By Abigail Abesamis

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” This sounds great, until those April showers come around and keep you from going outside and enjoying the warmer weather. As we wait for those May flowers and the sunshine, why not embrace these April showers rather than simply enduring them? Here are some rainy day activities (both indoor and outdoors) for nieces and nephews to help give you some inspiration.

Go for a nature walk. Put on your rain gear and go for a walk outside with your nieces and nephews. Make observations as you walk around and see how the rain can transform familiar surroundings. Take turns pointing out things you come across, such as earthworms, small streams of water, or even patterns of water on the sidewalks and on the trees.

Build an indoor fort. Too cold outside for a walk? Gather together some blankets and pillows, and get cozy in your very own indoor fort. Turn off the lights in the house and light your fort with flashlights for added ambiance. Relax inside your fort and listen to the sounds of the rain.

Jump in puddles. Perhaps the most well-known outdoor rainy day activity, and for good reason. See who can find the biggest puddle and make the largest splash! It is strangely therapeutic and can help to relieve stress. Perhaps give it a try if you’re feeling daring, Auntie!

Read a book together. Cuddle up on your favorite chair or sofa and read with your nieces and nephews. If you’re looking for a new read, check out Common Sense Media’s list of kids’ books for National Poetry Month.

Play water games. Break out your manual sprinkler and let your nieces and nephews run away from (or into) the water. Fill some colorful water balloons and play a game of water balloon toss or simply have a water balloon fight. Your little ones won’t mind that they’re getting wet as it’s already raining.

Photo: Scooter Lowrimore via Flickr cc
Published: April 23, 2014