As a mom to four kids, I have weathered my fair share of rainy days, and I know it is not always an easy task. So, after many years of rainy day encounters, I have compiled a list of the best rainy day activities. I hope this list will make your day feel like a day of sunshine once your house is filled with giggles and smiles.
1. Playdough
There is so much fun that accompanies Playdough. You can mold it into anything you want or create a theme. For example, create a day at the zoo and see how many sculptures you can make relating to the zoo. My favorite thing to do is take out the cookie cutters, roll out the dough, and cut out shapes. This is a great way to master shapes while having fun!
2. Painting
Many moms think this is over the top since they don’t want the mess or often think painting is meant for school. But trust me, you can paint while keeping your space clean and mess-free. One trick is to put down old magazines on the table or purchase a plastic tablecloth and reuse each time the kiddos want to paint.
For younger kids, finger painting is an all-time favorite. I know, it’s intimidating, and you may be thinking there is going to be so much paint all over that the house will look like someone vomited paint, but take the plunge. You will not regret it for a minute. And then, relish in the masterpieces you can hang on the walls.
3. Dance Party
Need I say more? Blast their favorite songs and then introduce some of your favorite tunes. They are sure to get a kick out of some of the songs! Freeze dance is always a big hit in my house and passes a lot of time.
4. Create a Book Store or Library
Now, this activity takes a bit more time and materials to set up. My girls set this up alone or with some of my help, and the set -up is part of the fun. Gather books, some stuffed friends or dolls, and reusable bags. Now set up the bookstore however you like and have the “friends” or family members go shopping at the store. They can gather books in the bags and then go to check out with the cashier. The kiddos love this job! As they get older, you can also incorporate fake money from board games or real money and do a transaction at the store. This is great for mastering identifying currency, counting, and adding and subtracting. This fun creation also works on how to behave in a store and how to treat the customers.
5. Forts, Forts, and More Forts
This requires sheets, sheets, and more sheets but provides the kids with hours of fun! Drag out all of the blankets and pillows too, and soon the kiddos will have their own private oasis.
Rainy days can be a bummer, and the day can be long for both parents and the kiddos, but try out some of these rainy day tricks to keep everyone entertained, happy, and forgetting about the weather.
