What’s a parent to do when the kids say “I’m bored!”? Whether it’s winter break, spring break, summer break or just another rainy day, we’re often stuck. At a loss for what to do to entertain our kids, we give in to our more base instincts by allowing them to watch much too much TV and eat junky food in an effort to buy ourselves more time. For shame.
Thankfully there are some simple rainy day activities for kids that moms and dads can pull off without too much effort. These can be used throughout the year, whenever you see your little one starts to demand some entertainment from you.
Here is a radio interview that I did with CJAD 800 to provide my top tips to keep kids busy over the holidays. Fortunately these tips are great to follow any time the kids are going a bit crazy. Use them whenever you need them 
Top 5 Rainy Day Activities For Kids
1) Cooking, baking, candlestick making: It’s about keeping the kids occupied. Cooking is always a good way of entertaining children. Keep the kids occupied by planning a special cooking project or two that they can enjoy. How about baking some cookies and cakes that they’ve never made before? How about a full meal, from appetizers to entrees to dessert? Shopping for the goods and actually preparing them will take up enough time to keep them entertained and engaged.
2) Local museums and galleries – Many museums and galleries have family-friendly entertainment and activities year-round, and for reasonable prices, if not free. Now’s the time to check them out and make the best of your local sites. Consider a visit to your local science center, art gallery and similar and make a day of it with the kids. Culture’s always a good thing, right?
3) Arts and Crafts – A tried and true distraction, arts and crafts can keep the children entertained for hours, if planned correctly. There are a number of simple activities that parents can arrange that the kids would find interesting and fun. Go to your local dollar store and buy some inexpensive supplies such as glue, construction paper, glitter, etc. and let the kids go to town. You’d be surprised at how creative the kids can get. Gear the activities towards your child’s age group and let them use their imaginations.
4) Outdoor activities – Whether it’s spring break, summer holidays or the dead of winter, fresh air and outdoor activities are always a good idea for antsy kids. The winter season is often a great time to enjoy cold-weather activities such as skating, tobogganing or building snowmen. Summer, of course, brings warm weather, swimming and outdoor sports. In this age of technology and video games, everything that’s old is new again. Encourage your kids to “kick it old school” – literally – and hand them a football (or basketball, or baseball).
5) Free Entertainment – Libraries and community centers have a number of activities geared towards children that are often free or at a very nominal price. As well, city-run programs that are outdoor often include children’s entertainment. Now’s the time to take advantage of those hard-spent tax dollars for municipal and city programs. Check ‘em out and bring the kids along as well.
RADIO INTERVIEW: What to do with the kids when they’re bored/out on vacation/have nothing to do
What are your favorite rainy-day activities for the kids? Tell me about them in the comments below!
Image courtesy of http://blog.allstate.com
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We like going out in the rain at least for a little bit. So many sounds and sensory surprises plus we need to expend that energy.
We’ve had an I’m bored jar in the past that they dip into. Not they are better at knowing what to do.
Melitsa recently posted..Calmer Easier Happier Parenting Of Boys #125
True, Melitsa – kids love playing in the rain, if you don’t mind dealing with the soggy clothes and boots
Love the ideas! There’s nothing wrong with planning some fun time, as long as our kids don’t view us as their entertainment directors. Kids need to learn to entertain themselves and find interesting things to do on their own. I find chores for my kids to do when they complain about being bored. I haven’t heard “I’m bored” in years!!
Peggy Harper Lee recently posted..It’s easier to criticize Sheryl Sandberg than to take her advice and Lean In!
That’s a great stand-by, Peggy! Yes – I use that trick too! “I’m bored” is often followed up by “Oh, okay – here’s a chore for you to do!” which is quickly then followed up by no more protestations of boredom
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