Make the Best of a Rainy Day 
Rain might change your summer plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin them! Make the most of a day inside with arts and crafts, a fort-building marathon, or a Wii tournament. Invite friends to add to the fun for both kids and grown-ups. If the weather is wet but not stormy, head outdoors to jump in rain puddles. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a spur-of-the-moment visit to a popular attraction that will be emptier than usual due to the weather.
Waiting: The Hardest Part
Need a go-to solution for keeping kids happy? Stickers, crayons, and paper, as well as a deck of cards, are all easy ways to entertain kids, as are playing classic games like Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe. If those old-fashioned activities don’t work, try employing technology—the Nintendo DS, LeapFrog’s Leapster, or an iPad or iPod are all popular and successful ways to keep kids occupied until the main event.
Retro Robot
RoboMop (Dial, 2013; $16.99) tells the tale of a robot mop’s dream to see the big, wide world outside the public restroom in which he spends his days cleaning. With determination and optimism, Robomop pursues his dream. This quirky story, with its uplifting ending, is sure to be a big hit with kids. Written with flair by Sean Taylor and illustrated with fantastic retro style by Edel Rodriguez, this book is recommended for ages 5–8, but it is a story kids of all ages can enjoy.
Looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained?
- Antsy Pants? Waiting games for restless kids
- 20 Sanity-Saver Tips from NJ Moms and Dads For parents, from parents
- We've got tons more ideas to beat boredom here!
