Rainy days happen. When you've got kids, be prepared to have several fun indoor activities for them if they can't play outdoors. Rather than have them staring at the television for too long or whiling away the hours playing computer games, present some of the following activities to keep kids occupied:

1. DO ARTS AND CRAFTS.
Pull out those arts and craft sets you bought from the clearance tables and have been saving for this kind of day. One activity uses thread or string, a large needle, and macaroni. Teach the kids how to make necklaces and bracelets by stringing the uncooked macaroni. Most kids enjoy doing arts and crafts and will spend at least a few hours creating something special.

2. PULL OUT COLORING OR PUZZLE BOOKS.
Keep a stash of new coloring books and puzzle activity books to have when kids can't play outdoors. Kids love getting a new "surprise" toy and usually can't pass up a coloring or puzzle activity book.

3. MAKE MAGAZINE PHOTO COLLAGES.
Gather up a few magazines you've already read, a stick of glue, child-safe scissors, and some poster board or construction paper. Then, show the kids how to make a collage. Clip pictures, words, phrases, and drawings from the magazines and arrange them on the poster board or construction paper.

4. BRING ON THE BOARD GAMES.
Break out the board games you used to play when you were a kid. Yes, they still sell most of them. Some great classic board games the kids will love are: Monopoly, Chinese Checkers, Parcheesi, Clue, and Life.

5. DEAL OUT THE CARDS.
Depending on the ages of your kids, playing with a deck or two of playing cards can be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Teach them how to build houses out of the cards like you used to do.

6. WORK JIGSAW PUZZLES.
Have the kids dig out several jigsaw puzzles. Then, sit them all around the kitchen or dining room table and help them work the puzzles.

7. WATCH MOVIES AND VIDEOS.
Make it a special movie or video afternoon. Let the kids pick out a favorite video and pop it in the DVD player. Prepare healthy snacks to munch on while watching the video.

8. TAKE TURNS READING.
Have a reading party. Allow each child to select a book or two to read. Then, gather in a comfortable spot to take turns reading aloud.

9. POP IN AN EXERCISE OR DANCE DVD.
Kids need to move around. Put on an exercise or dance DVD and lead them to perform the moves. This is a great way to burn off excess energy that builds up when kids don't get enough physical activity.

10. HAVE FUN IN THE KITCHEN.
Lead the kids into the kitchen and do a cooking or baking project together. Even the youngest child can retrieve utensils and mix ingredients. All kids need to get familiar in a kitchen setting and a rainy day is perfect for such an activity.

Being cooped up in the house provides opportunity for kids to enjoy indoor playtime. Make it fun by trying some of the above-listed ideas to entertain them indoors. With little advance preparation, you can assure the kids are occupied and busy indoors during that next rainy day.

Learn more about this author, Rita Chaney.
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