It’s early morning and it’s still dark outside but you can see it’s going to be a rainy day. What are you going to do with the kids, somehow you’re going to have to entertain them inside the house all day! Here’s a list of great Rainy Day Activities for your little one’s to enjoy.
Bubbles – Bubbles are a great way to entertain babies and toddlers. You can get some very fancy bubble blowers now from your local supermarket that blow loads of bubbles large & small.
Cellophane – Coloured cellophane works best but clear is fine if this is all you have. Scrunch it up into a tight ball and then place into a net bag – like the ones that you get from the supermarket with oranges in. Seal the bag and then give to your little one to play with. They love the noise and if you use coloured cellophane they love the bright colours too.
Dancing – Babies and toddlers love to dance so put your little one’s favourite music on and dance around the room. It’s great exercise too.
Finger Painting – put down a big drop sheet or plastic mat and get the paints out. Show your little one how to paint using their fingers. They’ll be fascinated with the pictures that they can create and it’s a great way to learn colours too.
Plastic Bottle – Fill a plastic bottle with rice coloured with food colouring. They will love the noise it makes and the colours too.
Television – Letting your little one’s watch television doesn’t make you a “bad mother”. There are some great educational shows on television that can assist in the development of your child, such as Hi 5, Sesame Street, Dora The Explorer.
Housework – Toddlers love to help, so don’t be afraid to give them some jobs around the house. Let them help you fold the clothes or sort the washing. Helping you tidy up teaches them skills for later in life.
Playdough – Playdough is very easy to make if you don’t have any. All it takes is 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 4 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of cooking oil and half a cup of cream of tartar. Mix together over a low heat in a saucepan over the stove until a dough consistency is formed. Remove from heat, knead and colour with food colouring. You can teach your little one to make all sorts of shapes and animals or use cookie cutters under your supervision to tap into their creative mind.
Toys – dig out some of the old toys that you had put away. You’ll be amazed at how interested they are in them again.
Books – books are fantastic and kids will love having stories read to them particularly if you animate them.
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