We're all familiar with the idea that weather is unpredictable. You never know what's going to happen from one day to the next, and it's always a good idea to have some fun activities lined up in case of bad weather. Here are some fun things you can do with your children on those bad days that Mother Nature isn't being so kind.
Indoor playing sessions
When the weather isn't working in your favor, there's always indoor play sessions. What's a better way to spend the rainy day than to take your kid to an indoor playground where he or she will forget about the weather as they run after other kids, tumble in the ball pit and play with all sorts of fun toys. When choosing the indoor play centre for your child you don't have to look around much. A simple internet search for playgrounds in your area will give you a pretty good picture of where you can take your kid. Also, try asking some of your friends who have children for recommendations.
Play a board game
There are plenty of board games that you can play on bad weather days to keep your kids entertained. You could play a game of Monopoly or a small version of Chutes and Ladders with children in grades kindergarten to two. When you're playing games like these, make sure to use the dice to keep things interesting and unpredictable for your child.
Who doesn't love puzzles? Jigsaw puzzles are fantastic ways for your kids to keep themselves occupied when there isn't much to do outside. You could start off by giving them simple jigsaw puzzles with few hundred pieces, but as their skills improve, you could challenge them with a thousand-piece puzzle.
Another great board game for kids to play is one that's associated with a TV show or movie. For example, you could play a Minecraft game if they're fans of the TV series. If your child loves sports, then Monopoly Sport Edition is a great way to keep them entertained on rainy afternoons.
Watch a movie together
Watching movies together is a great way to spend time with your child and give them something fun to do if the weather is bad. It's also a good opportunity for cuddle time and bonding.
If you're not sure what movie to watch, try a classic. Classic movies are usually educational and always entertaining. Some good choices include Lion King, Wizard of Oz, and Frozen.
If your child is a little younger you can still watch the movie together, but they might not understand it all. You could play the movie in the background while doing another activity that's more appropriate for their age like coloring or painting.
Don't forget to pick out some extra snacks and drinks so you'll have everything you need if the weather isn't cooperating. If you don't want to rent or buy a movie, there are plenty of fun classic movies on YouTube. Some of them even have subtitles in different languages so kids can learn something new while they enjoy themselves!
Make some crafts, like paper dolls or origami animals
Making crafts is a fun and creative way to pass the time. You can make something as simple as paper dolls or as complex as origami animals. If you have toddlers who love finger painting, why not use it to make paper dolls? Cut out shapes from construction paper and let them paint their own doll on each one, or paint the dolls before they cut them out if they're older. You can use permanent markers to color the dolls after the paint dries, or you can let your little one finger-paint on top of the dried paint. This is great for babies who are learning how to hold a crayon/Crayola correctly.
If you're interested in making origami animals, look online for diagrams of different animals and print them out. If you have enough paper for each child to make their own animal, they'll be all set! Just take turns folding the paper until it looks like an animal that they have picked from the diagram. If doing this activity with toddlers, make sure it's supervised closely so that they don't stick themselves with sharp pieces of folded paper (ouch!). Origami is a great way to practice motor skills, and it can help improve concentration and focus.
Draw pictures with them then frame them as art for their room
This is a great idea because it gives them something fun to look at, instead of the rain pouring outside. You can bring out some silly markers and make crazy drawings or show your child how to draw their favorite cartoon characters. They can take this picture with them when you move or when they go to college, and it's a special memory that the two of you made together.
You can also bring out some crayons or colored pencils and draw pictures for your child on paper plates, then when they get older you can frame them if you'd like. Just think about how much fun this will be for everyone involved!
This is one of those activities where the parents are just as much a part of the picture as their kids. You could take turns drawing something or sit next to each other drawing things that make both of you laugh while your child colors in the background. It's important not only to have fun with your children but to spend time with them drawing silly pictures too!
It doesn't matter if they are 4 or 14, a kid will always love finger paint. Finger painting is the go-to activity when you have kids over because it's cheap, easy to clean up, and fun for everyone involved. This is one of those activities that get messy but every kid has so much fun they don't even notice the mess!
In conclusion, these are just a few of the many indoor activities that you can do with your children on days when the weather is bad. Make sure to find other activities that you and your child can enjoy together and have fun while doing it. It's all about bonding together as a family, and this is the perfect time to do it.
