This Is What To Do When Your Plans Get Rained Out in Western New York

Here is a typical trajectory of me trying to make summer plans with a good friend I haven’t seen in a while: 

One of us sends a text saying “I miss you! We should hang out soon!”

Then the other waits at least a week for a response.

When one of us finally responds, we check our calendars and make a date a month from now.

Then one of us gets called into work that day and has to reschedule.

Then one of the kids gets sick, and we have to cancel. We reschedule for the next week.

Then, one of us gets sick, because our kids are germ factories. Reschedule again. 

And we dance this dance over and over again for most of the summer...but then...

The date is finally here, and you’re ready to grab those Spot coffees and take that walk through  Delaware Park. Hallelujah! 

Oh. And then it rains.

By this time, school is about to start, back-to-school shopping and the kids' summer reading assignments still need to get done, and you make half-hearted plans to try and get together by New Year's.

I don't know about you, but I can’t take it anymore. I’m refusing to let Western New York summer rain showers ruin my few-and-far-between plans with my friends and family.  Neither should you.

Here are some things you can do when Western New York weather tries to (literally) rain on your parade this summer.

Eastern Hills Mall

It's coming back, people! Local shopping at its best, plus lunch at Duff's? Win. Win. 

Dave & Busters

Bring the kids! Or don’t. Whoever wins PacMan buys dinner.

Buffalo Botanical Gardens 

Who says you can’t get your nature fix just because it’s raining?

Local Craft Breweries 

Whether it’s Hamburg Brewing, Fatty Beer Co., Froth Brewing Co., or the dozens of other amazing breweries in Western New York - all are gorgeous, and all are guaranteed good time. 

Buffalo Museum of Science

Because the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibit. That’s why. 

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

When this beautiful space opens back up again, take in all of the gorgeous works of art, and also make your own work of art with an Instagram-worthy photo with your bestie on the front steps. 

Buffalo RiverWorks

Get some shelter while still enjoying the scenic waterfront views.

Go to the Movies

When's the last time you've been to the movies without the kids in tow? There are tons of choices for you and your buddy to see while staying dry and gorging on popcorn. 

Go to the Casinos

Go to a concert or comedy show! Get dinner! Throw all of your money into the Wheel Of Fortune slots! The ideas are endless. 

Go to a Comedy Show

Local venues like Helium always have someone new and funny to LOL to. 

Go to your Local Library 

My friends literally laugh at me when I suggest this, but hear me out! When you’re planning a day out with the kids-in-tow, check out the Buffalo and Erie County library website to see if there are any fun indoor events the whole family can enjoy. 

What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day in Western New York?