thanks to Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. On Mondays and Tuesdays from noon-6 p.m., you’ll be transported to a magical setting complete with lush greenery, grand trees, and plenty of twinkle lights. Kids will love designing their very own personal pizzas and delicious handheld pies, or enjoying an interactive cheese and chocolate fondue experience. For those of age, don’t forget to indulge in some mead to really feel like you’re experiencing another realm! 372 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3078, enchantedforestdining.com

Enchanted Forest Dining Experience

By Caitlin McCulloch
Chocolate Fish photo by Christina Best Photography. Placer Wine Trail photo by Heirloom Photography by Anne. Ikeda's Bakery photo @ikedasbakery. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.