Rainy Day Activities: Kids Corner

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, February 12 and November 5, 2005
Show 206

Okay, you're stuck in the house for a day. It's raining. You know, it's just a matter of time before you're gonna hear your kids say, "I'm bored." Well, with a little creativity and a few things you have lying around the house, you can keep them happy and occupied. It might be tempting to turn on the TV and pop in their favorite movie. But did you know, watching TV only burns a few more calories than sleeping? So a rainy day is the perfect opportunity for you to create memories for both you and your kids. The key is to judge their mood. If they're feeling energetic, get them involved in some active games. Play flying feather, to see who can keep the feather in the air the longest. Let them play mummy and wrap each other up in toilet paper. Or here's a great idea that'll burn some extra energy, let them make coffee can ice cream. Have them put a cup of milk, a cup of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla into a plastic bag and tape it shut. Put the bag in a coffee can with ice and salt and tape the coffee can shut. Then send them in the basement to take turns rolling the can around. After about 20-minutes or so, they'll be able to eat fresh ice cream that they've made themselves. Let them loose in the kitchen.

Kids love to make bugs on a log. Peanut butter on celery, topped with raisins. Or set out ingredients and let them custom make their own bagel pizzas for lunch. If your kids are in the mood to be creative, there are plenty of things you can do to keep them occupied. Show them how to make paper airplanes they can decorate with crayons and stickers. Then have flying contests. Let them make their own play clay. Between making it and playing with it, they'll be occupied for hours. It's easy to find recipes. Another idea is to make hanging bird feeders. Mix chunky peanut butter with some shortening and corn meal. Then have them smear the peanut butter mixture on a pine cone. When they're done, hang it from a tree they can see from the window. Just because it's raining outside, doesn't give yours kids license to be couch potatoes. Keep them active, keep them thinking. There's plenty to do.