5 Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day in East Texas

It's been nice having a break from the heat, but several rainy days in a row can start to create problems. The kids are bored, your pets don't want to go outside and your favorite outdoor activities are temporarily off the table. When the forecast shows wet days ahead here are some of the top things to do on a rainy day in East Texas.

Be a Jumping Ninja

If you have kids, being cooped up inside probably makes them crazy. Crazy kids are bad for mental health. Head to iJump in Tyler and let them burn some of that energy on their wall to wall indoor trampolines and ninja park.

Bonus points: Join them. If adults jump on trampolines by themselves, that's just weird, but if they do it with their kids they're being super parents. You don't have to jump the whole time, but you know you want to try out the ninja course.

Go on a Romantic Walk

A gentle sprinkle can be romantic. Grab one of those really big umbrellas and take your significant other for a walk at Rose Rudman in Tyler or the Boorman Trail in Longview. Wear shoes that can get wet and notice all the things you don't see when the trail is packed and the ground is dry. You'll stand closer together and the falling rain will block out everything but each other.

Bonus points: Guys, tell her to stay put while you walk around with the umbrella. Open her door and help her out so she stays out of the rain the entire time.

Go Rock Climbing

Tyler Rock Gym has more than 10,000 feet of indoor climbing. If you've never climbed before they'll get you started and if you're a seasoned pro they have challenging sections and competitive events.

Bonus points: A punch pass can be shared with as many people as you'd like, so they're a great way to save on climbing.

Visit a Museum

Check out the Buddy Calvin Jones Caddo collection and the Arthur Northcutt Brown Military collection at Longview's Gregg County Historical Museum. The Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA) is currently offering the JD Miller and Lea Fisher exhibits on their philosophy of reflectionism. The Tyler Museum of Art showcases permanent displays from Texas artists and frequently updated exhibits from other museums.

Bonus points: Before you read the explainers for each piece, concentrate on how each work makes you feel. Instead of thinking of the skill required to create it, try to connect with the emotion it sparks within.

Get a Massage

Rainy days are perfect for a massage. Google to find a provider close to home so you don't have a long drive through messy weather after. Plan to order pizza and watch movies the rest of the day so you stay relaxed.

What about you? What are some of your favorite rainy day activities for East Texas? Let us know in the comments.