Seven Rainy Day Savers

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and everyone is home… now what? Check out these ten ideas to turn those rainy day blues into memories - and don’t forget the camera!

Crazy painting

Don’t settle for the old standards of paper and brush, get out the washable paints and try whatever you have on hand. Feathers are inexpensive and make a wispy, but unique, brush. Pipe cleaners can be folded into a variety of shapes for painting or stamping.

Pour paint into a paper plate, let the kids drive a toy car through - then onto the paper. A clean flyswatter also makes a fun and unusual tool - toy insects can be attached to the finished painting for a unique display.

Snowball fight

That stack of newspapers waiting in the recycle bin? Give them some new energy - have the kids crumple them up into balls, making a pile in the center of the room - then announce, “Snowball Fight!” When the fun is over and it‘s time to clean up, a race to see who can collect the most snowballs should quickly take care of the mess.

Play with food

I know, I know, we moms are supposed to be good examples and teach the kids not to play with their food… but what’s a rainy day for, if not silliness in the extreme? Cereal and crackers are perfect for practicing basic math facts. Card stock, glue, and a variety of uncooked rice, beans, or pasta are perfect for making mosaics.

If all else fails, go to the extreme and host a snowman-building contest. Mashed potatoes form the snowballs bodies, with many options for body parts - try pretzels, raisins, and carrots. Make sure to take pictures before everyone starts eating!

Reading hideaways

Liven up reading time with some special locations. Don’t forget the flashlight for darker areas. Fill the bathtub with blankets, pillows, and a stack of books. Make a comfortable pallet under a bed, or tuck some cushions into an empty cupboard. Create a fort under tables, chairs, or behind the couch.

Camping at home

Set the tent up in the living room, spread out the sleeping bags. If you have a fireplace, you’re all set up with your “campfire” for roasting marshmallows - if not, improvise with the microwave - the s’mores will taste just as good. Turn the lights down low, tell stories, and sing campfire songs. Organize a “nature hike” with a list of scavenger hunt items.

Bathtub boats

Make bathtub boats and see how far you can sail them. With a toothpick mast and paper or plastic for a sail, a tiny dab of clay to hold the mast upright, almost anything that floats can be turned into a tiny sailboat. Try small blocks of wood, empty lids, eggshells. Captains may need reminded to provide wind with gentle puffs of air, because too strong, and the boat might capsize.

Rainy day craft box

Last, but definitely not least - keep your surprise craft box stocked with the standard supplies, and add new goodies on a regular basic to keep the kids interested and excited to see it.

Glitter, fabric and yarn scraps, and recycled but potentially useful items like lids and egg cartons are all favorites to have on hand that can spark some imaginative ideas. Clean socks that have lost their mate are perfect for spur of the moment puppet creation. Dollar stores are treasure troves of small items with limitless potential.