Growing up on Maui, kids (and parents) can get accustomed to being outdoors. The island is our playground! So what happens when it rains, and going to the beach or out for a hike is out of the question? You get creative and crafty, and you save the day because you have the best rainy day supply kit, ever! See below.
For the toddler: Let’s get sensory!
– Playdough
– Cookie cutters to make shapes from the playdough
– Bag of beans (these are great for sensory fun)
– Shallow buckets (for hiding objects in a bucket of dried beans or for water fun)
– Fun books about rain
For the older child: Let’s get crafty!
– Washable paints (watercolors are great)
– Markers
– Crayons
– Glue
– Craft paper (a giant roll of craft paper is always great to keep on hand)
– Other art supplies like fun papers, pipe cleaners, cotton balls and other crafty odds and ends
For the preteen: Let’s build and hang out!
– Old bed sheets (sheets can be used to create a rainy day fort in the living room; make a “room” for each child in the house so that each one has his or her space to enjoy a book or hang out listening to the raindrops)
– Mad Libs (to share in fun and laughter together)
– Movies that only come out when it rains (The Goonies could be a fun pick)
– Popcorn (this is a must when you’re watching a movie!)
Okay, so these items may take up an entire cupboard rather than fit into a small kit. But you may find that you have most of these items around the house anyways. So when you start to hear those raindrops, grab this list and get to having some rainy day fun!
