Being housebound on a rainy day with the kids doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, with some imagination and creativity, you’ll start looking forward to them! Here are some ideas to keep everyone from getting bored and restless on those wet afternoons.
There are endless ways to make indoor dens, but one thing’s for sure: everyone will want to get involved. Drape blankets, throws and bed sheets over chairs and tables, holding in place with clothes pegs. Fill with cushions, pillows and soft throws for a cosy place to sit and cuddle. You can even stack sofa cushions at the entrance to make a doorway. For extra magic, drape fairy lights around to give an enchanting glow to the gloomy afternoon.
From cookies to butterfly cakes, baking is a timeless activity everyone can join in. And the best part is that you get to eat it all afterwards, too! You could whip up some quick fairy cakes or spend the afternoon crafting a masterpiece. Kids will love decorating, so go to town on the icing, edible glitter, and cake toppers.
Looking for something to help serve them in? Why not opt for these cute cases.
Keep the little ones entertained for hours with their very own indoor treasure hunt. Write clues and place them in little envelopes around the house. The treasure could be sweets or a small toy. Make the clues as challenging as possible without being so difficult they get bored. Bonus points for rhyming clues! Some places you can hide the clues include hanging in a wardrobe, down the side of the sofa, in food cupboards and dressing gown pockets. You could even provide stickers and stars to collect as they navigate the clues.
Get out the newspaper and the poster paints for an afternoon of messy fun. Use handprints and fingerprints to make shapes and scenes with various colours. You'll only have hands to clean rather than lots of paintbrushes, so keep a bowl of water handy. This is an excellent way for your kids to get messy and creative, and they'll love the novelty of using their hands to make pictures. Remember the essentials such as a palette or a set of brushes.
Re-create the cinema experience from the comfort of your own home. Make tickets and get your kids to buy from or sell them to you. Make popcorn and snacks, and dim the lights for an authentic feel. If you have a projector, you could take it further and set up a cinema in a different part of the home, such as a bedroom. Fill the floor with cushions and throws, close the curtains and watch as your little ones become immersed in the whole experience of a home cinema.
