With unexpected snow days making their way around the northeast, I thought I'd introduce you to some of my favorite activities to take the edge off of those dreary days stuck in the house. Since I love to organize (I know, it's a sickness), I actually have a "Rainy Day" notebook. I jot down ideas, mostly from magazines (pre-Pinterest) and adapt them to target language in a fun, hands-on way. These are perfect to share with parents and they can keep them on hand for those unexpected days at home.
Activity #1
Edible Buildings
Things to have on hand:
Marshmallows
Pretzel sticks (the thin ones)
Directions for play: Have your child skewer the pretzel sticks into the marshmallows and build away. You can create buildings or a delicious friend. You may even want to have a gummy bear stop by for a visit...
Activity #2
Bath Time Beach Party
Things to have on hand:
Dolls (the kind that can get wet)
Beach Towels (washcloths)
Sunscreen (body wash or lotion)
Boat (plastic storage containers)
Directions for play: Break out some summertime tunes and have a BLAST! Make a fruity drink to have on hand and don't forget your sunglasses!!
Activity #3
Bath Time Car Wash (if only cleaning my car were this fun)
Things to have on hand:
Toy cars
Empty squeeze bottles
Spray bottles
Bubble Bath
Directions for play: Take those "dirty" cars and make them shine. Dip them in the bubbles and see who gets all of the suds off first.
Activity #4
Bowling
Things to have on hand:
Empty water bottles
Ball
Food coloring
Directions for play: Add a little water (for weight) to each bottle and secure the lids. For an added challenge, add food coloring to one or two bottles and make those worth "extra points."
Activity #5
Hidden Treasure
Things to have on hand:
Blocks (or anything on the small side)
Aluminum foil
Empty paper towel roll
Directions for play: Wrap the blocks in aluminum foil and hide the "treasure." Have your little pirate use his "telescope" to find the hidden treasure. Give them a pillowcase to put their loot!
Activity #6
Obstacle Course
Things to have on hand:
Masking tape or Painter's tape
Directions for play: Place the masking tape in designs on the floor. Have your child walk across the "balance beam," jump over the "bridge" or make a hop-scotch board.
Activity #7
Indoor Picnic
Things to have on hand:
Basket
Picnic-type foods
Sheet or blanket
Directions for play: Have your child pack food for the picnic (juice boxes, raisins, string cheese, crackers, etc.) and help them set up the blanket on the floor. Bon appetite!
Activity #8
Make A Magazine Story
Things to have on hand:
Magazines
Paper
Scissors
Glue
Directions for play: Have your child cut out random pictures from a magazine and glue them on a few pages. Make up a story to tell about the pictures.
Activity #9
Guess What
Things to have on hand:
Pillowcase
Stuff from around the house (phone, ball, blocks, stuffed animals, etc.)
Directions for play: Take a walk around the house with your child and gather a few items into an empty pillowcase. Take turns reaching inside and guessing which object you have. Remember, no peeking!
Activity #10
Scavenger Hunt
Things to have on hand:
Paper
Pencil or crayons
List of objects (take a look at this FREEBIE)
Directions for play: Look for objects around the house that are on the list. Have your child draw a picture of the items he/she finds from the list.
Have fun spending time playing with your kids! They are only this little once!!
