Summer is traditionally associated with sunshine, picnics, and outdoor play. However, even during this season, the weather can be unpredictable—rainy days are an inevitable part of summer in Latvia. When it’s pouring outside and the usual holiday activities in the park or backyard aren’t an option, parents need to find new ways to entertain children indoors. BNN offers five tried-and-tested creative ideas that can turn a rainy day into an unforgettable indoor adventure.
1. Home theatre – imagination in motion
All you need is a curtain, some old clothes, and a healthy dose of imagination to transform the living room into a real stage. Children can invent their own storylines, make puppets or masks, and prepare a short performance to present to the family. This not only develops speech skills, confidence, and collaboration but can also be enriched with music, lighting, and decorations—depending on the mood and available materials.
2. Home laboratory – safe experiments
Curious kids will love participating in simple yet surprising experiments. With food colouring, baking soda, vinegar, or soap, you can create volcanoes, rainbow bubbles, or even homemade play dough. There are many child-safe experiments available online, but adult supervision is crucial. These activities are not only fun but also stimulate interest in science and logical thinking.
3. Kitchen adventures – cooking together
A rainy day is the perfect time for kids to learn something new in the kitchen. Making simple cookies, pancakes, or fruit salads is both entertaining and a great way to strengthen family bonds. Children can help with mixing dough or decorating dishes, which develops fine motor skills and a sense of responsibility. Be sure to choose recipes suited to the child’s age and abilities.
4. Creative workshop – art and crafts
Using colourful paper, fabric scraps, playdough, or recycled materials, children can create real works of art. Drawing, gluing, modelling, or making collages helps children express their emotions and develop visual thinking. Rainy days can become a tradition—create a new themed piece each time and exhibit it in a family “gallery” on the wall.
5. Travel without leaving home – themed day
Even when it’s raining outside, that doesn’t mean you can’t go to Egypt, outer space, or an underwater world—at least in your imagination. Parents and children can create a themed day dedicated to a country or a fairy-tale world. Include themed costumes, food, music, documentaries or cartoons, and matching games and tasks. This activity enhances cultural awareness and turns learning into an exciting experience.
Rain doesn’t stop the fun
Rainy days don’t have to be spent in front of screens or being bored. With a little preparation and creativity, they can become some of the most cherished summer memories. The key is to embrace imagination and step into the child’s world of play. After all, adults were once kids too—and what could be better than shared laughter, sticky fingers from playdough, or a pancake cook-off?