This morning, it was pouring down rain outside – one of those heavy rains that make visibility nearly impossible and driving downright dangerous. My first thought: “Oh no, that’s not good for our Family Day! We can’t play outside.”

Then I remembered my childhood days when it rained, and I would go outside in rain boots and play in the streams of water. Those were some of my favorite days. In fact, I love rain so much that I even named one of my sons Rain.

I realized that rainy days are no reason to spoil Family Day. Here are some tips for things to do with your kids when it rains outside—some of my favorites, anyway.

Playing Outside

• Dance in the rain. This is great fun! Just go outside and start dancing. Open your mouths and taste the rain. Sing and shout. Re-enact the famous Singin’ in the Rain scene. Have a blast!
  
• Stomp in mud puddles. This is fun to do with rain boots, but even barefoot, it can be great. Just stomp as hard as you can and let the water splash! Bonus points if you can splash your kids.
  
• Make little boats and float them in the streams. Anything will do – curved leaves, popsicle sticks, cardboard, or anything that floats. Play games with them and invent stories.
  
• Make mud pies. Grab a bunch of mud, put it in any kind of container, and pretend it’s food. Play house or other make-believe games. Playing with mud is gooey and wonderful.
  
• Wash the car. No better time than when it’s already wet! Just add soap and rags, and it becomes a great family activity. Plus, it’s productive. Free labor is the best kind!
  
• Play sports. Rainy weather bad for sports? No way! Get out there, slip and slide! Muddy sports are the best kind.
  
• Something for the missus. Dads: When your kids aren’t looking, grab your wife and kiss her in the rain. Trust me, she’ll love it—it’s romantic and feels amazing.
  

Playing Inside

• Cuddle and watch DVDs. Rainy days are perfect for quality family time indoors. Rent a movie, pop some popcorn, grab blankets, and cuddle together.
  
• Cuddle and read. If you’re stuck indoors, make the best of it. Huddle under a blanket and read a classic children’s book. I love snuggling with the family on rainy days!
  
• Play board games. Monopoly, Clue, Risk, Sorry, even Chutes and Ladders or Candy Land – all great ways to spend time together.
  
• Have a pillow fight. Grab a pillow and go to town! I have two characters my kids love: Bruce Leo and The Angel of Mercy (who, ironically, shows no mercy). They’ve been defeated by both many times.
  
• Make a tent out of blankets. This is especially fun on dark, rainy days. Grab a flashlight and hide inside. Pretend you’re camping in the rainforest.
  

So, rainy days aren’t just obstacles—they’re opportunities. Whether you’re dancing in the rain, playing in the mud, or snuggling up indoors with a good book, they bring families together in the best ways. Embrace the rain, make memories, and enjoy every moment.

Check other articles on our website