Being cooped up with your kids on a rainy day can be a drag, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are plenty of at options at home when you’re stuck indoors. If you and your kids want to don your raincoat and galoshes, there are also several local spots you can visit and still stay dry.
Consider the following options the next time the clouds roll in:
Find out what's happening in Mountain Viewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Read a book. Take a trip to . Let your kids bring a favorite blanket and find a corner to snuggle up and read together. The children’s library also offers puzzles, puppets and a plush sofa, big enough for three.
Go puddle jumping. Head outdoors and get wet! Let your kids feel the rain on their skin and see the way the water changes the landscape. Splash with them! Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Find out what's happening in Mountain Viewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Make a playdate. Invite one of your child’s friends over for the afternoon. It’s amazing how un-boring a day at home becomes when you have a buddy to join you. Make some popcorn and hot chocolate and get out the arts-and-crafts box.
Go to the movies. At 16 on Shoreline Boulevard, the first show of the day is only $6! Who says you can’t have popcorn for breakfast?
Check out the animals. You don’t have to wait for a sunny day at the zoo to visit with some animals. Consider visiting a pet store, such as in Downtown Mountain View. Seascapes is home to hundreds of fish, reptiles and amphibians. on El Camino Real houses birds, amphibians and rodents. Your little ones will love watching the hamsters play with each other and run on their exercise wheels.
Visit a museum. Who doesn't love the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose or the ? If you want to stay more local, check out the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.
Play games online. Check in with Common Sense Media to find age-appropriate games for your kids—commonsensemedia.org.
Create a Rainy Day Box. Begin gathering items for family entertainment the next time you are out and discover a great clearance selection. Pick up whatever looks like fun—a deck of cards, art project, magazine, baking kit, movie. Continue to add to your rainy-day kit whenever you find something that works for you and your kids. Just be sure to save your treasures for stormy days so they don’t lose their novelty.
Happy puddle jumping!
