While we're fortunate to live in a city that gets at least 325 sunny or partially sunny days a year, this is not the norm in most parts of the country.  This winter has been surprisingly wet, and trying to keep a 3 year old entertained for the day has put my creativity to the test. While movies are a feasible option, many children will only sit for so long, particularly if they're used to running, jumping, and playing. 

Here are some of my tried and true activities for keeping a young child entertained on a rainy day.

Rediscover your library: From time to time, we'll get into a pattern of reading the same books over and over, leaving an entire library undiscovered.  Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to pull out those books that have been gathering dust on your shelves.  Rather than simply reading those books, why not act them out or retell them with new endings you've created?

Pull out those puzzles and games: Invite neighborhood friends over and make it a playdate.  For a unique twist, make up new rules.  Don't forget to use this opportunity to help your child learn through play.  Many games teach colors, numbers, social skills and more.

Dress up!:  Whether it's donning those fall Halloween costumes, dressing up in pre-made costumes, or creating your own with clothes you already have, dressing up is a fun, imaginative way to spend the day.  Once you've gotten into character, play a game or tell a story in costume.

Explore the baker within you: Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to try out that new recipe you've been wanting to experiment with.  If you'd rather not bake from scratch, cookie kits and store-bought cake mixes work well, particularly for smaller tots who may not have the attention span for an all-out baking project.

Get the wiggles out:  Just because it's raining doesn't mean you have to stay home.  Head to your local museum (many have free days) or play space to learn, discover and play.

Get crafting:  I try to have a supply of crafting materials on hand for those days when we're stuck indoors.  Think outside the box...beyond coloring and painting.  Perhaps you can work on a simple woodworking project or paper mache.

Be smart about video games:  Gone are the days of mindlessly zoning out on video games.  Today's gaming technology gets kids off the couch and moving with fun fitness games.  You can also play family games and educational games.

Rainy days don't have to dampen your mood.  You're only limited by your imagination. Spending some time indoors allows your family to regroup, reconnect, and catch up on some much needed down time.  And when all else fails, don those rain boots and a brolly and stomp in a few puddles.

By guest blogger, Caryn Baily, Rockinmama

Ok moms, let’s face it, kids are always on the go, especially in the summer. Sometimes it can be difficult to get them to stop every now and then to take a sip of something cool. Small children can get dehydrated pretty quickly on those hot summer days, and it’s not always easy to get them to drink their water. I just want to give you five tips and tricks to keep your kids hydrated and ready for all those fun summer activities. And by the way, these aren’t just for the kids, moms need to take care of themselves, too! 

Tip # 1: Either mostly or completely cut out soda from your child’s diet. There is no nutritional value in it, and all it does is dehydrate their body even more than it already is. If your child is going to miss the soda, try giving them water with some fruit slices that will naturally add some flavor and sweetness.

Tip #2: Provide your children with snacks that will not only fill them up, but hydrate them. For example, cucumbers are almost completely made up of water, which makes them a light, refreshing snack. Other good choices are watermelon, citrus fruits, grape tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers. If your child gets turned off by the veggies, try cutting them into fun shapes or providing a healthy dip like yogurt or hummus, which also gives them a protein punch.

Tip #3: This one helps when you have kids who are too “busy” playing to stop to munch a snack, is to make it fun. My daughter almost always comes running when I make fruit caterpillars for her. All you need are toothpicks and fruit (just be careful if you give these to small children). Kids can even help make these, which can be a fun learning activity as well. Your child can make patterns with the fruit alternating grapes, blueberries, strawberries, or kiwi pieces. You can also make veggie caterpillars, which when you add some small pieces of cheese, adds some protein as well. The munching possibilities are endless!

Tip #4: Here’s a simple one, if you know you’re heading outside to be in the sun, try to get your kids to drink some extra liquids before you leave, so you won’t have to worry quite as much once you get to your sunny destination.

Tip #5: When your kids have their hydrating snacks and drinks, make sure you join them! It’s just as important that mommies take care of themselves as well. You set the example for your kids, so if they see you taking care of yourself, chances are they’ll follow!

By guest blogger Marina Hentz, http://betterinbulk.net/2010/06/lollis-guide-to-savvy-parenting.html