We have had many rainy days this spring which means plenty of time indoors. I can appreciate the rainy days as an adult, but children can sometimes get a bit antsy when cooped up (especially when there is a long stretch of gray, wet days). If you’re looking for a little rainy day inspiration, keep reading!
Today I am sharing 10 ways for kids to enjoy a rainy day.
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- Create an Art Gallery
Gather your kids around the kitchen table, pull out various art supplies, and let the creative juices flow. My children love to listen to music while they work on their art. I find that even my more reluctant artist is focused and content when enjoying a little background music. After completing their work, the children can display it in a room, and this becomes the art gallery. My children will usually make one of the bedrooms the gallery, and then invite people to come view (and even purchase) their pictures. The “visitors” are usually just my husband and/or me, but they are always delighted to have us see what they have created and displayed. They are also happy to take our money!
2. Listen to an Audio Book
I have shared my love for audio books when it comes to ending car squabbles. Audio books are also a good option for a rainy day. Have your children gather blankets and pillows to cozy-up while listening to a delightful story. My children will sometimes build with their LEGOs or maybe even create art (see idea #1) while enjoying an audio book. The options for books are endless, but some of our favorite listens include anything by Beverly Cleary.
3. Put Together a Puzzle
Puzzles are a great brain workout! Puzzles are a good option because you can find one to meet the skill level of whoever is in your home. We have a basket of puzzles, and I like to keep them in the attic, and then pull them out unexpectedly (like on a rainy day). A little background music or audio book (see #2) while completing the puzzle makes the process even more enjoyable.
4. Have a Dance Party
My kids love to dance, so they are always super excited when we say “let’s have a dance party”! Rainy days are a great excuse for a dance party. Play their favorite songs, and let them show off their new moves. Watching my kids dance is pure entertainment. They are also most delighted when Mom & Dad join the fun! Dancing gets their hearts pumping and puts a smile on everyone’s face.
5. Read & Write Poetry
Use the weather to inspire a little reading and writing. I love sharing poems with my children. Most kids love the poetry found in Shel Silverstein’s books, so begin by reading something by him or whoever you find inspiring and delightful. Then encourage your children to become poets. They could even compile their pieces into one book adding a cover and illustrations.
6. Bake Something
Invite your kids into the kitchen to bake a tasty treat. I think chocolate chip cookies or banana muffins are some of the easiest and tastiest options. Baking is a great way to spend time together, and it’s also beneficial for developing reading and math skills. Take your activity one step further by sharing some of your goodies with a neighbor or friend. We often like to bring extra baked goods to our neighbors, and they are always very appreciative of the gesture.
7. 
Make Time for Design
Kids love to build and design. They can take opportunity for even more of that on a rainy day. LEGOs are always a good option as is something like Magna Tiles or Brain Flakes (which are a big favorite of my children). Old cardboard boxes and other recycling materials also make for great design materials. If there is space to display their designs, then let that happen for the day. If space is tight (or they want their creation to remain for weeks), take a picture. My children are always very eager to have a photo taken of whatever they create.
8. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Kids love a scavenger hunt! It doesn’t have to be complicated (unless you want it to be), and if you have an older child, they might enjoy creating it for younger siblings. Create clues that lead them throughout the house on the hunt for a final prize. The final prize can be something as simple as a special snack (see #6) or perhaps a mug of hot chocolate. It gets them moving, reading, and working together!
9. Play Board Games or Card Games
The options for board games and card games are endless. Again, I like to keep many of ours in the attic, and then pull them out on a rainy day. An “old” game becomes “new” when a child hasn’t seen it in months. Some of our favorite board games include Trouble, Sorry! & Guess Who?. My kids love the card games found in this set & they are also big fans of Spot It. Our local library even has a large display of various games that you can borrow just like you would a book!
10. Play in the Rain
Yes, it might be raining, but you don’t have to spend all your time indoors (unless it’s torrential). Grab umbrellas & boots and enjoy some fresh air! Kids are beyond excited to have permission to play out in the rain. This is definitely something I need to be better about allowing them to do because simple play is fun play.
I hope the ideas shared here have inspired you! Bring on the rain!!
What about you? What do your kids like to do when it rains? I would love to hear your ideas, so leave me a comment below!
Until next time,
Charissa
