Rainy days in the summer are inevitable. Everyone has found him or herself wondering on a rainy day what activities to do besides television all day. Some of these activities are for those days when there is no lightening and it is safe to be outside. Other of these activities are for those indoor days when it is a thunderstorm and not safe to go outside.
It's Just Raining Activities
Some days it's just raining and too wet to play outside. However, there are activities that can be done outside while wearing a raincoat.
Painting with the rain: For this activity each person will need a paper plate, preferably the kind without a coating on them. Sprinkle a few drops of food coloring on the plate. Carefully, holding the plate flat so the food coloring does not run, walk outside and let the rain fall on the plate for one minute. Come back inside and let dry. For a cool effect, try writing on the plate with white crayon before adding the food coloring.
Puddle jumping: All that is required for this activity is rain gear and a sense of adventure. Everyone gets on raincoats and goes outside. Puddles can be found and jumped in. A competition can be had to see who can make the biggest splash or the smallest splash. Songs like "Singing in the rain" or "Rain Rain Go Away" could be loudly sung. Children may want to pretend to be frogs, ducks or other water loving animals while splashing in the puddles.
Critter Safari: Some critters like earthworms, salamanders and frogs hide when it is warm and sunny outside. These same critters love rainy days. The family goes on safari around the yard to see how many critters of each type they can find. The critters should not be disturbed, but can be observed doing what comes natural to them. A tally of each type of critter can be kept.
It's a Thunderstorm and it's not Safe to be Outside
Some days it's not conducive to be outside. These days have thunder and lightening which make it dangerous to be outside for more than just very short periods of time. These days require activities in the house.
Make Play Dough
Everyone loves modeling with play dough. Making your own play dough is a great experience for kids, and they get to pick their favorite colors. Once the play dough is made, have a contest to see who can sculpt the best person, flower, etc.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons cream of tarter
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/4 cup salt
- food coloring
Procedure
- Mix all ingredients in order.
- Stir over medium heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and kneed until blended and smooth.
- Place in an airtight container when cooled.
- Can be played with over and over.
Bake something yummy: Perhaps the best way to spend a rainy day is cooking something delicious. The best choice for baking is the child's favorite cookie recipe. A really easy treat is to make crispy rice treats.
Crispy Rice Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of margarine
- 4 cups of mini marshmallows or 40 large marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- cooking spray
Procedure
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in cereal until well coated with marshmallow mixture.
- Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
- Press mixture into a pan using a wooden spoon sprayed with cooking spray.
- Allow to cool. Cut into piece and enjoy.
Rainy days can be fun whether they must be spent inside or out. with very little pre-planning a great day can be had in the rain.
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