Things to do (outside!) on a rainy day

Guest blog by Georgia Coote

The good ol’ British weather means there is never a rainy day far away. So we say embrace it! Don those wellies and raincoats and do some activities out in the rain - even the shortest of stomps about in the rain is so refreshing and makes the warmup hot chocolate afterwards all the more delicious!

Here are a few activities you could try for when those rain clouds descend.

1. A rainy walk and puddle jump

For this you really have to accept that everything will get wet and muddy, but have you ever seen a child jumping in puddles? It is pure joy!

Umbrella twirling is a must, as well as puddle suits if you have one. You could try jumping from puddle to puddle, listening to the splashes and seeing who can jump the highest! 

Ladybird umbrella, £9.95

2. Mud Pies

Whenever there is rain there will be mud and what better way to make use of it that making some super squelchy mud pies! Our melamine plates and dishes are perfect for this as they are easy for kids to play with, with durable and bright colourful designs to spark creativity. 

Wild Wonders melamine plate, £5.95

3. Mud painting and clean up

While we’re on the mud theme, if you have some old brushes and paper, 
why not try a little mud painting? Your child can see how the mud oozes and smears and changes as it’s brushed onto the paper, making it a fun sensory experience.

If you have any outside toys that need a little clean up you could use the brushes and rain water and make that a little activity too. You could use sponges and cloths to wring out the rain water to make for an extra fun alfresco time!

3. Rain soups, jars and potions

Arrange a selection of jars and add different things to each. We added the petals from some Muscari in the garden to one, a dash of washing up liquid in another and a drop of food colouring in the other. Get ready to watch the rain fill them up for the magic!

4. Rainy Nature Trails

Sometimes the rain makes things look so different. It’s always worth doing your everyday walks with fresh eyes to take in all the differences when it rains. You could take binoculars and a magnifying glass to really observe all the details. For insect and minibeast lovers, rainy days often mean you will see so many more glimpses of worms, slugs and all-sorts!

Nature Trail magnifying glass, £3.95

Nature Trail binoculars, £3.95

5. Chalk pavement drawing

These tactile egg shaped chalks are really satisfying to use and have a great intensity when used on the wet ground. Let your little ones' imagination run wild with designs and watch the rain enhance and distort those colourful lines!

Box of chalk eggs, £4.95

Pin these ideas for the next time a rainy day strikes!