Even though it is raining outside today, there are still lots of play opportunities for children. When my children were very young, I used to think that we had to stay indoors when it rained. It wasn’t until a neighbour came over and invited my children to play outside in the rain that I realized that rainy day outdoor play can be an amazing experience for children. We splashed in puddles, rode our bikes and trikes through the rain, and generally just enjoyed the experience. Here are some ideas for rainy day play outside:

make a small paper boat and find puddles so you can launch it
go on a worm hunt
collect nature items, such as leaves, branches, stones, etc.
play “I Spy”
catch raindrops in a cup or on your tongue
sing rainy day songs , such as “Singing in the Rain” and “Rain, Rain, Go Away”, “Drip, Drop Rain”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
make mud pies
paint with mud and water
go on a hike or a scavenger hunt
make big splashes in the puddles you find
watch and listen to the rain
make chalk drawings

I’m sure your children have their own ideas about how to have fun in the rain. Follow their lead, and have a fun rainy day!

Written by Marg Shannon, RECE, Parent Support Coach

Rainy Day Fun