Going on holiday with your family is always exciting, and whether it’s a vacation or stay-cation, chances are you’ve been counting down the days to enjoy it together. You dream of sunny days, playing on the beach and having fun outside, but what happens when the rain starts pouring down? It can be a little disappointing- nice weather gives us a fantastic backdrop to the fun and can open up opportunities to do more activities. However, a rainy day on holiday doesn’t have to ruin your plans. In fact, it can be just as fun and memorable. Here’s how to make the most of those wet weather days with your young kids.
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Embrace the Rain
The first step to enjoying a rainy day is to change your mindset. Instead of feeling sad about the weather, embrace it! Rain can be a lot of fun if you let it. Put on your raincoats, grab some wellies, and head outside. Splashing in puddles, feeling the rain on your face, and watching the raindrops fall can be a magical experience for kids.
A rainy day can be a great time for a nature scavenger hunt too, create a list of things to find like different types of leaves, rocks or flowers. The rain brings out unique aspects of nature, like worms and snails, which can be fascinating for kids to discover. Encourage your children to look closely at how the rain changes the environment, making the scavenger hunt an educational adventure.
You could do crafty/ sciency type activities too like making and floating boats. Gather leaves, twigs, and other natural materials to make small boats or rafts. Once assembled, float them in puddles or small streams. See whose boat can hold the most “cargo” (like small stones or berries) without sinking. This activity combines creativity with engineering skills, and it’s a lot of fun to see how well your creations float.
You could even head to the beach and enjoy it in the rain, it’s a much different experience to when it’s sunny but you’ll likely have the place all to yourselves and it’s a great chance for kids to run about and get really messy!
Indoor Adventures
If playing outside in the rain isn’t your thing, consider what indoor activities you can do that can be just as exciting. Many holiday destinations have indoor play areas, museums, and aquariums and these places are perfect for exploring on a rainy day. Your kids can learn new things, see amazing sights, and burn off some energy.
Many cafes have books, toys, or special areas for kids so enjoy a hot drink while your children have a little snack and play. It’s a nice way to relax and experience the local culture plus, it breaks up the day and gives you all something to look forward to.
Local libraries can be a hidden gem on a rainy day. many have children’s sections with books, toys and sometimes even storytime sessions. It’s a calm and quiet place where your kids can explore new books and you can enjoy a bit of downtime.
Check if there are any special events or activities happening during your visit too that are going on indoors. Even if the weather is forecast to be good, it’s well worth doing some research and seeing what kinds of activities there are like this around where you’re going so you know exactly what to do in an unexpected rain storm.
Creative Fun in Your Accommodation
Staying indoors at your holiday accommodation can still be enjoyable, it’s time spent together and a chance to make memories. Bring out the board games, puzzles and coloring books- you can also create your own games and activities. Build a fort with blankets and pillows, have a mini dance party, or play hide and seek. Curling up with a good book or watching a movie can be a cozy way to spend a rainy day.
Bring along some of your kids’ favorite books or movies, you could also find something new at a local book shop or library. Reading stories together can transport you to different worlds, and a family movie session with popcorn can feel like a special treat as long as everyone is happy and engaged. You could game together and play cards either from a traditional pack or on your phones, or you could play games like Minesweeper.
A rainy day is a great opportunity to do some baking or cooking together. If your accommodation has a kitchen or at least some basic cooking facilities then making cookies, cupcakes, or even a simple meal can be a lot of fun for kids. They get to mix, stir, and, of course taste the results.
Use your imagination and let your kids take the lead. They might come up with the best ideas! When you talk about your holiday in years to come, you might just find that these are the types of memories that stick in their head as opposed to the more typically ‘fun’ things that you ended up doing.
Preparing for Rainy Days
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for a rainy day, especially when you’re traveling with young kids. Pack some rainy day essentials like raincoats, boots, and a few indoor activities. This way, you’re ready to make the most of any weather. If you know rain is in the forecast, you can plan ahead and have some ideas ready as it takes the stress out of trying to come up with something on the spot and means everyone has a great time. None of us can change the weather as much as we’d like to, but going into your rainy trip with an open mind means you won’t put a dampener (literally) on it just because the sun isn’t shining.
Some of the best holiday memories come from unexpected moments. A rainy day gives you the chance to slow down, be creative, and spend quality time together. Your kids will remember the fun and laughter, not the weather!
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