Don't let rainy days put a damper on your weekend fun! With a little planning and preparation, you can have a great time with your kids. Here are some ideas for those dreary days:
1. Show your kids that being out in the rain can be fun. Put on your rain ponchos, carry an umbrella and go for a walk in the rain. Let them jump in the puddles and taste the rain on their tongues. Show them how to make paper boats and have a paper boat race. Teach them about weather and what makes it rain (the water cycle). Have a warm bath and a cup of hot chocolate after your walk!

2. Rent a movie - one of your old favorites or something the kids like to watch. Pop up a big bowl of popcorn and some tea to share.

3. Bring out all the board games and play a round of each. For younger kids, some favorites are Candy-land, Sorry and Uno. Older ones may enjoy Monopoly, Scrabble or Clue. Board games teach kids to share, take turns and even improve math and vocabulary.

4. Cook up a favorite recipe. Kids love helping out in the kitchen. Bake up your favorite cake or bread. Younger children can help count and measure. Older children may be taught to use the stove top to scramble some eggs. This gives them a sense of achievement and the independence that they crave. Always make sure kids in the kitchen follow safety rules.

5. If your kids are climbing up the walls, take them bowling or roller skating. Its great exercise and fun. Call ahead for special times when it may be cheaper. You may also be able to find coupons to save money.

6. Visit the library. Call ahead to find out if they have a story-time or any other activities planned, especially for younger kids. The library is also a great resource for books-on-tape, videos and DVDs you can borrow. Plus its all free!

7. Keep a box full of crafting supplies such as glue, multiple scissors, sequins, different kinds of paper ( old wrapping paper, tissue paper, bits of wall paper), ribbons, old greeting cards and other odds and ends. Kids can keep busy making up their own collage or artwork. You can teach them to make a fancy bookmark. Cover up an old shoebox with wrapping paper and decorate it with glitter glue or pictures cut out from magazines to make a special box for their treasures. Older kids can learn how to knit or sew.

8. Plan a museum field trip or watch a play. Museums have something of interest for all ages. A visit to a science museum may spark off an interest in science in a child. Similarly, a visit to a local children's theater broadens a child's horizons. Children especially enjoy watching other children perform.

9. Older kids, may just want to play with their Playstation or Wii. Join them for a few games - you will have fun and bond with your child.

10. If you have kids of different ages, a trip to the local mall may please everyone.
Teenagers can shop for clothes (or window shop) while younger ones may visit a book or toy store. Some malls also have play-spaces for kids to climb and run on - a great place to work off that extra energy. To save yourself some money , set limits on how much everyone can spend before you go. The food court at the mall is also a great place to grab some lunch.

Learn more about this author, Geetha Rao.
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