The summer is off to a bit of a soggy start here in Central Iowa. If you have kids at home and have planned outdoor outings you may want to save them for a sunnier day. But don’t let the rain dampen your summer fun. These activities are a sure-fire way to keep the family entertained and stimulated, and almost glad for the wet weather.
- Study rain and thunderstorms and find out what causes them.
- The kids bouncing off the walls? Let them jump all they want at an indoor bounce house.
- Break out the board games. Monopoly is good for a few hours of rainy day fun.
- Make Dad a Father’s Day gift.
- Got a few things to pick up? Get the shopping done at a local mall with a play space.
- Figure out what animals do when it rains.
- Crank up the tunes and lip sync, dance or sing the afternoon away.
- Get the sheets out and let the kids make a gigantic fort.
- Got a bookworm? Go to the local library or bookstore.
- Bake some cookie or brownies. From a box or homemade, they’re all good.
- Get creative with the kids and make some of those crafts you’ve been pinning.
- Kids can practice their putt at Longview Golf Centre.
- Break out the flash cards and brush up on those math skills.
- Channel your inner racecar driver at MB2 Raceway.
- Put on your safety glasses and conduct a few science experiments.
- This is a great time to use your Kids Bowl Free Coupons.
- Have a building contest with Legos®, pipe cleaners, play-doh or any other materials.
- Take in a cheap summer movie.
- Play the cup stacking game.
- Paint the town at a local pottery studio.
- Plan your next trip or fun outing.
- Take a class at a local store.
- Warm up the oven and make Shrinky Dinks®.
- Lace up your skates and go roller skating.
- Haven’t swam enough this summer? Go swimming at an indoor pool.
- Let the kids burn off some energy at a local gym.
- Pretend you’re in your own yard at Backyard Adventures.
- Read aloud to your kids. Or better yet have an older sibling do the reading.
- Have the kids make a stop motion movie with your smart phone or tablet.
- Discover how Mother Nature works at the Science Center of Iowa.
- Heat up the iron to put the finishing touches on your kids’ Perler® Bead designs.
- Enjoy a slice of pie at a local pie shop.
- Bundle up and go ice skating.
- Do something kind for the neighbors.
- Clear off the table and the whole family can help put together the biggest puzzle you’ve got.
- Learn about Iowa’s military heritage at the Iowa Gold Star Museum.
- Is there a drama king or queen in the house? Put on a show.
- Visit a local museum for FREE.
- Turn down the lights, get comfy on the couch and listen to an audio book.
- Harness up and go rock climbing.
- Dress up and stage a photo shoot.
- Play Bingo.
- If your kids are looking a bit shaggy take them for a haircut.
- Get cursive and practice handwriting.
- See what’s playing at a local theater.
- Play pick up time! See who can pick up their rooms, clothes and toys the fastest!
- Pop some popcorn and watch a movie.
- Have play time at Rainbow Play Systems of Iowa.
- Make homemade ice cream.
- Create an indoor obstacle course.
Share the love in the comment section below how you keep your kids busy on these rainy days.