In California we don't see rain clouds too often, but it looks like the forecast all weekend so we grabbed some tips from a fellow publisher mom, Vanessa O, in Washington (they know rain!).
Here is a list of rainy day activities to help keep your kids from driving you (too) nuts.
- Picnic in the playroom… Set up a blanket on the playroom floor, pack lunches and have kids 'take a walk' to the playroom and have a picnic. Don't forget to invite all the teddy bears and baby dolls along too!!
- Movie Night – Bedtimes come too early for real movie nights? That's ok...have a “movie night” at 3pm... the kids love eating popcorn while watching TV in the living room (especially if snacks aren’t usually allowed in the living room!)
- Play in the rain – If the weather is warm enough, put on rain boots and go outside to stomp in the puddles. This is especially great if you say “Don’t step in the puddle” while out and about.
- Crafts, Crafts and more Crafts! Kids of all ages LOVE crafts! Setup a craft area with lots of random supplies... let the kids use their imaginations or search for crafts to do...Mac Kid newsletters are a GREAT resource!!
- Finger paint or blow bubbles in the bathtub! Put the kids swim suits on and let them use their soap finger paints or blow bubbles in the tub before putting water in ( so they don’t get prune fingers!) … Then go right into bath time (and maybe an early bedtime???)
- Forts in the living room! What kid doesn’t love building a fort out of couch cushions and blankets?
- Board games / playing cards is always enjoyed especially by older kids!
- Make a movie… Kids love to put on movies. Have them act crazy while videotaping them. Then, show it back to them. This is a GREAT way to keep them busy. Bonus points for putting together an actual 'show'.
- Have a dance party! – Put on some tunes and let loose. You can’t dance around like crazy without smiling and hey, you’ll burn a few calories too.
- Write a letter – write a letter or draw a picture for friends and family. Everyone LOVES getting regular mail... something other than bills is always good!
What are some of your favorite additional rainy day activities? Leave a comment to tell us about them.
