Rainy Day Kids' Activities to Save Your Sanity
These imagination-friendly room additions will keep your children mesmerised no matter what the weather's doing
Navigating rainy days can be challenging for us grown-ups. Backed-up traffic, broken umbrellas, wet clothes – soggy days are a drag. But for kids and their boundless energy, they’re particularly tough. After all, whoever coined the phrase ‘bouncing off the walls’ didn’t do so while observing kids outdoors. When my kids were small, I broke up the day by taking them for regular walks or out for backyard time. This helped curb indoor boredom. Well, that’s obviously not an option during a downpour.
But don’t panic. There are ways to keep kids busy and ensure a steady drain on their energy meter. It’s true: fun, lively indoor activities are achievable. The key is having a well-planned, activity-based space – one that trumps the temptation of TV and video games. These spaces don’t have to be grand in scale; even a corner will work. Remember, it’s all about imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Your kids will do the rest.
But don’t panic. There are ways to keep kids busy and ensure a steady drain on their energy meter. It’s true: fun, lively indoor activities are achievable. The key is having a well-planned, activity-based space – one that trumps the temptation of TV and video games. These spaces don’t have to be grand in scale; even a corner will work. Remember, it’s all about imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Your kids will do the rest.
Hop on board
When my middle son was small, he was a train enthusiast. He would stand at a train table for hours. If you have a child who shows an interest in building things, a train table is a great activity. Tracks can be constructed and deconstructed over and over again. There are also loads of books and CDs that feature the sights and sounds of trains.
When my middle son was small, he was a train enthusiast. He would stand at a train table for hours. If you have a child who shows an interest in building things, a train table is a great activity. Tracks can be constructed and deconstructed over and over again. There are also loads of books and CDs that feature the sights and sounds of trains.
Set up a performance corner
This is a simple wall treatment that can be used for many types of performances. Teaching kids to be comfortable in front of an audience spurs socialisation and confidence. Encourage an afternoon play, concert, dance party or puppet show.
This is a simple wall treatment that can be used for many types of performances. Teaching kids to be comfortable in front of an audience spurs socialisation and confidence. Encourage an afternoon play, concert, dance party or puppet show.
Give in to chalkboard paint
Kids love to practise writing their names and doodling self-portraits. Designate a wall for chalkboard paint and let them loose.
TIP: Be sure to explain that this is the only wall it’s ok to draw on.
Read more: 14 Brilliant Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint
Kids love to practise writing their names and doodling self-portraits. Designate a wall for chalkboard paint and let them loose.
TIP: Be sure to explain that this is the only wall it’s ok to draw on.
Read more: 14 Brilliant Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint
Get into the swing of things
Who said swing sets are only for the playground? Look into ways to safely secure indoor swings to play area ceilings.
Who said swing sets are only for the playground? Look into ways to safely secure indoor swings to play area ceilings.
Become invisible
Hide-and-seek never gets old. My youngest son was particularly good at this game. One time he stood behind a curtain perfectly still for 30 minutes. We couldn’t find him anywhere until I heard him giggling.
Hide-and-seek never gets old. My youngest son was particularly good at this game. One time he stood behind a curtain perfectly still for 30 minutes. We couldn’t find him anywhere until I heard him giggling.
Set up a basketball hoop
Shooting hoops will rev up appetites before a hearty lunch. A hoop doesn’t have to be regulation size; smaller versions that hang over doors work just as well. Basketball is also a great activity for improving hand-eye coordination and learning to count.
Shooting hoops will rev up appetites before a hearty lunch. A hoop doesn’t have to be regulation size; smaller versions that hang over doors work just as well. Basketball is also a great activity for improving hand-eye coordination and learning to count.
Create a cosy corner for board games and puzzles
A landing is an often overlooked space in many homes. If you have an oversized landing, consider converting it to a nook for games or reading.
A landing is an often overlooked space in many homes. If you have an oversized landing, consider converting it to a nook for games or reading.
Get clean
Sometimes kids actually enjoy picking up after themselves and organising toys. It’s also a good way to expend more energy – a win-win for you!
Sometimes kids actually enjoy picking up after themselves and organising toys. It’s also a good way to expend more energy – a win-win for you!
Rest assured
Don’t forget to allow some downtime. Encourage independence with low-energy activities such as reading, listening to music or, my favourite, nap time.
YOUR SAY
How do you keep your kids occupied during rainy weather? Share your ideas in the comments.
MORE
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10 Dos and Don’ts for a Fun and Practical Playroom
De-Stress Your Kids by Organising Your Home
Want a Big Family? No problem! We’ll Help You Make Room for Everyone
Don’t forget to allow some downtime. Encourage independence with low-energy activities such as reading, listening to music or, my favourite, nap time.
YOUR SAY
How do you keep your kids occupied during rainy weather? Share your ideas in the comments.
MORE
10 Backyard Additions for Active (and Not-So-Active) Kids
10 Dos and Don’ts for a Fun and Practical Playroom
De-Stress Your Kids by Organising Your Home
Want a Big Family? No problem! We’ll Help You Make Room for Everyone
Kids love to build tunnels, caves and forts. When sofa cushions aren’t enough, try a kid-sized tepee. You can go the store-bought route or get creative with items around the house: broomsticks and sheets should do the trick. Kids love these intimate spaces for reading, playing make-believe or colouring in.