What to Do on a Rainy Summer Day in Queens

We have you all set for the warm, sunny days of summer in Queens, but what about when it’s dreary and rainy? (And, uh extremely humid?) We’ve definitely had our share of rainy days so far this summer, and there are more to come (including today). Here’s what you can do if the rain’s got you down and you don’t want to feel stuck in your apartment!

Movies

Though movies are always the go-to rainy day choice, we have the great Regal UA Kaufman Astoria & RPX movie theater right near us. Summer is also the time for blockbusters: right now there’s Toy Story 4, Spider-Man: Far From Home and The Lion King, plus this theater shows more indie-fare too like Yesterday, Midsommar, and special anniversary screenings like The Muppet Movie on July 25 and 30. You can also check out the film screening schedule at the Museum of the Moving Image…speaking of…

Museums

Rainy days are a perfect opportunity to explore your local museum! On a beautiful day it’s hard to justify being indoors all day, so this is the perfect chance to get some culture in and not feel guilty about not enjoying the sunshine or going to the beach. Of course there’s the Museum of the Moving Image, but there’s also: the Noguchi Museum, MoMA PS1 in LIC, the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the New York Hall Of Science (also in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), and art galleries like The Plaxall Gallery and the new Datuna Art Space in LIC.

Shopping

Support local boutiques and pick out your new summer look! Here are some great choices: Lockwood (Style, Home, and Paper), The Brass Owl, Astoria Bookshop, Belief, HiFi Records and more (look at who participates in Shop Small Astoria to see how many options we have!). Also, if you don’t have the budget, you can window shop! I love getting inspired for creative ideas, DIYs or figuring out upcoming trends from what I see at local shops. Or, go on a thrift haul!

Indoor Picnic

Stay tuned for our article about packing the best Astoria picnic on Thursday (will link here once it publishes), but there’s no reason you can’t pick up the same materials and have an indoor picnic at home! Spread your blanket on the floor and enjoy deli sandwiches, meats and cheeses and more. Maybe light a candle or two if it’s especially stormy. It adds a little something different to the same old order-takeout-and-watch-a-movie shtick. Perks: you won’t have to worry about getting busted for having wine ;)

Fitness Class

If you can’t get out for your run in the park because of the weather, it’s a great time to check out a fitness class! Most are indoors and can really change up your routine. From yoga to dance to kickboxing to megaformer workouts, there are loads of options in the neighborhood.