When it’s pouring buckets outside and you have some little ones to amuse, the last thing you want to do is brave the harsh weather outside. Instead of fussing over those wellies and wrapping up warm why not take inspiration from some of our rainy day ideas. We’ve compiled a list of activities and events to keep you entertained, and dry.
Potato Painting
Nurture your child’s creativity with potato painting, a cheap way to create bright and colourful works of art. Cut potatoes in half and then carve out fun shapes, squares, triangles and stars to make your paint stamps. Try a thicker paint that sticks to the wet potato, Crayola have a set of 6 colours that are washable too so that you can enjoy the fun of painting without the stress.
Crayola from play.com
Rice Crispy Cakes
Rice Crispy Cakes are great fun to make and require minimal effort. It makes for a great indoor activity without the fuss of an oven. We’ve sourced the original Rice Krispies Recipe for you from the original packaging. Alternatively, use chocolate to combine and add some dried fruit to make your treats more healthy. Get your wooden spoon ready but be prepared to get sticky fingers.
Ingredients
- 3 tbs butter or margarine
- 10 oz. marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
Method
In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
Using a buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Image from: Kellogg’s 2009
Paper Plate Masks
Get crafty with some paper plates and create some fantastic masks. All you need is some paper plates, scissors, glue and paper. Rummage through your old magazines and sewing box to find button eyes and wool hair for your animal, clown or monster masks. There are endless possibilities but if you are stuck for inspiration or running low on pipe-cleaners and googly eyes then try a craft kit like Paper Plate Bugs from ayobaby.co.uk
The Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum exhibits collections dedicated to world culture, people and environments, and has an extensive list of family events and short courses for children. Their Hands on Base collection has over 3,700 objects that you can touch and there is also an aquarium featuring exotic seahorses and jellyfish. You can prepare for your trip by visiting their website and downloading some of their activity sheets such as spot the animal and scavenger trails.
Every Saturday the Horniman Museum offers a variety of events and short course. StyleNest’s pick is Art Makers creating fabulous artwork and nurturing young creative talent with fabric printing and plaster-casting amongst many more. £3 children and for a change adults go free!
Discover Children’s Story Centre
Head to the Discover Children’s Story Centre- a creative literacy centre for children offering a variety of workshops, family activities and a literature programme led by children’s writers and illustrators. There’s an indoor trail leading passed giant’s legs to a magic tower, and the story studio decorated by illustrators to create the Monsterville exhibition. If it isn’t raining outside there’s an outdoor adventure playground with pirate ship, giant musical instruments and monster’s tongue slide. When you get tired take a rest at the café and shop with hundreds of picture book classics. Price £4.50 adult/child, £16 family of 4, FREE under 2’s. All proceeds go to charity.
Tell Me a Story Dice Game
From the stylish eco-friendly design company e-side is this special set of dice to help your imaginations go wild. Each hand-made wooden di has adorable images of objects, people and settings to give you a starting point for your story. Gather round in a circle with children of all ages.
The set also comes with a ‘Match + Write’ pad, you can play match the pictures with tots or encourage older ones to write down their stories with the help of the glossary and index sheet. We think this makes for a truly nostalgic day around the family place sharing anecdotes with family.
Cookie Crumbles Cookery Workshops
The Cookie Crumbles team believe that there’s a little cook in every child and that cooking is a great educational tool. With each recipe there is opportunity to develop maths and vocabulary as well as group interaction. Not only this but workshops can be fun and creative too, and what is better than mixing learning with play?
These hands-on cooking workshops are available for children aged 4-18 at their Kensington and Putney kitchens. Try the Little Culinary Master Class and have your tot make you a chocolate soufflé and parmesan chicken goujons, all whilst learning the value of nutrition and a healthy balanced diet. Classes start from around £35 a day. You can also invite the Cookie Crumbles team to your own home to host a private party. Prices on request.
