Rainy days don’t have to be miserable; there are a number of fun indoor activities for kids that you can try with your little ones. Whether it’s making a blanket fort, a sandbox, or a science experiment, kids will enjoy these activities and will learn a variety of new skills at the same time. And because you’re stuck indoors, it’s always good to have something familiar and fun to play.
Making a blanket fort
A blanket fort is a fun activity for kids and the whole family to do together. You can build them over again with different variations. And once you’ve mastered one, you can add more layers, or even sleep in them! Here are a few ideas on how to build your own fort. You don’t have to be a construction worker or build a large fort – even a table can serve as the fort’s roof!
To make a blanket fort indoors, you can use a clothesline or other sturdy string, or even two parallel cords. Hang the blankets across the room, and then drape them over the strings, using clips to secure them. You can use pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags to make it more comfortable and cozy. You can even prop up an ottoman or a low chair to create a darker environment.
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to start building a blanket fort. Gather a few blankets, hair ties, and other items you need for the fort. If you want to make a bigger fort, tie several blankets together. When finished, you can watch movies or play games inside. And if you’re looking for an activity to do together, consider making a blanket fort with your kids.
Making a sandbox
If you don’t have a backyard, consider creating your own sandbox inside your house. It is easy to set up and clean up and can be filled with lots of fun stuff for your children to play in. To make the sandbox more interesting, add water to it. Just make sure you use water-proof paint so it doesn’t rust and stay moist.
A sandbox made of heat-treated red cedar is an excellent choice, as it is waterproof and can hold up to seven pounds of sand. You can even purchase a tarp to cover it, allowing you to enjoy the sand even on windy days. The only downside is that the tarp or plastic cover might blow off on windy days.
To build a sandbox, start by digging a hole that is about 6 inches deep. Then, spread out a layer of sand approximately one inch thick. If the ground is uneven, you can also use a level and sledge to level the ground. Once the sandbox is ready, you can begin to build. The first course of timbers should be square and braced with a scrap 2×4. Once the first course of timbers is in place, you can level it using a sledge and a 4-foot level.
Another great idea for a sandbox is to buy inexpensive items at the dollar store. The dollar store has many imitation gems that your kids will love to dig up and play with. You can also purchase toy vehicles from the dollar store. These can be stored inside the sandbox. This is a great activity for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re unable to go out, you can also make a sandbox indoors.
Science experiments
While the weather may not be cooperating, you can always try some science experiments on a rainy day. You can experiment with water, air, and a variety of materials. These activities are a great way to get your children’s imagination flowing. Try a rain cloud in a jar with a few items from your home. Then, watch as your kids’ creations take shape! If you’d like to do more, try one of the following activities.
Make a sponge cloud to mimic a rain cloud. Another science experiment for a rainy day is the tiny twister. You can also make a winter wonderland in a jar with simple household items. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a book from Dr. Seuss. The classic If You Give a Pig a Pancake is a kid favorite and teaches valuable lessons about life skills while learning the letter ‘P’.
A sidewalk art project is an excellent way to engage your children in hands-on learning. You will need chalk, water, and a large, sturdy paintbrush. You’ll want to draw a design on the sidewalk with chalk and then dip your paintbrush in water and lightly paint over the chalk. Not only will this exercise your kids’ creativity, but it will teach them about experimentation. You can also practice your children’s memory and reasoning skills as they play!
Baking cookies
There are a few benefits to baking in the winter, even if you’re not out in the rain. The chilly weather doesn’t have the same effect on baked goods as high humidity. If the temperature is below 35°F, your baked goods may come out soggy or clumpy. You can use the extra time to extend baking time by 5 minutes. You should also make sure the flour and sugar reach room temperature before baking.
To get the best results from your cookie dough, add just enough flour, sugar, and egg to make it soft and fluffy. Add flour and eggs slowly, making sure not to over-mix because too much moisture will make the cookies tough. If you can’t stand to cook in the rain, then you can bake cookies in a dark oven to keep them crisp and dry. Try out a new recipe and have fun baking!
If you don’t have access to a stove, you can use a bench scraper to scrape out the remaining flour. Using a bench scraper, you can also mix the sugar and lemon zest with your fingers. The dough should be chilled at least two hours before baking. You can store the cookies for up to 3 days in an airtight container. These cookies can also be stored in a refrigerator.
Taking a cooking class
If you’re looking for some indoor activities for a chilly day, taking a cooking class may be the perfect option. There are plenty of cooking classes around NYC, so you can try a new cuisine or learn new cooking techniques. Or, you can take an online cooking class from the comfort of your own home. Whatever your choice, you’re sure to find something that you and your child will enjoy.
Taking a cooking class for a rainy day indoor activities is a great way to engage your kids in screen-free time while learning a new skill. Kids will have fun interacting with other kids and adults in a stimulating, learning environment. And, what could be more rewarding than teaching your kids a new skill? It’s a win-win situation, especially if they can enjoy the process of creating a meal from scratch!
Taking a scavenger hunt
Whether the day is dreary and rainy, or the weather isn’t conducive to going outside, taking a scavenger hunt indoor can be a great way to encourage gross motor skills. You can design the scavenger hunt around something your child is currently learning, such as an animal or plant. Or, you can set up a scavenger hunt right inside your child’s classroom, so they can explore, discover, and explore in a different way.
Scavenger hunts don’t have to be elaborate. You can make the activity more kid-friendly by having a list of items your child has to find. For example, if your child is scared of the dentist, you can give them a list of all the equipment that they will need for their appointment. You can also have them come up with their own ideas for the pictures.
If you have more than one child, you can create a virtual scavenger hunt that allows your child to compete against each other to find the items. This allows you to share the scavenger hunt with as many households as you wish. This way, your child will be encouraged to think outside the box. It will also help your child burn off some of their energy.