Spring has sprung and that means showers. Just when winter has released us from its icy grip, we find ourselves back in the house with energetic children who need something to do. It’s good to have a rainy day supply of craft materials for indoor days. Throughout the year, save things like coffee cans, paper towel rolls, bits of giftwrap, boxes and paper bags. Build a fabric supply of old clothing and socks that are too worn to donate. If you see craft items on sale, pick up crayons, markers, beads, feathers, craft sticks, modeling clay and stickers. Keep everything in a Rainy Day Box, for a tradition the children will love. The following ideas are “unplugged” activities that include crafts, books and noteworthy toys.

Have an indoor picnic

Spread out the blankets and pack some sandwiches! Turn up the lights and make the “sun” shine! Children love it when you do something to shake up the routine. When you hear we’re in for rain, whip up some chicken, hard-boiled eggs and potato salad for an extra-special lunch. If you have enough space, have children play active games like the egg carry (carry egg in spoon, farthest wins) and have prizes. Then, children stretch out on their blankets to draw pictures and read stories. You might even get the little ones to take their naps!

Play drive-in movie

Make sure you’ve been saving boxes, because you’ll need one for each child. Break out the craft supplies and have the children turn their boxes into cars. After a scenic “drive” through the house, have everyone park in the family room for a drive-in movie. Serve popcorn to each “driver” and relax with a favorite family DVD. Equip each car with a comfy pillow.

Set up a play store

With your assistance, children can set up a play store and spend the day as shopkeepers and shoppers. The fun is in using the real articles! Little children are the shoppers and baggers, while older children receive the money and stock the shelves. Use real cash, canned and packaged goods. It will be a day to remember, as they set up merchandise displays, make sale signs and fill carts or baskets with groceries.


Little Tykes Shopping Cart >


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Conduct science experiments

Pick up a book ahead of time and read about the supplies you’ll need. If you can, try the experiments first, to ensure success with the children. It’s especially fun when your results are edible! The following book may give you some tasty ideas.


Harper Collins’ Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb >

Make up stories and act them out

Storytelling is a great way to pass the time. Children can act out their stories wearing costumes made from craft supplies. Eeboo has a clever book with reusable stickers and a wipeable text area, so children can write stories over and over. (Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Gold Seal).


Eeboo’s Write Me A Story: Fairytale Mix-Up >

A puppet theater is also great fun, and Melissa and Doug’s is a sturdy one. Puppet play may encourage timid children to become more outspoken. Have children make puppets out of socks or paper bags and they’ll be thrilled to act out their original stories.


Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater >

These ideas should get you started on an indoor day of fun. Soon the kids will be hoping for rain!

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