5 Fun Ways Kids Beat The Rain

We’ve all been there before, it’s Saturday morning and the kids are jumping up and down looking for something fun to do. Unfortunately since it’s raining you can’t fall back on the old fail safe of going outside, riding your bike, or playing at the park. Instead of turning on the T.V. try these 5 fun activities you can do with your kids if the rain is pouring down.

1. It’s Time for Art Class – grab the colored construction paper, safety scissors, markers, and the glue it’s time to make crafts. It’s amazing how much fun young kids can have making simple little projects. A couple of ideas that usually win over the kids are creative picture frames, masks, and seasonal greetings cards. Think Christmas and make some cards for grandma and grandpa. You’ll be amazed how fast the time flies.
2. Let them Jump like Monkeys- isn’t the point of these tips to get the kids to settle down and not drive you completely out of your mind since they are stuck inside? You read it correct, let them jump around like little monkeys. This might not work for everyone; however, if you live near a shopping mall you are more then likely very close to a free indoor playground. All of the malls in my metro area have a kids play place with lots of mini slides and fun structures for kids to jump and climb on. You’ll have your hands full trying to get them to leave!
3. Send them to Boarding School- it’s time to put the video games away and get back to some old school fun of board games. Do you remember those games that we used to play before the onslaught of technology and multiple gaming systems?  You might need to teach your kids what they are, but the fun you’ll have as a family playing is well worth it. Nothing sparks more laughter and even a little rivalry in our family then some Candy Land or Yahtzee!
4. Decorate the Garage - you have the worlds largest canvas sitting in your house and you don’t even know it. Jump in the cars and pull them out of your garage. Do a quick once over the floor with a big shop push broom and get ready to start masterpiece. If you’re like me, you’re kids have a ton of sidewalk chalk. Grab the chalk and start making a giant pictorial of your favorite things to do when it’s not raining outside. Your kids will think they are getting away with breaking the rules and have a blast. We also like to play some giant games of tic-tac-toe, hangman, hopscotch.
5. Bust out the aprons – nothing is more fun or rewarding then getting the mixing bowls out and baking. Who can’t close their eyes for a moment, take a quick trip down memory lane, and remember the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies. Kids love the feeling when they get a chance to add all of the ingredients, mix it all together, throw it in the oven, and see the final product of their work. You can get creative and incorporate some learning with the baking and make cookies in different shapes, colors, letters, and numbers.

Try a couple of these fun ideas the next time your kids are cooped inside because of bad weather. The time will cruise by and the family bonding you’ll experience is priceless. We would love to hear some of your tips during those long drizzly days with your kids. Please share your tips, tricks, and ideas in our comments!