5 Tips for Making Rainy Days the Best Days

1. Make it a “Kids in the Kitchen” day!
   They’ll not only get some delicious results, but they’ll be using math (measuring and counting), observing scientific principles (effects of heat, what happens when different ingredients are combined) and using their senses (smelling the food cook, touching the ingredients and, of course, tasting the food!). Some easier cooking projects you might want to try with your kids include soft pretzels, cookies, cupcakes, bread, pizza and meatballs . . . but the options are endless!
2. Hide!
   What’s better than a cozy place to hide on a rainy day? Build a fort or hideaway using couch cushions, pillow and blankets. Add some books to read, coloring books and crayons or some flashlights to add to the play possibilities!
3. Get Crafty!
   Pull out the sticker pads, crayons and a cardboard box. These simple items will keep a child busy for hours and allow him to create anything in his imagination. Some possibilities: a robot, vehicle, castle, villain’s lair!
4. Make Your Own Party!
   Does your child have lots of stuffed animals? How about throwing a teddy bear birthday party? This can be as simple as gathering the bears in a circle and pretending it’s a party, or something much more elaborate that includes birthday cards, decorations and even a real birthday cake!
5. Be Prepared!
   Keep a collection of rainy day ideas. Get in the habit of saving supplies for rainy-day/indoor activities that appeal to you. When the rain starts, you’ll never have to scramble to find something to do! You can pull out supplies for several ideas and put each group in its own bowl or tray. Kids will love having the chance to choose an activity that’s ready to go!

At Melissa & Doug we strive to produce the highest quality educational toys for children. From puzzles to puppets, plush to play food, magnetic activities, music and more, Melissa & Doug is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children’s products. Started in 1988 in their garage, Melissa & Doug has something for everyone, with over 2,000 unique and exciting products for children of all ages.