Indoor activities for rainy days

CEBU, Philippines - It is possible to still have fun even when confined in the house on a rainy day. There are many fun activities that kids can do. Here are some.

 Treasure Hunt

You can try playing Treasure Hunt. Make one set of clues for every player. Try rhyming the clues for fun, with each clue leading to the next one and, finally, to the treasure. Seal the clues in envelopes marked with a clue number (i.e., 2/7, or “two of seven”); this will help the treasure hunters keep track. Whoever solves the clues first and finds the treasure – a small toy, a new pair of socks for school, candies or chocolates – is the winner. Family members can play in teams to solve the clues and uncover the treasure together.

 Camping in the Great Indoors

Who says camping in tents can only be done outside? If you have a pop-up or small dome tent, set up camp for your kids indoors. If not, you can create tents by draping sheets over the couch. Make them comfy with airbeds, pillows, and sleeping bags, and then follow through with an indoor picnic to be eaten “under canvas.”

 One-Word Story

Starting with the phrase “Once upon a time,” go around the room and have each one add a single word to the story. Tip: Decide in advance whether it’s fairy tale, ghost story, etc. – and go from there.

Improvised Poetry 

One person says a line of poetry, and the next must say a line that rhymes with it, and so on. This is really fun, and a good language and art training for kids.

Creating a Monster!

Invent an imaginary monster, with each person adding a new characteristic to the first person’s monster description. Every new idea has to start with an enthusiastic, “Yes, and…” and build on what has already been previously described.

Talent Contest

Whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, declamation or whatever, having a talent contest at home would reveal the hidden potentials of each family member. It is a good way of bringing out the star qualities of the family.

 Feelings Charades

In this, participants act out an emotion using only hands and facial expressions. This is good to do in pairs. One player demonstrates an emotion and the other pair tries guess it correctly. The pair that has the most number of correct guesses is the winner.

The Taste Test

This one teaches kids various skills – cooking, resourcefulness, speed etc. But it is recommended only for kids who are big enough to cook. Mom and Dad prepare ingredients for a home cookfest among the kids, who may compete as individuals or in pairs. There shall at least be two competitors. Out of the same sets of ingredients, the participants have to come up with their own dish. In the end, Mom and Dad judges the winning dish. It’s fun – and there’s good dinner afterwards! (References: www.realsimple.com, www.parents.com)