Rainy Days

I knew my post about the great outdoors would tempt fate and the heavens would open! I'm writing this with a cup of tea looking out over a very rainy & damp garden; the heatwave suddenly feels so long ago. So if you are also facing a day of miserable weather here are some rainy day ideas to help you create some sunshine and fun when skies are grey.

Museums

My first rainy day go to is always a museum, especially as you may not feel confident in other indoor attractions at the moment.

In the Midlands, the RAF Museum at Cosford has some huge indoor spaces so would be a great idea for a rainy day, but remember to book a free timed entry ticket.

In London the Natural History Museum (one of my favourite museums) has reopened but free tickets are selling out fast so make sure you book in advance: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit.html

In the north Eureka has now reopened but you will need to book. What is really great is that they are using a new cleaning technique which means they can keep hands on exhibits open safely.

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Embrace the rain???

This may come from the time I lived in the lake district and there was no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothing! Anyway it is my favourite idea - just embrace the rain and get wet. Head out for a walk, laugh when you get rained on and jump in puddles. Plus there is nothing better than getting cosy after a wet & windy walk.

We once braved Warwick Castle one rainy December day and because it had put other people off it was nice to have so much space to ourselves. I do remember enjoying watching the falconry drinking hot chocolate and bundled up in coats but it may be a bit of rose tinted memory! So be prepared with the right clothes (and many layers) but don't let (light) rain put you off a day out somewhere exciting.

You could use the bad weather for some playful science inspiration. Click here for a video from Thinktank's kitchen science experiments series on how to make a rain gauge.

This is a handy resource on the water cycle from Nasa: https://climatekids.nasa.gov/water-cycle/

I like the lovely child friendly illustration of the water cycle here: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/nature/water-cycle/

For very little ones here are some nice storybook suggestions about rain: https://sammyapproves.com/childrens-rain-books/

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Stay Home & Stay Dry

If all else fails it is always good to have some classic stay home ideas to hand. Here are a few favourites.

Play dough or salt dough modelling. I use this recipe to make my own and it is so easy and even taste safe for babies https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/playdough-recipe You could add food scents like mint or vanilla for another sensory experience.

Get creative with modelling (just tip out the recycling and see what you can build - click on the play ideas tab for my top tips.)

Also these craft ideas are really simple & fun: https://www.5minutefun.com/topic/craft/craft-duration/5-minutes/

Try an at home treasure hunt. I did this with grown ups and it was really fun. You could hide clues at home like here: https://playtivities.com/at-home-treasure-hunt/ or just set mini finding challenges like find something for each colour of the rainbow, find the smallest thing, find something as quickly as you can that begins with the first letter of your name ...

Make an indoor den. I really want to try this one. Here YouTube or Pinterest are your friend for ideas.Top tip use old bedding with different textures and clothes pegs to secure and add in toys like play tunnels or battery fairy lights for extra cosyness.

If you still stuck for ideas there are lots of great suggestions from Best Years here: https://www.bestyears.co.uk/en/blog/517-family-fun-what-to-do-on-a-rainy-day and do take a look at their gorgeous knitted and rubber dinos, some of my favourite baby friendly toys around!

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Have fun & hope the sun is back shining soon!

Sarah