Colorado summers are generally gorgeous, but we are prone to afternoon showers. When you are stuck indoors with energetic kiddos, it can seem that the rain may never end. Help is on the way!
1.) Play in the rain. If the weather is warm enough, put on rain boots and go outside to stomp in the puddles. Look for tadpoles and other critters. Get muddy!
2.) Have a Teddy Bear Picnic in the family room. Set up a blanket on the floor, pack lunch into a picnic basket if you have one, and then walk all through your house with your favorite stuffed animals and dolls before sitting at your picnic spot.
BONUS: You'll discover items you need but forgot to pack, which will make you better prepared for an outdoor picnic later!
3.) Make a fort in the dining room. Your dining room or kitchen table is perfectly built for forts. Lay a large sheet across the table and then turn all the chairs backward to make room under the table and hold the sheet in place. Play card games or make up stories while sitting in your fort.
4.) Movie Night... at 2:00 in the afternoon. The kids love eating popcorn while watching a movie in the middle of the day, especially if snacks aren't usually allowed in front of the TV! Not sure what to watch? You can't go wrong with a classic. We even have some printable checklists for you!
- Movies from the '80s to watch with your kids, tweens, and teens
- Movies from the '90s to watch with your kids, tweens, and teens
5.) Make a movie. Kids love to entertain AND to see themselves as the star of the show. Have them sing, dance, or just act crazy while videotaping them. Then show it back to them. Don't forget to send the video to Nana and Papa for rave reviews!
6.) Crafts, Crafts, and more Crafts! Kids of all ages LOVE crafts! Type "Craft Corner" or "Science Lab" into the Search box on our homepage, and you'll get a long list of ideas, most using items you probably already have on hand.
7.) Finger paint or blow bubbles in the bathtub! Put the kids in their swimsuits or birthday suits and let them use their soap finger paints or blow bubbles in the tub before putting water in. Then go right into bath time.
NOTE: Skip this idea if there is lightning outside. According to the National Weather Service, this is NOT a safe activity when lightning is present.
8.) Play a board game instead of a video game. Old-fashioned board games are underrated but really are fun for the whole family and a great way to connect with your kids. Candy Land is a winner with preschoolers. Sorry or The Game of Life are fabulous options for elementary and middle graders. Watch your Xbox-loving teen get hooked on Risk.
9.) Have a dance party! Put on some tunes and let loose. You can’t dance around like crazy without smiling, and hey, you’ll burn a few calories too.
10.) Write a letter or draw a picture for friends and family and then send it... SNAIL MAIL. Who wouldn't love to get a sweet note from a favorite child among the stack of bills and junk mail?
