Rainy days can be a challenge. American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem titled The Rainy Day, which includes the words, "Into each life some rain must fall."
Instead of letting the rain put a damper on your day, embrace it and run with it. Check out the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Guide to Indoor Family Fun for local places to have fun indoors.
If you'd rather, just stay home and let these ideas help you find your family fun in the rain! Click on the pink links for more information or extra ideas.
1. Pull out the boots and raincoats and play in the rain. Kids love to puddle stomp, so join them!
2. Plan a family game day. Let each child (and adult) choose their favorite card or board game and enjoy.
3. Paint some rocks. Check out Lynchburg Rocks: What They Are and Where to Hide or Find Them for tips to get started.
4. Bake cookies or cupcakes. Here are a few cookie recipes and tips for baking with kids to get you started. Set some goodies aside to give to the grandparents or neighbors.
5. Use the internet to travel. Take a virtual trip to somewhere you've always wanted to visit.
6. Have a craft day with 25 Crafts to Enjoy Anytime.
7. Build-a-thon marathon with LEGOs or blocks. Use patterns or create your own. Have a contest to see who can build the most unique creation.
8. Embrace your inner superhero. Pull out the dress-up box, Halloween costumes, or let each family member repurpose clothing items to create a unique superhero.
9. Play an old school game, such as Charades, Simon Says, or I Spy. Adjust one of these Summer Throwback: "Classic" Outdoor Games to play indoors.
10. Have an ice cream party or make your own Homemade Ice Cream in a Baggie. Be sure to offer lots of toppings, sprinkles, and other goodies for sundaes.
11. Play a game of indoor Nerf ball. Your kids will love it!
12. Invite neighborhood friends over to play. Even better, invite a few families and have a rainy day party.
13. Create a family poster to hang in your family room.
14. Read about the history of your city, state, or our country. Did you know that eight U.S. presidents called Virginia home?
15. Practice bowling in your hallway or basement, using a tennis ball and tissue paper or paper towel rolls. Or create your own fun with handmade Milk Jug Catchers and Newspaper Balls.
16. Make Rain Paintings. Click the link for step-by-step instructions.
17. Have a read-aloud story day, letting each child choose a favorite book or books. Reading Aloud to Your Kids Can Equal Success.
18. Bring nature indoors. Use items from nature to create a diorama, shadow box, or Create a Fairy Garden.
19, Look at old photos or your kids' baby books together. Use these tips for Taking & Making Memorable Father's Day Photos -- or any day photos!
20. Create a made-up story with each family member adding to the story.
21. Practice math skills using coins and Monopoly money.
22. Create an indoor beach day experience. Grab towels, change into swim suits, and let the kids hit the tub!
23. Enjoy winter fun in any season. Create a Blizzard Indoors.
24. Watch your favorite movie or pick a few.
25. Have a fashion show, using dress-up clothes or your children's clothes. Set aside anything that doesn't fit to donate. Sort through and organize toys, setting aside toys to donate. Check out this article to Teach Kids How to Help Others.
Plan ahead for fun when you're stuck indoors. Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in any weather! It's free to subscribe to our weekly newsletter of family activities and local events.
