Rainy Day Rescue: Indoor Activities for Kids
July 6th, 2017
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"Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book."
~ Bill Watterson
~ Bill Watterson
On sunny days, the kids run, play, and bike outdoors. Sometimes I’m out there with them.
Suddenly, lightning flashes, thunder cracks...and I panic. Raindrops fall and my heart races.
A peaceful day in the sunshine is ending and muddy little feet are stampeding inside. Everyone is hungry or thirsty and I know they will soon be bored.
Now what?
One damp day or a stretch of rainy days can be a challenge. But with a little planning, you can bust the boredom and even have a little fun.
Here are ten creative ideas to try indoors:
1. Rainy Day Box. Scrounge up a medium plastic box and fill it with new puzzles, cards, activity books, paper plates, and games. Don’t open the box until the next rainy day! The games and activities should be fun, special and only for indoor days.
2. Body Tracing. Using a huge piece of paper, trace your child’s outline. Label with name and age and start drawing the face, clothing and accessories.
3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt. Make a list of things to find around the house. Give each child a copy and start the timer. Prizes, treats or extra T.V. time go to the winner!
4. Backwards Meal. Eat your dessert first today. Follow it up with the veggies…or not.
5. Picnic in the Dark. Grab the paper plates and eat an indoor picnic -- in a dark room with torches or candlelight, if possible.
6. Rain Dance. Play songs that mention rain, raindrops or rainbows. Sing and dance to the music.
7. Read Aloud. Grab the soft blankets and get everyone cosy in a comfortable spot. Read a scary or exciting story aloud, complete with different voices and sound effects.
8. News Program. Record a home news and weather video. Ask each child a question about the weather or their favourite season and why. After recording, display on a big screen.
9. Drama. Act out a story, movie, or family event that everyone knows. Pick parts, then switch parts. Record on video if desired.
10. Tent Naps. Time out for one hour. (You deserve it, mum!) Let the kids make their own indoor tent or cosy place. Books, stuffed animals and quiet toys are allowed.
Set the timer for 60 minutes and enjoy a brief nap– with one eye open, of course…
We'd love to hear your ideas too!
Suddenly, lightning flashes, thunder cracks...and I panic. Raindrops fall and my heart races.
A peaceful day in the sunshine is ending and muddy little feet are stampeding inside. Everyone is hungry or thirsty and I know they will soon be bored.
Now what?
One damp day or a stretch of rainy days can be a challenge. But with a little planning, you can bust the boredom and even have a little fun.
Here are ten creative ideas to try indoors:
1. Rainy Day Box. Scrounge up a medium plastic box and fill it with new puzzles, cards, activity books, paper plates, and games. Don’t open the box until the next rainy day! The games and activities should be fun, special and only for indoor days.
2. Body Tracing. Using a huge piece of paper, trace your child’s outline. Label with name and age and start drawing the face, clothing and accessories.
3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt. Make a list of things to find around the house. Give each child a copy and start the timer. Prizes, treats or extra T.V. time go to the winner!
4. Backwards Meal. Eat your dessert first today. Follow it up with the veggies…or not.
5. Picnic in the Dark. Grab the paper plates and eat an indoor picnic -- in a dark room with torches or candlelight, if possible.
6. Rain Dance. Play songs that mention rain, raindrops or rainbows. Sing and dance to the music.
7. Read Aloud. Grab the soft blankets and get everyone cosy in a comfortable spot. Read a scary or exciting story aloud, complete with different voices and sound effects.
8. News Program. Record a home news and weather video. Ask each child a question about the weather or their favourite season and why. After recording, display on a big screen.
9. Drama. Act out a story, movie, or family event that everyone knows. Pick parts, then switch parts. Record on video if desired.
10. Tent Naps. Time out for one hour. (You deserve it, mum!) Let the kids make their own indoor tent or cosy place. Books, stuffed animals and quiet toys are allowed.
Set the timer for 60 minutes and enjoy a brief nap– with one eye open, of course…
We'd love to hear your ideas too!
Lisa x
