Sometimes, Mother Nature just does not care that you were all supposed to go to the park, or that today was the day your child was going to learn to ride a bike. She simply has different plans, which includes a whole lot of precipitation. The kids are grumpy and you are already in a bad mood simply because you know the day is going to be filled with whining and pouting. It doesn’t have to be this way though. Approach the day with a positive attitude, and have fun doing some things you may not always have the opportunity to do together.

Treasure Hunt

Put the kids in a room with a closed door and hide a bunch of treasures around the house. These could be treats they love, $1 or $5 bills, or simple toys you keep on hand for this very purpose. Give the kids a new clue every 30 minutes. This game can take all day, especially if the treasures are worth searching for.

Movie Marathon

Every once in a while it is okay to veg out in front of the TV for the day. Move their bean bag chairs into the living room, so they can have their comfy seats to lounge in all day. If your kids don’t have bean bag chairs yet, you can get some online at websites like SoothingCompany.com. These are the most comfortable and supportive chairs you will find for kids (and adults) of all ages.

Craft Day

Clear off the kitchen table, and have a big fun day full of crafts. Ideally, you will have some fun activities bookmarked on Pinterest, and you will already have the supplies on-hand, so you don’t need to make a run to the craft store.

Indoor Camping

If you have a large living room or basement, you could pitch a tent and have fun doing camp-like activities. You can also simply grab a bunch of blankets, chairs, etc., and make a fort.

Fun in the Kitchen

The go-to thing to make on a rainy day is chocolate chip cookies, but this is not a rule. You can make smoothies or roll bananas in yogurt or chocolate, and then coconut, and freeze on wax paper. Of course you can always make sugar cookies to decorate, or cut fruit into bite size pieces to make fruit kabobs.

Dress Up

If you don’t already have a rainy day dress-up chest, now is the time to start one. You don’t need an actual wooden chest either. A large plastic bin will work just fine. Hit the secondhand store or garage sales and pick up a bunch of stuff. Make sure you have plenty of accessories, like feather boas, extravagant hats, ties, etc.

Board Games

You have been promising to play Monopoly for six months. You might as well get it over with. Make some healthy snacks, grab the board games, and have fun.