We've asked the lovely Katie, early years foundation stage teacher and a mum of 3 adorable adventurers to share her favourite things to do on a rainy day. We all know keeping your little explorers busy on a gloomy days can be a challenge. Read on to find out what you can do to make the most of your family time whatever the weather.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! When the heavens open, instead of hiding indoors, grab your waterproofs and make the most of the rainy days with your children. As an Early Years Teacher and mum to three, we love to head outdoors and experience all weathers. Here are my ideas to ensure your children celebrate the rain rather than shy away from it:

1) JUMPING IN PUDDLES

The first (and in my opinion the best!) rainy day activity is good old fashioned jumping in puddles. Pop on a pair of wellies and go searching for the biggest puddles you can find. 

2) LOOK FOR WORMS

The rain brings out lots of lovely worms, children will love searching for them. Return them back to a nice grassy area.

3) MUD PIES

Rain creates glorious mud and all children love to mix up a mud pie creation. Add a few pots and pans and their imagination will run wild. You don’t need anything fancy, an old pan and a wooden spoon will do the trick. 

4) RAIN SHELTER

Provide your children with some waterproof sheets to build a den or use a pop up tent and have fun sheltering from the rain. Listen to the sound the rain makes as it falls onto the shelter.

5) BUBBLE POP

Blow bubbles in the rain and watch to see if the rain pops them. You will be surprised to see how the rain seems to bounce from the bubbles. 

6) RAIN GAUGE

Create your very own homemade rain gauge and measure the rainfall in your own garden. This is a great way to incorporate a little mathematical learning into a rainy day. Use an old jar or cut the bottom from a plastic bottle, draw measurements up the side using a permanent marker and leave out to catch the rainfall.

7) MUDDY TRUCKS

Take out your toys, such as tractors and trucks and roll them through muddy puddles. Your children will see their toys in a whole new light and love playing with them in a different way. 

8) MUDDY PAINTING

Painting on large surfaces is great for strengthening children’s motor skills. Find some sticks, leaves or a paintbrush from indoors and dip in some mud. Paint along a wall of fence and watch the rain wash it away.

9) RAIN MUSIC

Grab some pots and pans and take them outside in the rain. As the music bounces onto them, listen to the wonderful sounds it creates. Encourage your children to make the sounds such as ‘plop, splash, ping…’ 

10) RAIN STICKS

Once you are back inside and fully dried off, the rainy day fun doesn’t have to end there. Create your own rain sticks and hear the sound of the rain whenever you like. Fill a cardboard tube with items such as rice, beads or pasta and seal the ends. Shake it and create your own rainy sounds. Connect with Katie on Instagram