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- Rainy days? No problem!
We’ve all heard the song:
"Rain rain, go away, come again another day."
But I’ve always wondered—if we don’t want the rain today, then what would make us want it another day? If the rain obliges and does indeed go away, will we be ready when it returns?
Back before we had kids, I welcomed a rainy day to catch up on things around the house or binge-watch a favorite show. But these days, we’re trying our best to replace screens with more engaging moments.
This past weekend, we had several days of rain. While the downpours were heavy at times, we threw on our raincoats and headed out whenever it let up. Lots of fun was had searching for the best puddles to stomp in.
Some days are made for splashing.
Once we were inside, we had to get creative.
We ended up in some intense rounds of Uno—our four-year-old has gotten so good I’ve stopped holding back, and yet he still wins most of the time. Meanwhile, our two-year-old spent hours painting the same ceramic Christmas tree over and over—adding more and more layers of color each time.
Same tree, new masterpiece—every layer of paint tells a story.
These small, simple moments reminded me that rainy days don’t have to mean screen time—they can be a chance to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Here’s a Quick Win for Your Next Rainy Day
If you find yourself stuck inside, here are three easy, screen-free activities to try:
Indoor Obstacle Course – Use pillows, chairs, and tape to create a challenge course. Crawl under tables, hop between pillows, and race to the finish line. This can be easily transitioned into “The Floor Is Lava,” where you set up pillows, blankets and chairs and must maneuver from point A to B while staying off the ground (lava.) Blast this song while playing for extra bonus points.
Storytelling Challenge – One person starts a made-up story with a single sentence, then the next person adds on. Keep going around and see where the story takes you. For an extra challenge, add a theme (like pirates or outer space) or pick three random words that must be included. Use a random word generator for some wild ideas.
Build a Living Room Fort – Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy hideout. Add flashlights and some books for a mini indoor adventure, or turn it into a camping night by bringing in sleeping bags and telling stories inside. Bonus tip: Do this when you wash bedding and you can drape your comforter from your dining room chairs for it to dry and you get a nice dark “roof” for your fort. I know from experience.
The goal isn’t to plan something big. It’s to make small moments matter.
Next time it rains, try one of these ideas and see how your kids respond.
Do you have a favorite rainy-day tradition? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear what works for your family!
Stay dry and have fun,
Ted
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