No More Rainy Day Blues

"Rain, rain, go away. Come again some other day." The old childhood chant certainly seems to strike a chord with many children and their parents to this day. For the family that thrives on outside sports and activities, it can be difficult to find activities that don't involve video games or television. However, with a little bit of creativity and a spark of imagination, your family can turn a rainy day into a great memory building opportunity.

The Indoor Campout

Some of the greatest fun can be had by turning everyday outdoor activities into fun indoor ones. Get creative and this could be a great deal of fun. The first piece of "equipment" you will need is a spare sheet. Propped over a few chairs this can make an excellent tent to play camping in. Whip up a quick picnic lunch and eat it on top of a picnic blanket spread on the floor. S'mores can be easily whipped up in the microwave and would go perfectly with a silly storytelling session. A quick game of hide and seek can make this camp-out loads of fun.

Game Day

Board games should never be underestimated as a source of entertainment. Every family has its favorite games, so dig yours out and play a few rounds. Some popcorn and hot chocolate can make this time downright cozy. If you tire of your current game selections, get imaginative and change some of the rules or create your own game using some of the parts and pieces that you have on hand. Once you do this, write down your new game so that you can play in the future if you like.

Story Time

Break out the pens and papers and let the kids get their imaginations cranking. Encourage each child to make a picture book. Be careful not to put any pressure on them, remember this doesn't have to be the next great American novel, the aim is to have fun! Once each child has finished their story, have them share the story with each other and you. Provide stickers and colorful papers to help embellish the covers and pages.

Masterpiece Theater