Here in Southern California, official headquarters of Breezy Mama, it has rained (almost) nonstop for two days. Now, for those of you who live elsewhere, please do not laugh. For us So Cal people, TWO DAYS of rain is a mighty long time. We’re just not used to it. And the worst thing? It’s supposed to continue for at least three more days. Did I mention it never rains here? As a result, we’ve been forced to batten down the hatches and stay inside and . . . amuse the children. I’m finding that this may not be the easiest thing to do, especially with a certain four-year-old who has an attention span of about ten minutes. In case you’re experiencing the same–whether you, too, are in Southern California, or if you’re stuck in snow, these ideas will be useful for you as well. And, don’t forget to include your own indoor activities down in the comments section. –Alex
10. Laundry Basket Rides
Otherwise known as train rides, this will provide endless entertainment for the kids, while giving you plenty of exercise opportunity. I’ve also found that the dog likes to run beside us, giving her exercise as well, so you’re really killing three birds with one stone. Put them in the basket, then run up and down the hallway as fast as you can. Simple, but priceless.
9. Play Zoo
If your house is like mine, you have a plethora of stuffed animals, the majority of which sit in some bin collecting dust. Now’s the time to break them out. Have your child set them in groups according to where they’re from (i.e. Australia) or what category they’re in (i.e. Farm). Then, you can grab people–be it Lego men, Little People, etc, and they can be the visitors and zoo keepers. Oh, are the animals hungry? Then go and get the food from the play kitchen and feed them. You get the idea.
8. Make a Collage
Perfect for the preschooler who is learning to cut. Hand them a stack of magazines or newspapers and have them go at it. Take the pile of what they cut, and then have them glue it on a big piece of paper. You can get fancy and decorate it with stickers. Voila! New art piece for your home.
7. Grab some Cling-Ons 
Order up some of these to have on hand for the next day of indoor fun. The ones you see here are great because little hands can peel them and mount the clings by themselves. Click here to see Amazon’s huge selection.
6. Let them Watch Television
But make it comfy (which means extra special). Grab all the pillows and comforters from the bed and transform your living room into a haven of relaxation. We did this and even the baby sat still to watch some videos. If you have older ones, pop some popcorn to give it a theater vibe. Here are a few Breezy Mama video favorites.
5. Did Someone Say Dance Party? 
Nothing beats the stir-crazies like a good old fashioned dance party. Turn it loud and get down! Pssst. . .this is also a great way to fit in some exercise for yourself. Need some fresh music ideas? Look through past Breezy Mama playlists and CD reviews.
4. Do Some Baking
Ahhhhh, fresh muffins at snack time, what could be better? Maybe pre-cut sugar cookie dough that the mini-me’s can decorate? Having your kids help will make them feel extra proud as they gobble them down. If you have older children, have a tea party and bust out the treats then.
3. Have a Bath
Who says baths are for the end of the day? Throw in lots of bubbles and toys and let them splash and play until the water turns cold.
2. Create with Sticky Notes
I just saw this in a magazine, and for the life of me can’t remember where, but it’s so cute. Grab a boatload of sticky notes and create a design on the wall. If you have kids that know better (i.e. to NOT write on walls normally) they can color in the notes. The picture I saw was of a house–you could make flowers, rocket ship, tree, etc. Click here to order from Amazon–a jumbo pad for $2.94.
1. Go Outside
And, if the weather lets up just a bit, don’t be afraid to go outside. Bundle them up, put on the rain boots, and see who can find the most worms. Once you get back inside, refer to Number 3.
Have fun!
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Bring out the glamor with
My kids are 6 and 8 and they love playing cards and board games on a rainy day. We do the comfy-cozy movie watching with lots of pillows and blankets (and a few hundred stuffed animals from the bin) – they love that! And baking is definitely high on their list too! We are enjoying the rain while it lasts.
I was laughing when I read this — I am such a wimp in the two or so days a year we get rain -lol! My kids LOVE cardboard boxes! They will spend hours playing — the bigger the better of course.
How about making some Valentine’s Day cards? Just cut-out hearts on doilies with some glitter ….fun! Also, a shoe box with a slit in the top for “mailing” is fun to decorate. Never too soon!
Great ideas! I think I enjoyed the pictures the most… what beautiful kids.
We will have to try some of these ideas; I thought I had a great idea of building forts with them (draping sheets over furniture), but they were not as amused as I was. Guess I’ll have to wait till they’re a bit older.
Good thinking Sharon–I always find myself scrambling at the last minute to get those out!
Puzzles- if your kids are old enough, get similar ones (or ones commensurate to individual abilities) and have races to see who can complete first. And stock up on blank pre-cut puzzle templates. The kids first color a picture (be sure not to leave any white parts), an adult separates the pieces, then the kids put it together. They can exchange puzzles, trying to stump each other. Hey, if the weather allows, how ’bout inviting Grandma and Grandpa over to take the pressure off? This particular grandma wants credit for inventing the zoo game.
Very True–Grandma Jeanette invented (and has invested many hours) playing the zoo game. So sorry!
My little one (age 1) doesn’t quite allow my older one (age 3) to do the fun meticulous rainy day crafts, so I decided to do Christmas all over again. Got left-over wrapping paper? Bring it all out and grab some tape (you can forget the scissors, let them tear it!). They can wrap up their toys and have a joyful gift-giving celebration with cookies and milk afterward. Loads of clean, messy fun!
My 3 year old, LOVES to make “obstacle courses” with just about anything he can find. He uses blocks, pillows, toys,…really anything. Then, he creates his own way of doing them,…jumping over the pillows, running between the blocks….etc. Is it is quite messy as he sets them up all over the house,..but it provides about 20 -30 minutes of independent play. Now THAT is priceless!!!!
Great ideas, thanks. We tried what I sold as a “wind walk” this morning (before the major downpour of the day started) and the second they stepped in a puddle my kids were like, “Eeek, I’m wet! Heeeelp!” After I stopped laughing I brought them inside for a restorative hot cocoa and let them recover from the trauma. I think we’ll try the play zoo this afternoon …
Jen: Thanks for the sweet words re: the kids–they are great for putting up with me always taking pics.
Hilary: My mom used to take us on wind walks along the beach–one of my favorite childhood memories!
1. Two words – Bubble Wrap!!!
2. Enjoy a picnic inside by a cozy fire.
3. Face paint with washable watercolors.
4. Roll soft balls (or Dixie cups) down your railing while trying to catch them at the bottom of the stairs in a laundry basket or box. Even the cat likes this indoor activity.
5. Invite a friend over for an indoor playdate. Let them stay in their jammies.
6. Play parachute with a sheet on mom & dad’s big bed.
7. Get out in the weather dressed in your raingear and have at it!
8. Sing & make up songs about the rain.
We’ve pretty much done it all these last few days! Thanks for the great tips!
Great ideas and Great pics Alex!
My daughter stayed home from preschool yesterday with my husband. I came home to find them baking cupcakes for Bitty Baby’s 4 month old birthday (that is her baby doll)! Yep, they were using the number “4″ candle from her own birthday, and she had her baby doll all dressed up! Pretty funny!
My children always loved to get out my sewing basket or yarn and would make webs all through out the whole house They would play for hours going through the maze. (The problem was when it was time to take it down then the problems began).