Fall is here. My kids have said the trees look like paint brushes dipped in red, yellow, and orange paint. Decorative scarecrows line our neighborhood and my daughter has an ever-growing
collection of autumn leaves. Having spent the past three years back east, she can't get over how there are leaves as large as her head!
In the Pacific North West, with fall comes the rainy season. In fact, fall, winter, and spring are all rainy seasons here. Previously, I was tempted to curl up and spend the torrential days inside. But, because we just moved back from Eastern Canada, I am excited to take advantage of the mild weather.
When we lived back east, I had romantic ideas of spending loads of time
enjoying the snow with my kids. What I didn't realize is that, when the temperatures dip below a certain point, the snow turns to ice and isn't exactly conducive to sledding or building snowmen. Not only that, but young kids plus an arctic windchill isn't always fun. Now that we're back on the west coast, I have sworn we will get outside almost every day. And so, even when it's grey and wet, we have made our way to our favorite park. The kids kick through the autumn leaves, climb a rock wall, or throw rocks in the nearby stream. It goes to show that, with the right gear and a sense of adventure, the rain can actually be a lot of fun. Here is how to have fun in the rain with your kids.
How to Enjoy the Rain
1. Get good rain gear for you and the kids. Our essentials include:
- Rain jackets
- Rubber boots
- Rain pants for the big kids
- A rain suit for our toddler
- A rain shield for the stroller
- A big golf umbrella
While there are many options as to where to get these items, this article highlights some of my family's favorite items. I recommend looking on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace to find inexpensive and gently used items
2. Bring a change of clothes just in case. Whether a kid trips and lands face first in a puddle (it's happened to us) or get especially muddy, I like to have a set of clothes for the kids to change into in the car
3. Make a routine of it. It's hard to spontaneously go outside when it's wet. But when it's a habit, it becomes natural
4. Let them play how they want to play as long as it's safe. I have to silence my inner urge to keep the kids clean at all costs. The truth is rainy days are perfect for natural sensory play
5. Bring snacks. There is nothing quite like outdoor time to increase a child's appetite. Have snacks for the ride home or while outside
Awesome kids' Activities to do in the Rain
- Make leaf soup - whether it's in a puddle, a pot or a little nook in a creek, grab some sticks and leaves and mix away
- Throw rocks into puddles or a river - this is a favorite in our family
- Take out kitchen utensils and make mud pies
- Draw with chalk - chalk colors are vibrant when the pavement is wet
- Bring a boat or a rubber ducky to float in a puddle
When it comes to fun in the rain with kids, you need the right gear and an attitude of adventure. My kids are happier, healthier, and spend less time in front of a screen when we're outside more. I hope you and yours have fun in the rain too!
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