Rain, Rain, Go Away… So We Don’t Lose Our Minds Today
We know all too well that summertime in South Louisiana means unpredictable weather, including rainstorms that seem to never end. In honor of our recent weeks of rain that have felt a little too close to Noah’s Ark, here are five free things you can do with your kids on rainy summer days.
1. The Library
We recently went to the library one morning, and it practically felt like a reunion. I ran into three families before we even made it to the children’s section.
Besides picking out books that matched each child’s interests and reading level, all three of my kids found activities to enjoy. Although we have similar toys and activities at home, there’s just something more exciting about doing them somewhere new.
My daughter spent forever at the giant whiteboard playing a “new-to-her” game someone had left behind. My 4-year-old created an upside-down zoo on the magnetic wall, and my 1-year-old was finally able to complete a puzzle because the library actually had all the pieces. If you know, you know.
2. Baking/Cooking Together
We’ve been trying to expand my middle child’s food palate, which means getting him involved in preparing the food so the ingredients in new dishes feel a little less scary. We’ve baked muffins, made homemade pizzas, and somehow turned lunch into a full restaurant experience.
While the food cooks, my 6-year-old practices setting the table, and my 4-year-old works on writing his letters by creating a menu. My 1-year-old joins in on the fun from his wooden tower, happily observing everything from a much better view.
Then the cleanup becomes part of the activity too. We practice putting dishes in the sink, loading the dishwasher, and wiping down the table. It takes up such a bigger chunk of time compared to me quickly throwing lunch on a plate. Because somehow, by the time I’ve put regular lunch away, they’re already asking for the next activity five minutes later when, in a perfect world, lunch should at least take up 20 minutes.
3. Go Through Closets & Rotate Toys
In the depths of the rain the other day, I decided to tackle our playroom. And the treasures we found… including my spare car key and Apple Watch, because apparently toy trucks were transporting “important cargo.”
Even spending just 10 minutes cleaning out closets led to comments like, “Wow, this is cool!” “I remember this!” and “I want to play with this!” — all about toys we’ve had for years. Sometimes simply rotating toys makes them feel brand new again.
As we sorted through everything, my 6- and 4-year-old each picked three toys to donate to kids less fortunate. It turned into a really good conversation about appreciating what we have, valuing our belongings, and sharing with others. Plus, it kept everyone busy far longer than I expected, which rainy day or not, is a huge victory.
4. Go to the Pet Store
Disclaimer: We spend the entire 10-minute drive there talking about how we are not coming home with a living thing. Instead, it’s our rainy-day version of the zoo when the weather ruins outdoor plans.
Once we’re there, we walk around looking at the animals, naming them, and talking about what they eat and what they need to live — things like leashes, cages, tanks, and habitats. It actually turns into a fun learning activity without them even realizing it.
Undoubtedly, at some point they try to swindle me during a weak moment into bringing home a fish, hamster, or lizard. But I stay strong because otherwise we would absolutely end the summer with our own Audubon Zoo. Honestly, it already feels like that at times, and we definitely do not need more living things to help create that atmosphere.
5. Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape can be a parent’s best friend. We use it for everything: roads for toy cars, pretend jewelry, hopscotch, obstacle courses, decorations on the walls, and random creations I honestly don’t even understand.
My kids think it is absolutely wild that they’re allowed to put things all over the floor and walls, and I love that I can clean it all up in one fell swoop without damaging anything. It’s cheap entertainment, takes almost no prep, and somehow keeps them occupied way longer than expected.
Rainy days and weeks with kids can feel very long especially during summer when everyone expects sunshine, pools, and outdoor adventures. But even if you feel like you are literally and figuratively drowning with all the rain, hopefully you can make the best of those slower summer days.
