5 Free Children’s Rainy Day Activities

Ever have those rainy days at home where the activity ideas have dried up and you’ve hit a brick wall in the fun supplies? We have an endless supply of children’s activities up our sleeve and have imparted a few of our favourites, from Leaning Towers of Pasta, to movie projects for budding Spielbergs. And worry not about the washing aftermath, our new season of Little Joule Must Haves have arrived; children’s clothes that are designed to withstand messy play, bed jumping and tree climbing all while being easy to wash and easy on the purse.

Ahoy There Pirates!

We’ve found a much better use for an ironing board, use it as a pirate ship! Lay the folded ironing board flat on the floor, accessorise your little shipmates with eye patches and empty loo roll telescopes and allow them aboard. Challenge all pirates to stay aboard the ship over rough seas and ‘hard to starboard’ twists and turns. If anyone falls off they will be eaten by sharks (cue Dad, Mum or a large soft toy to play shark).

Mini Movie Directors

A great fall back method of entertainment wherever you are is to provide your charge with a video camera or smart phone, and invite them to make their own movie. Set them a theme such as a make believe news report or a modern remake of their favourite fairy tale. When their film is ready, pop some corn and host a movie premiere from your sofa.

Leaning Tower Of Pasta

Your budding builders have 20 sticks of dried spaghetti, twice as many marshmallows and 10 minutes of time. Their mission, should they choose to take it, is to produce the tallest free standing tower of pasta they can, either solo, as a team or competing. Often called the marshmallow challenge or the spaghetti challenge, the Science Museum suggests looking at other tall structures for building inspiration. “Impressive ones include the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, the Blackpool Tower and cranes”.

Ultimate Den Building

The floors are flooding and all children of the house must evacuate into a handmade safe haven. Challenge them to build a den that will shelter them and also keep them entertained until the storm passes. If you have a spare table, a large blanket thrown over makes the perfect foundation for a den, but if a table isn’t available, some bamboo sticks or old tent poles will do, just tie them up into a tipi with some string (or one of Dad’s ties). Once complete, decorate your den with battery powered fairy lights, insert snacks and get cosy!

Little Pizza Designers

Ask your little ones to design their own pizza on a piece of paper, faces, butterflies, anything goes! Roll out some pizza bases or buy some ready to go and lay out on a table. Add a selection of toppings for the children to create their bespoke pizza with. Suggested toppings are halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sweetcorn and olives, ideal for creative little fingers.

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