rainy day fun

5 Ideas for Rainy Day Fun

A couple of years ago, there was a rainstorm I will never forget because it lasted all day. Imagine the hardest rain you have ever seen. You are probably picturing that thick rain that makes it difficult to see the house across the street. Well, that’s how it was and it maintained that intensity all day. There were moments where it slowed down, but those were fleeting. As someone who loves being outdoors, I’m not the biggest fan of those types of days, but there are ways to make those days memorable.

While it’s hard to translate bikes rides to inside, rainy days don’t have to be dull and dreary. Make the most of rainy days with these 5 ideas for rainy day fun.

1. Unleash the artist inside.

Paper, paint, and imagination are all that are required to keep small children happy for a little while. With a little prodding, even older children can’t resist being creative if given the opportunity. If there is a special event coming up, such as Mother’s Day or a birthday, ask them to paint something special for that day and let their creativity take it from there. Perhaps have them create their own animal or their dream house.

2. Home video theater.

Create memories and preserve them digitally for eternity by filming the family doing whatever fun and crazy things your family enjoys. One great idea is to ask the kids to come up with their own interpretation of Mom or Dad. Have them dress the part and act out the skit they come up with. Chances are, you will be belly laughing while trying to hold the camera straight and will also learn something about yourself as a parent.

3. Write a story together.

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov. The ability to describe and view our lives in great detail and substance is a most valuable gift. We can encourage and develop this in our children in several ways, including the following exercise. Find an object as inspiration for your story, such as a stuffed animal or a toy. Then allow the imaginations of your children to build your story from there. Assign characters, a plot, and a conclusion. The result will be magnificent no matter what is written.

4. Download fun apps.

It isn’t the best advice to give your child yet another reason to stick his/her face into a phone or tablet. However, this is just the type of circumstance when they do come in handy. There are endless apps out there designed to educate, stimulate, and entertain. A rainy day is a good time to hunt for the latest and greatest.

5. The joy of building something.

As adults, we are aware of the deep satisfaction that comes from building something on our own. That is how great things are achieved. Children learn this trait from an early age building all sorts of creations with their toys. Break out the Legos, the Lincoln Logs, the Erector Set, or model planes and cars. Your children will have a huge smile when they proudly display what they have made.

Bonus idea: Use iMOM’s 300 Riddles for Kids to entertain the entire family.

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?”