Rainy day

• 3811

  2009-09-29 01:16:53 UTC

  The NAME Game

  My girls and I play the 'name' game - we each take turns in a circle naming items for the relevant topic, for example the topic might be the names of suburbs in Sydney, then we have to name suburbs commencing from A-Z. Others topics might be to name fruit, cars, colours etc. The person who names the most wins a treat next time we go shopping! It certainly keeps them busy thinking!

  - Angela (Mum of 3), Parramatta
  Give it a Star* 4

• 3803

  2009-09-15 07:29:32 UTC

  Wiggly, Rainy Days

  When it's raining outside I put on a Wiggles/HI5 dvd, to which my kids and I dance and sing. It keeps them and me active, plus they sleep better afterwards.

  - Maria (Mum of 2), Eastgardens
  Give it a Star* 2

• 3788

  2009-08-06 08:36:07 UTC

  Mini-markets @ home

  On a rainy day my children enjoy collecting all their old toys and anything old they can find. They use them to set up their own shops and make fake money, then sell their things to each other. This is a good and fun way for the kids to do their daily maths and have fun. This keeps them busy and me happy.

  - Antoinette (Mum of 4), Miranda
  Give it a Star* 8

• 3719

  2009-03-22 00:02:04 UTC
  Go through a Coles or Woolworths catalogue with the kids and get them to cut out some of the pictures of things you need and glue them on some cardboard or paper. They will enjoy the craft and using their "shopping list" will make them feel useful and will help keep them busy when you are grocery shopping.

  - Rosie (Mum of 3), Hornsby
  Give it a Star* 8

• 3688

  2009-02-03 06:20:17 UTC
  Instead of watching DVDs or TV get the kids to play an actual board game like the ever classic monopoly as it teaches kids to take turns. Other fun activities include turning your dining room table into the kid’s secret cubbyhouse by placing a sheet over it and making a picnic for them. You could also keep odd and old items of clothing and wigs and get the kids to dress up while playing music as this will get the kids to exercise while having fun.

  - Lisa (Other of ), Upper Mt Gravatt
  Give it a Star* 6

• 3655

  2009-01-07 00:19:48 UTC
  There's nothing worse then being bored on a rainy day, we head to the shops and tell our son that all the shoppers are in a race and we have to beat them. We just pick a shop and race past as many people as we can. When we get to the shop and win the race we hand him a small sticker. Works a treat as he admires his stickers we admire the clothes.

  - Melissa (Mum of 1), Liverpool
  Give it a Star* 15

• 3603

  2008-12-02 00:30:04 UTC
  On a rainy day at our place, we take photos of ourselves pulling funny faces, dressing up and face painting. Then the kids make a collage of these on the computer and we print them out and stick them all over the house from the front door right through to every door and room, including the loo.

  - Jane (Mum of 3), Oaklands Park
  Give it a Star* 5

• 3580

  2008-11-29 02:12:08 UTC
  Nothing occupies my little ones better on those gloomy rainy days than an indoor obstacle course. We use blankets over tables for tunnels, bean bags to climb over, masking tape on carpet for a balancing line, etc. At the end of the course are some soft skittles and a ball for bowling. They love it and it's easy to change each time to make it different and exciting.

  - Sandy (Mum of 2), North Lakes
  Give it a Star* 7

• 3570

  2008-11-27 10:16:57 UTC
  On a rainy day we bring out the world map/globe and go jet setting. We board "the plane". My 5 year old son is usually the pilot and 7 year old daughter is the air hostess and we are off. We have been to Africa and have been on a safari trip. We pretend to be walking through the jungle and seeing various animals. We have been to Italy and have eaten lots of pizza and have visited the colosseum. All of this is done in our lounge room. The kids have a great time as well as learning about different countries, their location on the map and customs. Great game to play and the always ask for more!

  - Anastasia (Mum of 2), Mill Park
  Give it a Star* 5

• 3434

  2008-11-02 02:19:30 UTC
  Boredom buster: turning the kitchen into a restaurant. On a rainy day, set up the kitchen like a restaurant and get the kids to be the chef/waiter and you the diner. Get them to go through the cupboards to write up a simple menu. You choose what you want to 'order' and the kids will cook (with help if needed) your meal. Pay kids with some extra pocket money-teaching them how good service (i.e. washing up and cleaning tables) leads to tips in 'real-life’. A fun, educational time-passing activity that inspires a love of food and teaches kids the hard work of cooking meals.

  - ani (Mum of 2), Chatswood
  Give it a Star* 5