Outdoor Play in the Rain
Depending on where you live, a change in seasons can mean many rainy days ahead. When museums, libraries, and other kid friendly indoor places were closed due to COVID we often felt trapped inside on those rainy days. That is until we realized the outdoors is still open!
We have a regional biking trail near our home, and it’s paved, but not flat. One rainy day in between heavy bursts, I told the kids to grab their raincoats and rain boots. We were going to the trail to go puddle jumping! Everyone was so excited to get outside - we pulled on our boots, threw on our rain jackets, grabbed the wagon (in case anyone got tired), and headed outside.
A little way down the trail we found the puddles, and some were HUGE! Wide, long and deep. The kids were having a blast. Others walking by smiled and laughed along with us. Then it started to rain. Then it started to POUR. The kids looked at me wondering what to do and I realized we were already soaked from the puddles, why stop now? The three of us jumped around and danced in the rain, stomping and splashing so hard our boots filled with water. Others who were also caught by surprise by the downpour commented as they walked by “I hope they remember this!” Those simple words often serve as a reminder that messy, outdoor fun often can make the best memories.
The point of the story is it’s okay to play outside in the rain and get wet, muddy, and even a little chilly. Just like for any weather you just need to dress appropriately, and you will have a fun time.
My kids don’t mind getting soaked if they can change after, meaning preparing for outdoor wet fun means being prepared for drying off and warming up when coming inside. To keep you and your kids outside as long as possible there is plenty of rain gear available to keep you dry. Rain boots and rain jackets are readily available for all ages, and rain pants or overalls are available as well. Just like snow gear, rain gear can get you prepped for outdoor time. As other outdoor enthusiasts say and I agree: “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” It’s all about finding the right activity and the right gear for the weather.
Below are some fun activities we like to do in the rain:
Go for a Walk or Bike Ride – Gear up and head out for a walk or bike ride. Get your body moving and some fresh air to give you a boost during a grey day. Especially if the rain is light, grabbing an umbrella, some waterproof shoes, and/or a proper rain jacket can make a normal walk around the neighbor more fun. You may get caught in heavier rain so make sure to be prepared if it’s in the forecast. We suggest staying on sidewalks and walking trails to ensure you are away from vehicles that may have reduced visibility during rainy weather.
Puddle Jumping - Find puddles in your driveway, yard, or a local park. Getting outside for some fresh air and jumping will help your mind and body. Even if for only 10-20 minutes the fresh air can make a big impact.
Worm Searching - Interested in finding some creepy crawlers? Worms come to the surface on a rainy day looking for dry ground. Check driveways, sidewalks, patios and street edges. Make sure to look during the day as well as at night! Bring a flashlight for an evening worm search party.
Setup an Experiment - Our kids love to setup outdoor experiments. A common one is seeing how quickly different sized containers fill up with rain. Another could be seeing how different things react to the rain. Take a few small bowls or cups, stick an object in them (cracker, rock, lego, gummy bear), and see if the objects change shape, float, or sink.
Garage Play - If you have a garage, open it up and play in a semi-outdoor area. This allows for you to get some fresh air while remaining protected from the rain. We have used scooters in the garage during the rain, small soccer goals or basketball hoop, and made up other fun games as a family. Art projects are also great activities to do in your open garage.
Please note that these are activities for rainy weather, not stormy weather. In the event of a storm or other major weather event you should follow safety protocols recommended for your area.
Have any other bright ideas for rainy day activities or tips for outdoor play in the rain? Please share in the comments below.
We hope this inspires you to opt for the outdoors on a rainy day and make sure to get a dose of fresh air regardless of the weather.
We hope to see you outside!