Wet Day Activities

By Stacie Gaetz

The kids are off for Easter Break and there is precipitation in the forecast.

No need to worry – help is here with our list of 10 rainy (or snowy) day activities that will keep your kids entertained, moving and maybe even teach them a thing or 2.

• Puddle Jumping – This one may seem obvious but there are a few different ways to add education to this simple activity. Get your children to count the puddles as they jump, talk about which are bigger and smaller or take the time to explain depth. Rain in Calgary is rarely warm so don’t forget to bundle up with splash pants, umbrellas and layers.

• Bowling – When was the last time you hit the pins? Why not strap on those rental shoes and show your kids who’s boss at your local lanes. You could even make it interesting with a little wager – the loser owes the others a treat like ice cream after the fun.

• Movie – This is another one that may seem like a no-brainer but don’t forget to put a little pre-planning into it to save some cash. Check with your local theatre to see what days they offer discounts or take some time to find deals/coupons online.

• Malls – You don’t have to spend any money to make use of all a mall has to offer on a chilly and/or wet day. Most malls offer a play place and The Core downtown features Devonian Gardens with beautiful ponds and a playground. CrossIron Mills Mall and New Horizon Mall in Balzac are both huge with tons of space for your children to burn off some energy.

• Drive – Sometimes the best thing to do to break up the day is just to get in the car and go for a drive. Print off a road trip scavenger hunt and check off the items as you go. If it helps you to have a destination in mind, visit a surrounding community for a treat or to check out their local stores or attractions.

• Recreations and Leisure Centres – Whether you want to take a dip in the pool, shoot some hoops, play badminton or climb a wall, your local rec centre can be a great way to spend a few hours. Some even have libraries and workshops or classes.

• Library – Whether you decide to take out books or just spend the time exploring and reading at the library, this is a great way to while away a rainy afternoon. Explore not only new places in the city but around the world and beyond within the pages of a book.

• Attractions – With indoor spaces at a number of our city’s finest attractions, you can stay dry and give your kids an experience to remember. Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre and Heritage Park are all great options with tons for kids to do inside.

• Museum – With locations like Glenbow Museum, the Grain Academy Museum, Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, military museums, The Hanger Aero Space Museum, Studio Bell Music Centre, there may be more places to discover than you realized. This is another great opportunity to call ahead and see if any of these establishments offer discounts for certain days or times.

• Stay in – If you are looking to save a few bucks, you can always stay in and make your own fun. Hide and seek, charades, card games, board games, crafts, scavenger hunts, dance parties, obstacle courses, fort building, dress up, playdough… there are so many options for exciting things you and your kids can do when its rainy or cold out.

No matter what you decide to do on those wet days, remember to enjoy your time together and always watch out for a rainbow after the storm.