If you’re looking for something to keep the kids happily busy when it’s raining outside, take a look at this list of 10 fun activities they will love.
It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is… definitely from Vancouver. With the arrival of November comes one certainty every West Coaster knows: rain. Lots and lots of rain.
But fear not! We've got your go-to list of activities to keep your kids busy on a rainy day, whether you want to venture outside into the rain, or stay inside where it's a little drier.
Baking
Kids love to bake! Pick a simple recipe so they can be a part of it from start to finish without getting too distracted. Plain scones or peanut butter cookies are great recipes to try with a quick and delicious result.
Family Board Games
Drag out & dust off the games! Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and Dominoes are all lots of fun for toddlers. if your kids are too young for the board games you have, pull out a deck of cards – you'll be amazed at how long a game of "Go Fish" can go.
Snuggle Up For A Movie
Grab your blankets, pillows, juice boxes & popcorn and snuggle up on the couch for a movie. You can nap while they watch. We won't tell.
Some great movies for kids are Toy Story, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Finding Nemo, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, Monsters Inc and The Lorax.
Have An Indoor Teddy Bear Picnic
Just because it's not summer anymore doesn't mean you can't have a picnic! Clear a space on the floor, spread out a tablecloth and enjoy some snacks that will bring you back in thine to the lazy days of summer. All teddy bears are invited! Fruit, cheese cubes, little sandwiches and frozen yogurt tubes are all great choices. Don't forget the lemonade!
1,2,3, Paint!
Rainy day weather can bring out the artist in just about everyone. Clear off the dining table and bring out the paper and paints. Pick a theme for everyone to express in paint form and when all of the masterpieces are done, hang them up for a very special art show.
Take a look at these fun marble painting and snowflake projects
And if you feel like putting on your rain boots and venturing outside, check out these ideas for family fun outside in Vancouver:
Vancouver Art Gallery
Take some time & stroll through the Vancouver Art Gallery to check out the latest exhibits. They also have a FREE weekly Family Program for kids 12 and under where they can become a special “Art Agent” and bring exhibits to life.
[video:http://youtu.be/QjCJHRvb21g align:center autoplay:0]Ssshhh… Let’s Go To The Library!
The Vancouver Public Library has a great list of monthly events taking place at their different branches – for kids of all ages! Storytime, activities, book clubs. There’s something for everyone.
Grocery Shopping
Although sometimes a daunting task, grocery shopping can be a lot of fun with help from the little ones! Give your child a special list of their own for things to look for and when you’re all finished, maybe pick up a little treat to enjoy on the way home
Community Centre Parent & Tot Time
Vancouver Community Centres have a wide variety of drop in programs each month. Take a look at their website here to find the one closest to you and check out their Parent & Tot drop in programs for some fun activities to enjoy with your kids on a rainy day
Explore Granville Island
Granville Island is a great place to explore, even when it’s rainy. The Public Market has a huge variety of unique and colourful stalls with homemade products and local food items. You can watch some of the local artists as they work, take the aquabus across False Creek and save the best for last – the Kids Only Market with it’s own giant indoor adventure zone.
photo & cover photo credit: Bronwen Fisher
