Rainy days are not much fun, especially when the kids are home from school. We have the solution to keep the day fun and entertaining, even if the weather outside is not ideal. Of course, this is a great time to pull out the puzzles, board games, and a deck of cards for family fun, but for something a little more interesting, try some of these suggestions. You may find that soon your home is the place to be on a rainy day.
Indoor Treasure Hunt
The ideas for this indoor game are endless; you can make a general list, or make it themed, such as: “sports”, “princess”, “pirate” or “beach”. Some general clue suggestions may include:
- Pen
- Cookie cutter
- Towel
- Toothpaste
- Phone charger
- Scotch tape
- Apple
- Photo frame
- Deck of playing cards
- Umbrella
- Paper clip
- Mug
- Stuffed animal
- Coins
- Key
Make Homemade Play-dough
Making your own Play-dough is fun, easy, and inexpensive. You will need the following items:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ⅓ cup salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- food coloring
Stir the first 5 ingredients together, in a 2-quart saucepan over low to medium heat. Add food coloring once it begins to thicken. Continue stirring until the mixture is very thick and begins to gather around your spoon. Remove dough from pan, place on wax paper or a plate until cooled. Enjoy! Once completed, store in a sealed container or sealable plastic bag for next play time.
Make sock puppets and put on a show
Find some older socks and items to create eyes, mouth and noses (buttons for example). Items can be sewn or glued to the socks. Create of “Puppet Theater” from a cardboard box, and let the imagination of children run wild. Remember to record this memory.
Create music with homemade instruments
To create a DRUM, you will need an empty oatmeal container (with cover), a pen, 2 pencils, 2 spools, yarn, crayons, and construction paper. For a more dramatic and colorful instrument, the oatmeal contain can be decorated with crayons and the construction paper. Using the pen, poke a hole in the center of the cover and the center of the bottom of the container. Pull a piece of yarn through these holes (long enough to hang around the child’s neck and down to their waist). Place to spools at the end of the two pencils (secure with glue) to be used as drumsticks. Beat, to play this homemade instrument.
A basic HORN instrument is created by using a paper towel roll, a rubber band, pen, and some waxed paper. Cover one end of the roll with waxed paper (secure with rubber band), and punch holes along the roll with the pen. To use, sing into the open end of the horn.
For a XYLOPHONE, you will need tall glasses, water, and mixing spoon. Fill the glasses with different amounts of water. The less water in the glass will create a higher sounding pitch. The more water will create a lower sounding pitch. To create music, gently strike the glasses with the spoon. (not recommended for younger children)
To create a COMB BUZZER, you will need an ordinary pocket comb and some tissue paper. Simply fold the paper over the tooth edge of the comb and hum through the paper to make music.
Science Experiment
This is a great way to have fun and have the kids (and adults) be awe-struck by the wonders of science. Here are some simple science experiments to do at home on a rainy day.
First of all, since it is a rainy day, measure the rainfall, by putting a large jar in the rain. On an hourly basis, measure the height of the water and record the findings.
Another great experiment is turning shiny new pennies green. For this experiment, you will need some copper pennies, white vinegar, a bowl and some paper towels. Mold the paper towels to the bowl, put the pennies on top, pour the vinegar over the pennies until saturated, and watch the chemical reaction occur.
Also, try fishing for ice. For this experiment, you will need a cup of water, a few ice cubes, table salt, and piece of string. Put the ice into the water and they will float to the top, using the string try to “fish” for a piece of ice. At this point, nothing will be caught. Now, sprinkle some salt on the ice, wait a minute, then try “fishing” again with the string and see what you caught!
Be sure to schedule an appointment for your child’s next checkup or other dental needs.