Western Massachusetts has seen a soggy start to the summer. We have had 2.5 inches more rain than we did this time last year.

Torrential rain and wild thunderstorms, not exactly the sunny start to school vacation people hope for. While some outdoors activities have taken a rain-check, the weather has benefited many businesses.

"School just let out in Southwick and we've been locked up because of the rain. The kids are going nuts," said one parent.

Keeping kids busy in this gloomy weather is a challenge, but there are some places benefiting from all the H2O.

"The weather does play a big factor, we are a weekend and rainy day business," said Michael Ventrice, Owner of Big Adventure in Westfield.

Ventrice and his wife Diane say they've seen a big increase in admissions over the past few weeks.

"I would say close to double what we normally see on a rainy day. If there are 75 families it would be 100 or 125," said Diane Ventrice.

Another place seeing an upswing are the Springfield Museums. They say they have had a 37 percent increase in attendance compared to this time last year.

"We have had a lot of rain. And a lot of families are looking for activities for their kids. It is hard to go outside. The museums are a great choice for them on a rainy day," said Joseph Carvalho, President of Springfield Museums.