8 Fun Things To Do in the Rain

Got a case of cabin fever? Don't let a damp forecast rain on your parade. Whether it's barely drizzling or raining cats and dogs, make the most of the wet weather with these outdoor activities designed especially for rainy days.








1. Make a Splash

Grown-ups usually discourage kids from jumping in puddles, so the kiddos will be surprised and excited when you start a carefree splash contest. Gear up in raincoats and galoshes to head outside and stomp through pools of water. See who can create the biggest spray of water or give kudos for the most stylish tap dance routine.










2. Color Yourselves

Put on bathing suits and then color all over yourselves with bathtub crayons or other washable colors (we recommend that whatever you use washes off easily). Draw silly faces on your stomachs or write funny messages. Go wild. Then get out in the rain and wash yourselves off. It's nature's shower! Ready for more? Dry off and start all over again.











3. Wet and Wild Relay Race

Don't let a little drizzle keep the kids cooped up. Use waterproof toys to create the ultimate obstacle course for a fun family race. Split into teams (so what, if there's only two of you - compete against each other) and take turns kicking a beach ball around cones, hula hooping, spinning in circles while resting your forehead on a plastic bat, and competing in a water- balloon toss. In this race, laughing at the goofy challenges is more important than rewarding a winner.








4. Document the Day

Give your young photographers disposable waterproof cameras so they can capture the stormy weather on film. Spring showers provide a perfect opportunity to capture rare images of water droplets, colorful cloud formations, reflections in puddles, and beautiful rainbows. Shoot away, then drop off the cameras at a same-day photo processing center and take home the prints for lasting memories.






5. Make a Homemade Water Park

Don't fight to stay dry when the clouds let loose. Don bathing suits, and make a plan to get completely drenched. Pull out the plastic waterslide, set up the sprinkler, and fill the inflatable pool to create a wet and wild theme park. Join in the aquatic fun by starting a water war with the kids using soggy sponges, Super Soakers, and water balloons.










6. Camp Out

Pitch a tent in your backyard when the clouds start to gather. You'll stay nice and dry when the rain starts, but the change in scenery will make it feel like an adventure, brightening up a dreary day. Once inside, enjoy the soothing rhythm of the raindrops hitting the tent as you tell ghost stories and create flashlight shapes on the walls. Or play a board game until the rain lets up.











8. Paint With Raindrops

Use spring sprinkles to create a work of art. Start by putting several colors of powdered tempera paint into empty containers with plastic shaker tops. Give each of your little artists a sheet of heavy white construction paper and allow them to sprinkle two or three colors onto the paper. Lay a plastic trash bag on the ground, and help the kids gently place their powdered papers on the plastic. Watch the light rain turn the powder into beautiful art, and then take the pictures inside to dry.








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