How to entertain your children on a rainy summer's day
Have the summer holidays got you demented yet? When the weather is nice, it’s so easy just to pop to the park, a beach, or somewhere else outdoors where they can play, see, and do new things. But when it rains, it really scuppers things don’t you think? Don’t just stick them in front of a games console or the children’s TV channel. Here are some fabulous activities to stimulate them and keep them busy on the days where going out just isn’t an option!
Turn Rubbish into Beauty!
Toilet rolls tubes, egg boxes, old newspapers and even old shoes can make fabulous creations. All you need is PVA glue, poster paints, a paintbrush and a limitless supply of imagination. Make masks out of paper plates. Make a cardboard box and loo roll castle model, cutting a drawbridge out of one of the boxes so it can be lowered and raised with strings. The world is your oyster. Lacking inspiration? Search online.
Get Crafty
Craft sets area available for almost every activity, from finger puppets, to jewellery, pottery and even pin-art (using pins to attach sequins to a polystyrene shape or figure). Galt Toys have an amazing range too, designed for children of all different age groups, which will guarantee something to entertain almost every child. Take them to the shops or order online, but let them choose what they want to do to ensure the activity will be enjoyable. Why not suggest they get a set that will involve making something nice for their bedroom or something that will serve as a present for a loved one?
Read Together
Books not only inspire the imagination, but they often hold a wealth of knowledge. An excellent book-inspired activity you can all do together is this:
• Read the book as a family (or choose a story from a compendium).
• Get your child or children to choose a character each.
• Using whatever creative materials you have, create either a drawing or a puppet of the character(s).
• Re-enact a favourite part of the book together.
By going into a story in as much depth, they will remember it and may even learn new language along the way. You can do this with favourite stories, new stories, or even a story in a comic. Choose a different book every time and you can do this over and over!
Bake or Cook
Children love cakes and cookies. Baking is ideal in wet weather and can keep them busy while you make the food, while you decorate them, and while you all tuck in. Why not go a step further and make a three course meal together? Here is an idea of something you can all make.
1. Soured Cream dip with chives and tabasco sauce (use 150ml of sour cream, a small handful of chopped fresh chives, and 3-5 drops of tabasco, which will give it a gentle kick without being too spicy). Serve with Julienned vegetables such as cucumber, carrot or celery.
2. Homemade pizza (make your own bases or buy them from the supermarket and spread with tomato puree before decorating with sliced meats, diced vegetables and lots of cheese).
3. Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Where possible, try and get some fresh fruit or vegetables into the mix. Children may object to them normally, but helping to prepare a meal using the items may make them more likely to taste and try them.
With a little bit of luck, these activities should keep your little ones busy until the sun comes out again. Do you have any top rainy day activities that you and your children enjoy? Share them with us!
About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Galt Toys. Galt Toys have been manufacturing toys for over 175 years, and know a thing or two about toys…and having fun!
