It’s raining, it’s pouring…and the kids are restless. It might be tempting to park them in front of the TV to watch Ice Age. Again. But instead of taking the easy way out, get a little creative this time around. There’s tons of fun to be had when stuck indoors, from scavenger hunts to crafty projects. Well, what are you waiting for?
Seasoned parents know that scavenger hunts, like an old-school game of hide-and-seek, keep kids occupied for hours. Simply stow away toys or snacks, come up with clues or draw a map, and send the young detectives on the trail. But if you need a quick fix, break out one of the many scavenger hunt games on the market—complete with clue cards and hidden prizes.
Just because it’s grey and cloudy outdoors doesn’t mean it can’t be bright and colorful inside. Stock up on washable crayons and paints for days like these, and give the kids artistic freedom. Paint the sun and flowers on coffee filters, cut them out, and scotch tape them to windows for a stained-glass effect. Clean up is a breeze.
Lunchtime? Invite the kids to a make-believe picnic. Spread out a blanket on the living room carpet and pack a picnic basket with all the faux fixings. The kids will be psyched that they don’t have to eat their veggies, and you’ll be happy because no crumbs means no ants.
If the forecast says it will be storming all night, you may want to tire out the little tuckers. An obstacle course is the indoor answer to a jungle gym. The game plan: Jump on the bed. Crawl under the table. Shoot a layup on the over-the-door basketball hoop. Bowl a strike in the hallway lane.
What better way to end the evening than with a dance party? Dress up like rock stars, put on your favorite tunes, and pretend you’re a family band—sing, dance, and air guitar with prop instruments. If you’ve got competitive kids, how does a karaoke contest sound, American Idol style?
When the day is done, you won’t even know it stopped raining hours ago!
Image: texarkanaparent
