By: Karen Silva
Some parents cringe when it starts to rain as they worry about their children having meltdowns from being indoors all day or at the thought of them getting messy in rain puddles. But really there is no need to fear if you can make it a fun day for them and for yourself.
Here are my top five favorite activities to do using simple recycled material that is perfect for a rainy day.
*Please use your best judgment on which tasks you may need to assist your child with*
What you will need: Empty tissue box, paper towel roll, elastic bands, tape, straws, caps from jars, popsicle sticks, rice and decorative materials (for example: markers, paint or stickers).
Throwing a talent show will not only keep your kids busy for a long time but it will get them to show off their talents. You can make fun instruments and more using recycled items if they want to show off their musical skills.
To make a guitar, glue the paper towel roll onto the side of a tissue box. Then stretch out the elastic bands over the opening and tape it into place. To make a flute, get a bunch of straws and cut them from smallest to largest; then tape it all together. To make a mini guitar, first wrap the elastic bands over the cap, then glue the popsicle stick to the cap of the jar. Finally, to make the shaker, cover one side of the paper towel roll with paper and tape, then fill it with rice and cover the other side. Don’t forget to decorate your instruments, then its lights, camera… Action!
What you will need: Ten empty water bottles, a ball, paper and decorative material (for example: markers, paint or stickers).
First decorate all ten empty water bottles. If you do not have a ball you can always use a yarn ball or make one with crimpled up paper wrapped in tape. If you want to make this game a little more challenging you can add some water into the bottles to weigh it down.
*Fun tip: You can paint the empty bottles with glow in the dark paint. Then all you need is a black light and you have your very own glow in the dark bowlerama.*
Painting like a Pro
What you will need: A few water bottle caps, a large container cap and hot glue.
First, cut a hole in the large container cap, large enough to fit your child’s thumb. Then once that is done, hot glue the water bottle caps to the large container cap. Fill the caps with different colors of paint and then they will have their very own paint palette.
Sink or Float
What you will need: Half of a soda bottle and decorative materials (for example: markers, paint or stickers).
First, cut the soda bottle in half and tape the top so it isn’t sharp to the touch. Then decorate it as your boat. Then together think of some items that you want to put in it to see if they’re going to sink the boat or if it will float. You can write these items onto a piece of paper to record your results. Example of items you can use for this game is an eraser, paper clip, a bag, rice, marbles, stones, etc.
Octopus, Bubble bees and Butterflies? Oh My!
What you will need: Toilet paper rolls, googly eyes and decorative materials (for example: markers, paint or stickers).
Making little characters out of toilet paper rolls is not only fun but a great way to decorate your bathroom. To make the bumblebee have your child paint the toilet paper roll with yellow paint. Once that is dried, they can paint on the black strips. Finally cut out the details with construction paper to add on and glue on your eyes. To make the Octopus, first paint the toilet paper roll and then set it aside to dry. Then with scissors cut slits on one end of the toilet paper roll and bend them to make the legs. Then decorate it together and don’t forget to glue the eyes.
Even though it may be gloomy and rainy out doesn’t mean that your home has to be. Creating fun art activities and games to play around the house will keep your kids happy and entertained. If you decide to do any of these ideas or others on a rainy day, I would love to see them. You can tag me on Twitter @Karenbabydoll22.
About the Author
Karen Braga graduated from Sheridan College with an Early Childhood Education Diploma. She worked with children for about five years before expanding her skills in Administration. Karen is a loving Godmother/Auntie to one. Combined with her ECE background and passion for DIY projects and baking, she has recently become an expert writer for mom blogger, Momma Braga. Karen hopes by sharing her knowledge, tips and tricks, she can bring families together through her creative ideas.