Rainy Day Fun

A rainy day can be the perfect backdrop for family fun. When the clouds roll in, Jennifer Soos, 36, and her 3-year-old son, Lincoln, of San Antonio, Texas, don pirate hats and work on Lincoln's pirate puzzle. The pair also enjoys a special snack. "Making cookies is always part of our rainy day," Soos says.

Here are more ideas for sharing rainy day fun with your children or grandchildren:

• Make a rainstick. According to legend, rainsticks were used to summon rain. The originals were made of dried cactus; you can create one with a cardboard tube, toothpicks and popcorn. Insert 12 toothpicks through the tube, and trim so they are flush with the exterior of the tube. Cap the end with paper and tape, pour in a cup of unpopped popcorn kernels, and cap the other end. Decorate with markers or stickers. When turned side-to-side, a rainstick makes the sound of gentle rain.
• Read books aloud, such as the children's classic Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett.
• Have a fort-building competition. Grab pillows, blankets and sofa cushions and see who can make the longest tunnel or tallest fort.
• Hold a spelling scavenger hunt. Challenge children to find something that starts with each letter in words such as storm or cloud. Use smaller or larger words depending on the child's age.
• Go outside and look for slippery, slimy critters. Worms, snails, slugs and frogs come out of hiding when it rains. Put on your slicker and rain boots and see them close up.

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