Has bad weather got you down? Rainy days can get you down, or you can seize the opportunity and create some family fun! Activities are only limited by your imagination, but if you’re stuck, here are a few classics to start you off:
Play a card game
Rainy days are perfect for playing games, and you may know a few that are new to the kids. A deck of cards is all you need for classics like Gin Rummy, Hearts or Go Fish. You can also stock up on specialty card decks, such as Uno, Skip-Bo or Phase 10.
Older kids and teens may enjoy testing their math skills with Blackjack or learning a few poker variations. You can make friendly wagers, but be sure they understand the seriousness of gambling.
Watch old movies
Chances are your kids or grandkids have seen just about every animated or family feature released in the past decade. But what about the classics? Create a young cinephile by introducing them to films of your youth. Many streaming services boast an impressive catalog of pre-2000s movies.
If you’re looking for inspiration, try these family-friendly titles: National Velvet (1944), Old Yeller (1957), Bright Eyes (1934), Disney classics, The Sound of Music (1965), or The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Cook together
Passing family recipes to future generations is a time-honoured tradition. You may have warm memories of spending time in the kitchen with your loved ones, and can create similarly happy moments with your kids or grandkids.
How much the little ones are able to help will largely depend on their age. Younger children can assist with basic tasks, like mixing ingredients or decorating cookies. Older kids can help by reading recipes, measuring or practicing safe knife skills. Teens may want to tackle the bulk of the work, so they can master a few dishes before they move out on their own.
Make a time capsule
Preserving family heirlooms and artifacts is a fun way to celebrate now and create a great future surprise. Help your kids or grandkids gather their favourite artwork, school report cards, family photos, and other memorabilia. Ask them to write a letter to their future selves or make predictions about what they’ll be doing in 5, 10, or 15 years.
Put everything into an archival box, and tuck it away in a cool, dark place. The back of a closet or under the bed in a guest room are great hiding places. Remember to write the date when you’ll open it on the box so you don’t forget!
Create an indoor scavenger hunt
Transforming your home into a scavenger hunt can help keep kids busy and burn off some energy. Write a list of items, give each child a small bag to hold their treasures, and set a time limit. The child who locates the most items by the end is the winner!
Generic the items are generally better than specific ones. Choose things like “something starting with the letter M” or “a small red item” to prevent kids from fighting over items you may only own one of.
How does your family stay entertained on rainy days? Share your favourite activities and games with our Facebook community!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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