Just because it is raining is no reason to condemn everyone to the house. As long as the temperature is bearable and there is no danger of lightening, being out in the rain is no different than everyone being in the shower at the same time.
Rain Haven
Most summer showers don’t last all day. However, the intensity of the rain will vary. You and the kids will need a safe haven to dry a bit and maybe warm up. An open garage door, a gazebo, a camping tent are nice places to stay out of the heavy rain or take a rain break. When I was a kid, I would make a fort with a tarp or plastic tablecloth draped over the picnic table.
A cooler with drinks, sandwiches and snacks is a must. Use water-repellant outdoor furniture cushions to sit on. Provide towels and blankets to warm up. Tell stories or play a board game by lantern or flashlight while waiting for the weather to change.
Take A Hike
Hiking through a wooded area during a summer rain puts a different perspective on nature. Plus the overhead tree branches will provide some protection from the rain if it gets heavy. Dress for the hike. Long pants and sleeves, double socks and shoes and raingear are necessary. A wide-brimmed hat will keep rain from running down your neck and face. Insect protection against mosquitoes and ticks is a must. The sights, smells and sounds of nature are completely different in the rain. Don’t venture as far as you would in nice weather. Be safety aware. Creeks and rivers can quickly overflow blocking off your route. Even trails can become rivers. With young children, a hike in a local park is fun-filled.
Yard Fun
Turn the kiddie swimming pool into a bubble bath. Get the dog in for a good scrub. The kids will get a good bathing, too. Follow with a water-soaker or squirt gun fight to rinse off the soap. The slip-n-slide works especially well in the rain.
Let the kids have fun in the mud puddle. Let them make mud pies in an area where the rain will wash away the remains.
Play dodge ball with a beachball. Play any yard games in the rain that don’t have metal parts that may attract lightening. Whiffle ball baseball is fun.
Best Fun
Once everybody runs out of energy, time to dry off and put on warm clothing. A cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and it is time for a nap while listening to the rain outdoors. This is the best time.
Irene Nevins
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Be careful you don’t slip. lol I love the rain. And you are so right–the rain doesn’t last long usually.
Because the rain ionized the air, you just feel better, even if you were crying in the rain. lol
So true. There is a wonder earthy smell after a rain too that I like.
Lovely tips. We just do not know how to enjoy nature anymore
You are so right. Nature has so much to teach us if we just watch and listen. Humans are only a piece of the puzzle of life.
I love the rain especially if it is at night, but if its raining consecutive days it honestly irritates me because flood is everywhere.
The rhythm of night rain just lulls you to sleep, doesn’t it?
lol… yes I agree dear, have a great day ahead…
If you have continuous floods, find crafty ways to make boats with the kids to float. Put notes on sails with a phone number or address to see who finds the boats.