Summer days mean lots of things: warm temperatures, vacations, and no school to worry about. But it can also mean frequent thunderstorms and rain showers in many areas. When your kids are stuck inside, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan to keep them busy to prevent boredom until they can return to the outdoors. Here are a few ways to ensure you and your kids survive those summer storms without getting stir crazy.
Keep a toy chest, basket, or cubby full of toys that kids can only play with on rainy days. This will give them something in particular to look forward to while they’re stuck inside and keep them occupied. Puzzles, coloring books, painting supplies, and indoor climbing toys are all great options. For example, the Child Brite Molded Plastic Easel with Casters will kids busy for hours painting and drawing.
Let them have in door “campout” using play houses and sleeping bags. Give them a flashlight, marshmallows to “roast” and you’re good to go. This is a great idea for entertaining more than one child at once with very little mess.
Bake cookies or let the kids participate in cooking the family meal. Not only will this activity keep your kids occupied, but it will give you a chance to spend quality time teaching them important skills for the future. It will also instill a sense of confidence when your child gets to enjoy a yummy treat that he made himself. For younger toddlers who can’t really help out, let them have fun “cooking” with a play kitchen while you’re busy cooking in the real one.
In case of an emergency…such as an important phone call or something else that can’t be interrupted; bring out the videos. Again, you can designate certain movies are shows as “rainy day” videos, but use them only when you really need the kids quiet and out of the way for a short period of time.
