Some ideas for how to entertain little ones on rainy days. What are your go to activities, and things to do when the weather means a day inside?
Put on some rain gear and get outside! That’s right. If it isn’t a major torrential downpour and is just a bit of showers, going outside can be lots of fun. Brave the great outdoors, for a little bit any ways. We have a Muddy Buddy for Everly, and it has come in handy for Vancouver weather, really this should be a staple in all West Coast kids closets. We also have some rain boots, and a rain coat. So put those super cute rain boats to use. Go puddle jumping, play in the mud, and go exploring. Count how many worms you see on the side walk.
Relax and slow down. Rainy days area great chance to take a step back from the fast pace of daily life. Take your time doing things. Maybe start the day off with a big family breakfast. Make something special like french toast, or funny coloured pancakes. Stay in your pjs even. Enjoy the morning together as a family. Spend a lot of time playing, and following your little ones direction for what they would like to do. Build towers and knock them down, have a dance party.
Get artsy. Bust out the crayons and paper. Stickers are great for keeping little ones entertained. They may cover themselves, or a piece of paper. If there is a birthday, or holiday coming up you could set about to letting your little one decorate some handmade cards for you. I am going to be letting Everly decorate a little art canvas the next time we find ourselves needing some rainy weather entertainment.
Let your little one have a fun filled bath time. Maybe you let them play in coloured yogurt in the tub and then get cleaned up in a bubble bath. Evie loves bath time and can spend a long time just playing in there. Bubbles baths are always saved as a special thing. There are even those crayons that are for colouring with when in the bath. I’ve heard great things about them and will be getting some for Evie to try soon.
Bake up a storm. Maybe you need to get some baking done to stock up your freezer again with easy snacks like banana bread. Its a great chance to let your munchkin help out. Sure it might take some more time than usual, but its worth it.
Build a fort. This is something that is sure to bring out the inner little kid of all parents too. Find some bed sheets, and build a fort. It’s so easy to do. Check out this idea from Mama.Papa.Bubba here.
Dance party. Put on some of your little ones, and your favourite music and dance! It is a great way to get energy out, and exhaust your little one in time for their nap.
Play dough. There are lots of great recipes out there for home made play dough. You can make some up while doing your baking even! Its a great form of sensory play. Often munchkins will sit content for a decent amount of time playing with play dough. Have some fun, and join in with the play. Help your child make different things out of it.
Great ideas! I really should get my toddler a rain coat and boots. We’re working on playing in the snow right now. He is getting used to it, but doesn’t care for the cold. I bet he would love a warm rain. to play in!