Rain, in addition to being necessary, is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy games both indoors and outdoors. Yes, yes—inside and outside! Because rain can be synonymous with play, fun, and family time. At LILLYDOO, we suggest five games and activities so your little adventurer can have a great time even on gray days when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

Jumping in the puddles

No, we haven't gone crazy. Jumping in puddles is a highly recommended activity for your little adventurer. It has only benefits! First, jumping in puddles is tons of fun. It’s also a fantastic way to exercise outdoors—something that, with the increase in organized activities and indoor venues, isn't always possible. And, of course, it’s a unique experience that helps create happy memories. Do you remember when you were little and jumped in puddles? Well, today, boys and girls have fewer and fewer opportunities for outdoor play and to get dirty—in short, to be children. Don’t be afraid of getting wet: grab some good rain boots and a raincoat, and go play. Dare to jump in puddles together. You’ll enjoy the same benefits!

Make homemade Play-Doh

Children love playing with Play-Doh. They can spend hours imagining, molding, stretching, and cutting shapes. Today, it’s easy to find many types of Play-Doh made from different materials on the market, some even quite environmentally friendly and non-toxic. However, at LILLYDOO we suggest a great activity: make your own Play-Doh together! It’s a very easy, inexpensive, and eco-friendly activity. Plus, the homemade Play-Doh we propose is edible, which is reassuring because it’s not uncommon for young children, who like to explore with their mouths, to nibble on a few pieces. Take note of our secret homemade Play-Doh recipe:

What do you need?

• 500 grams of flour

• 175 grams of salt

• 3 tablespoons of baking soda

• 7 tablespoons of oil (you can use sunflower, which is more economical)

• 500 milliliters of hot water

• Food coloring

How to do it?

Mix the dry ingredients with the oil. Then, gradually add the hot water while stirring until you get a smooth dough. To color it, simply divide the dough into different pieces and add a color to each one, then knead to distribute it evenly. Your Play-Doh is ready!

LILLYDOO Tip: To keep the modeling clay in good condition for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the dough will stay flexible for several months of endless play.

Cook together

Cooking something delicious together can be a great plan for the coldest rainy days. Not only is it an activity that brings families closer, but it’s also very beneficial for psychomotor development and for encouraging autonomy. At first, you’ll likely make more mess than necessary, which can sometimes feel frustrating. But with patience and love—and by setting aside expectations—you’ll surely enjoy this kind of activity.

We suggest making delicious and healthy oatmeal and apple pancakes:

What do you need?

• 100 g of oat flakes

• 20 g of grated coconut

• 3 eggs

• 1 unsweetened natural yogurt

• 1 packet of yeast

• 2 apples

• Cinnamon

• Seasonal fruits

How to do it?

First, peel and cut the apples, then place them in the microwave with a little cinnamon until soft. Next, put them in the blender jar along with the rest of the ingredients: oats, eggs, shredded coconut, yogurt, and the tablespoon of baking powder. Blend well until you get a smooth batter. Now it’s time to cook them: in a skillet with a little olive oil, pour in the batter, shaping it to the size and form of the pancake you want. When small bubbles appear on the top of the pancake, it’s time to flip it. Finally, cut fresh fruit into pieces and place it on the table along with the pancakes. Enjoy!

Prepare a movie session

Few things are more exciting than going to the movies to watch a film. But if it’s cold, the rain won’t stop, and you don’t want to leave home to go to the cinema, don’t worry—the cinema can come to your house. Choose a movie you really like or one you’ve been eager to see. Set aside distractions and grab a low table where you can place homemade popcorn, snacks, water, and any juices you feel like having. Grab a blanket, dim the lights, and enjoy this magical moment.
Don’t know how to make homemade popcorn? It’s very simple: in a shallow pan, add a little oil and a few kernels of corn. Cover it and wait for the popcorn to start popping. That’s it!

Set up an art museum at home

If there’s an activity that always appeals to little ones, it’s painting, because it lets them bring out the artist within. And it has many benefits: it supports the development of fine motor skills and spatial perception. Prepare everything on the table: take out colored pencils, watercolors, finger paints, brushes, and sheets of paper. Encourage them to paint whatever they want, and paint along with them. Afterwards, you can hang the artworks you’ve created together at home and turn your walls into those of a true museum.

With these ideas, you won’t mind if the sun takes a while to come out. And we’re also sure that when it does, you’ll know how to make the most of it with other games and activities.

Remember that without rain, there are no flowers.