Sofa, so good: the classic den is forever a favourite for keeping children entertained at home. Photograph: Getty Images View image in fullscreen Sofa, so good: the classic den is forever a favourite for keeping children entertained at home. Photograph: Getty Images Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
Wet weather dampening your plans? From screen-free stories and craft kits to waterproof gear, here’s how to keep little ones – and grownups – entertained
Prefer the Guardian on Google Jump to: The best indoor rainy-day activities for kids Activities on the cheap or even for free Braving the weather: the best wet-weather clothing for kids B efore becoming a mum, I never appreciated quite how complicated getting out the front door would be with kids in tow. But in my four and a half years of parenting two small people, I can confidently say it’s nothing compared with the challenge of a day spent inside when outside is off-limits. Whether because of endless rain or illnesses you don’t want to pass on, I panic at the thought of filling the hours spent indoors.
Being outside is profoundly helpful for my mental health, and it comes with its own built-in entertainment for small children: a bus ride becomes a sensory experience, a trip to the doctor’s an opportunity to pick up role-play ideas.
But what to do when leaving the house really isn’t possible? Over the years, I have developed a list of ideas for keeping my children (and me) sane indoors, and the products that have helped us muddle through (and dare I say, enjoy) those days. I’ve also recommended some gear to help you brave the wet weather.
How have you been keeping the kids – and yourself – entertained during the rainy days? Let us know by emailing us at thefilter@theguardian.com
An unexpectedly popular item in our house came from one of the kids’ many generous aunties and uncles: a play tent. My initial thoughts? “How big! How intrusive! How unnecessary!” How wrong I was.
Kids of all ages seem to gravitate towards it – perhaps owing to the illusion of privacy it offers (as well as being a very non-obvious place to scarper when playing hide-and-seek, wink wink). When ours was played with so much and broke beyond repair, I didn’t think twice about replacing it with this lovely, bright Djeco one. We chose it because of its colourful design, but I’d also seen one at a play cafe from the same brand and admired how sturdy it was. It’s a great place for us all to get cosy and read, and somewhere for my four-year-old to take a minute when his little brother is destroying his beautiful Magna-Tiles creations.
View image in fullscreen Djeco multicoloured play tent
That brings me nicely to Magna-Tiles. Parents seem to enjoy these almost as much as their kids do, and they’re popular with older children too. We don’t have it, but I just know this Rail Racers set would be an absolute hit in this house. There are imitation brands, but we invested in the official Magna-Tiles, which have lasted really well and endured being lobbed around by our toddler – who may or may not end up being a bowler in later life, given how much he likes to throw. Friends with cheaper knock-offs say you get what you pay for in this case.
View image in fullscreen Magna- Tiles Rail Racers set
Look, I don’t really understand why, but my children were given this car toy by another auntie for Christmas last year, and every single child who…