Rainy Day Fun
Rainy days can give all of us the blues – being stuck inside for hours and an hour doesn’t feel like very much fun. To a child even a room full of toys seems boring and they are bundles of energy just waiting to run, jump and spin. What can mom, dad, grandma or caregiver do to make the rainy day pass without boredom and children jumping off the walls waiting to expend their energy? How about not losing your mind as an adult trying to figure out what to do and not get bored yourself? Here’s a list of fun ideas, resources and community places that can help make that indoor day more fun:
1. Indoor obstacle course. Yes, use the couch cushions, pillows, broom stick to jump over and laundry basket as a basketball hoop. Be creative and challenge the youngest of child to go over the broom stick, around the pillow, jump over the cushions and throw the socks into the basket! Children will love this and if you use a large enough space the children can expend a great deal of energy moving in different directions and jumping over and crawling under objects.
2. Head to the North Central Michigan College gymnasium. Parents need to sign a disclaimer and pay $1.00 to use the gymnasium space where there are balls, hula hoops and fun toys for children to use while running and jumping. Gather a group of friends and let the children run freely indoors. Call the North Central Michigan College if you have questions or to make sure the gym is not be used: 1.888.298.6605
3. Head to the Charlevoix Library. Children can sail away in the ship, have a puppet show, play computers, sit inside the storytelling trees and play with Legos. It’s a fun place to be and children can stay for hours playing and reading!!!
4. Build a Fort. Use the kitchen table, end tables, chairs, stools or anything you can think of to create a tent using sheets, comforters and blankets. With a few flash lights, pillows and books children will have a fun place to play. Guaranteed fun for hours!
5. Oodles of Noodles. Children love sensory play and if you have some spaghetti noodles on hand and a big bowl or tub children can spend hours playing in cooled and cooked noodles. Just boil some noodles, let them thoroughly cool under cold water – add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and whala you have oodles of noodles! When finished with the noodles have the children use white glue and make pictures with them. Two projects in one and it is edible!
For other great resources visit:
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/boredom_busters.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/spring-rainy-day-activities-ms/
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/kids_activities.htm
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