Guest Author - Jacqueline Geller

Many areas have had a lot of rain this summer, with no end to the frivolity of the season in sight. What happens on the days when the kids cannot get outside for exercise and sunshine?

There are many age-appropriate activities that can be done in the home, without breaking the family budget.

1. Arts and Crafts—stock up on sale items so that a quick project can be implemented easily. Popsicle sticks, glue and water-based paint can keep younger children busy for hours, as they build castles, forts and farms.

2. Older kids might be interested in putting together model cars and airplanes, jigsaw puzzles, “find-a-word” books and crossword puzzles.

3. Little ones can decorate paper plates and make masks out of them. This is an easy project and only requires, paper plates, crayons and elastic to put around the head.

4. Drawing is always a good activity for any age child. Paints, crayons and paper are all that is needed for this activity. Jazz up the pictures with glitter, feathers and other household items that can be glued to paper.

5. How about a camp-out in the living room? This one is a favorite for many ages. Simple bed sheets are all that are needed for this activity. The sheets can be stretched across furniture and secured under couch and chair cushions. While this may involve moving the furniture around, it is a simple, fun activity. Once the tent is finished, the kids can crawl in and pretend that they are camping out. Provide snacks, games and scary stories for the older children. Why not make a night of it and let the kids sleep in the finished product? Parents can join in too, although usually the kids want some independence with this activity. They probably would love “s’mores” for an evening snack, which adds to the “camping out” experience.

6. Board games keep the television off and are great for teaching children how to work as a team, lose or win graciously and keep those brain cells active.

7. Simple cooking activities are fun and teach a lot of skills—measuring helps with learning fractions, for example. Eating the finished product is the best part for all involved, even Mom!

8. Dancing to music and being generally silly is another fun way to pass a rainy afternoon. Kids DO love it when Mom joins in and acts silly with them. Besides, it’s great exercise for everyone!