Outdoor play activities can be challenging when it’s chilly. Cold weather in California isn’t really that cold. Still, it’s tough to convince my friends with kids to get outside and play when rain threatens. I guess we’re spoiled by great beach and park play day weather. Outdoor time is still important. Remember how good it feels to have a rosy nose? Or how exciting it is to wear gloves? Yes, it’s a special treat when you live in Southern California. Outdoor play activities shouldn’t cease just because of colder weather. I’ll post some indoor imaginative play ideas tomorrow.
“You Might Get Wet”
. . . Is what my Dad would always say when we hit the jacuzzi in the rain. To this day, it’s one of my favorite activities when it’s cold and rainy (or snowy) outside.
Puddle-Jumping
Many documented incidents of puddle-jumping fun. Anything that makes you feel like you’re gonna get in trouble has to be worth it! Put the kids in boots or old shoes and let them have at it. Time it so they hit bathtime right after. The families on Active Kids Club jump in puddles often and share other ideas for getting messy. So does Debi and her family on Go Explore Nature. I follow them on Twitter @activekidsclub and @goexplorenature.*
Garage Band
Open the garage and listen to the rain. We used old coffee cans and chopsticks to make rain sounds. I can think of lots of other things to do in an empty garage with the door open to watch the rain: scooters, chalk drawings, bounce balls, hoola-hoop, relay races . . . I’m sure your kids will even come up with some fun ideas “What can we do in this empty garage?”
Take a Walk
Show your kids how different the world looks when it’s raining. Our driveway is a veritable quilt of fall colors (photo above). What else is different? Are there more snails on the ground? Does the water collect on the plants? Is the rain water clean or dirty? Why?
All you need is rubber boots, a raincoat, maybe an umbrella — and your imagination.
What do you do when it rains? Share here or become a Facebook fan. I usually post to Facebook once a day with some fun, inspiring play ideas or insider stories behind the blog posts.
*This post contains mention of friends from Twitter. Link here to full disclosure policy.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes puddle jumping is a lot of fun. Sometimes it is in really bad weather all the fun happens. One of my favorite things to do with puddles is to make channels and ponds.It is a winner both for small and big kids!
Great ideas, Michele! My son & I had a field day in the downpour this weekend — puddle jumping as always! He also loved playing what I call “will it float?” tossing objects into pools of water to see what sank and what rose to the top. Tons of fun!