Rainy Days Can Be Fun

It’s true – my kids and I find ways to stay entertained even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. All you need is to keep a few tricks up your sleeve!

Rainy-day suitcase. I decorated a thrift-store suitcase with buttons and glitter and filled it with forgotten toys and little treats from the dollar store. The suitcase stays hidden unless it’s a rainy day, so it’s a real treat to take it out.

Indoor sandbox. I fill a shallow Rubbermaid bin with un-popped popcorn kernels and let the kids play with it with their sand toys. Make sure to do this in the kitchen or another easy-to-sweep room, since the kernels are hard to vacuum. Watch carefully to be sure kids aren’t putting kernels in their mouths.

Forts. Build forts in your living room using sheets and furniture. Snuggle in with a bowl of popcorn and watch an afternoon movie.

Kool-Aid play dough. Make homemade play dough to encourage creativity. This recipe smells delicious, but don’t be tricked into tasting it!

1 cup flour
1 pkg. Kool-Aid, any flavor
1 T. cream of tartar
1 T. vegetable oil
¼ cup salt
¾ cup boiling water (or more if needed)

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add oil, then pour in boiling water and mix well. Wrap in plastic or an airtight container and store in refrigerator. Play dough should last a few months.

Recipe courtesy of Recipezaar.com.

What are your favorite ways to keep kids entertained indoors?