ButterflySha via Flickr

It may be the official start to summer, but living in Laramie I have sadly found that this does not mean it is time for flip flops and shorts just yet. Don’t get the rainy day blues, there are still lots of fun things you and your family or friends can do indoors. It may be easier to just sit on the couch with a blanket and watch TV, but there are fun and productive activities you can do to keep your mind off of the dreary weather. I know that when the weather is bad, it tends to put me in a foul mood, but this does not have to be the case. Having fun indoors mainly involves using some of that childhood creativity. So don’t make up any more excuses to mope around when the weather is not the greatest. Here we will give you our top five favorite indoor activities for those rainy days.

 

ralphhogaboom via Flickr

 

Yes, rock climbing. This may sound like a dangerous thing to do in the rain and it is. I’m not talking about going outdoors; I am talking about going rock climbing inside! Living in Laramie we are very lucky to have a great indoor rock climbing facility. Located on the infield of the Half Acre Gym lies the rock wall. The climbing wall is 22 feet tall by 75 feet wide; it includes hand crack, cave, overhung areas and less-than vertical climbing exteriors. The wall is open anytime the gym is open, but they do hold classes, so before heading there for a climb check the schedule to see when the wall is open for public climbing. Full time students and faculty of UW can get in free, or if you have a paid membership; without either of these two, one day admission is $5. This is an excellent way to stay active while indoors.
 

lamantin via Flickr

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Baking Cupcakes

 

 

Baking can be quite the challenge, but that is where the fun is. Once you bake a batch of awesome cupcakes you will feel terrific, not to mention you will have a delicious treat to munch on. Cupcakes are the perfect gift and there are many fun recipes that can be found on the Internet for free. One of the best parts of baking cupcakes is decorating them; this is an excellent way to get your friends or your kids involved. When you decorate your cupcakes you can make them as unique as you like. You can create fun messages through your decorating to give to others as homemade and heartfelt gifts. Here are some of my favorite websites to check out great recipes.
 

 

This can be one of the most relaxing activities and amusing activities you can do at anytime of the year. The Laramie rec center has more than one indoor pool to keep you and your family entertained. The Laramie Community Recreation Center pools include an indoor leisure pool, 8-lane lap pool, water slides, lazy river, and a whirlpool. Fees for the rec center vary depending on if you would like a day pass, multi-pass, 6-month pass, or annual pass. Day passes for children under 3 years are free; ages 3-12 are $3.50, ages 13-18 are $5.00, adults 19-59 are $6.00 (all of these prices are for residents only). Even when it is a rainy day out you can play in the water and still stay warm.
 

NU2U via Facebook

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Bargain Hunting

 

 

Going shopping doesn’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg. Bargain hunting is a good way to find unique items while not spending much in the process. Living in Laramie there are multiple thrift store you can go pursuing through. One of the biggest bargain stores is Bart’s Flea Market located off highway 80 in Laramie. Bart’s is open Monday – Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm to 5:00pm. This flea market is known for their excellent antiques and collectables. Another great store to find good deals at the Salvation Army located on South 2nd St. The Salvation Army has items that are donated from members of the community, so prices are very low and they have a wide selection of items. For hours and more information call (307) 742-5414. The last bargain store we recommend is NU 2 U, located on East Custer Street. NU 2 U not only sells clothing and other items but they also buy items on consignment. It’s a fun place to find crazy clothing and costume jewelry for parties, events, or just because.
 

CCRoastery via flickr

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Going for Coffee at Coal Creek

 

 
Grabbing a cup of coffee or another type of specialty drinks with friends is always a good way to have a good time no matter if it is rain or shin outside. Coal Creek Coffee has two locations in Laramie; they have a downtown location just off 1st St. on Grand Avenue, and the second location in at the UW Plaza on Grand Avenue. The downtown location has bands that come in and play on certain nights of the week, so you can see a free show while you sip on your gourmet coffee and stay dry inside.
 

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