How to Keep Kids Busy Inside When It's Raining Outside

Photo credit: Pexels.com


They say that April showers bring May flowers. Unfortunately, those springtime rains also mean that your kids can't go outside to play. Keeping your energetic little ones amused indoors can be a challenge. Luckily, there are ways you can entertain children inside while also honing their personal development. The below guide provides inspiration for moms and dads who want kids to keep busy while also learning a thing or two at home.


Experience new cultures by learning another language.


Kids learn foreign languages more easily than adults, so it's great to get them started early. According to Cornell University, learning a second language also offers cognitive advantages. Your little ones can easily hone their skills at home with online courses. To keep your kids interested, combine language learning with cultural lessons. There's no better way to finish Italian classes than with a big plate of pasta.


Discover your family's own cultural heritage with genealogy.


Genealogy is another way to combine language learning and culture. Learn about your family's cultural heritage and celebrate it. Junior Genealogist provides tips on how to make this educational moment fun for kids. You can interview elderly family members together, for example, or gather family photos to create a family tree. If you don't know much about your heritage, you can even order a genealogy testing kit online to find out more about your roots.


Hone social skills, reactivity, and problem-solving with gaming


While you want to minimize your child's screen time, playing video games isn't all bad. According to The American Psychological Association, gaming has social benefits. It can also improve problem-solving skills and reactivity. If your child is going to play multiplayer games requiring live interaction, make sure your internet is up to the task. Sufficient bandwidth is especially important if parents are trying to work from home at the same time. You can also enhance their experience with a gaming chair or new set of headphones. 


Improve math skills and expend energy with music and dance.


If your kids are feeling cooped up inside and simply can't sit still, it's time to get moving. Turn on some music and dance it out. You can play foreign-language songs and encourage your little ones to sing to hone their newfound language skills. Music is also a great way to subtly give your child a math lesson. As Kindermusik explains, kids can learn basic geometry through visual dances, like circle dances. Music is also a great way to learn numbers as kids can count to the beat, and music can help build literacy skills as well. Fortunately, Los Angeles Music Teachers offers a wide range of online music lessons for your kids!


Use arts and crafts to enhance fine motor skills.


Once your kids have expended some of their energy with a vigorous dance session, you can sit them down to enjoy some arts and crafts. Again, this is an activity that can provide a discrete learning opportunity. Tasks like drawing, coloring, and painting improve bilateral coordination, for example. Meanwhile, an activity like beading enhances fine motor skills. Crafting also teaches kids patience and the merits of a job well done. They have to put in the time and effort to make something beautiful.


Encourage imagination with an indoor treasure hunt.


If you want to give your kids a treat on a particularly dreary rainy day, organize an indoor treasure hunt. Encourage them to use their imagination. They might pretend that they're pirates or knights on a quest. Imaginative play is critical for healthy childhood development. If you need ideas for your treasure hunt, The Spruce has a great guide with crafty riddle clues that are sure to get kids thinking.


This spring, show your kids that staying indoors doesn't have to be a drag. The above guide will help you keep them amused until the weather is nicer.
​

Looking for online or at-home music lessons for your kids? The qualified and experienced teachers at Los Angeles Music Teachers offer music lessons for a variety of instruments. Call 818-902-1233 to schedule your first lesson today!

request more information

call for more information

register for your first lesson

subscribe to our newsletter