Entertaining Kids on Rainy Days

Winter has finally come out in full force, with cold weather and rain in the regular forecast. As a parent you learn to dislike this time just a little especially during the holidays. Besides the wet shoes, muddy footprints and other rain-related hassles, there is also the dreaded, “I’m bored” that your child is bound to utter. Of course they often say that when it’s not raining as well, but your options have become a bit limited due to the outpouring from Mother Nature.

What is a parent to do? Check out some of these ideas and local distractions!

Bowling – Here is a little secret — kids love to knock over stuff. OK, so it’s not a big secret, but boy is it true. Bowling is a great way to let them go crazy with that urge. Call a few other parents, get a group together, and head down to the lanes for a few hours. Bonus - the kids can be as loud as they want. is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. or later! The bowling spot is located at 300 Golf Coure Dr., Rohnert Park.

Movie Time – With the holidays in full swing, there are a bunch of great movies for kids out that should be around awhile. Happy Feet Two, Puss in Boots, and the Muppets are all great ways to divert attention for a few hours. Or you can simply hit the video store and rent a few titles. Call up a few parents and invite their kids over to all watch together while you have some adult time in the kitchen! Rohnert Park has Reading Cinemas, located at 555 Rohnert Park Expressway.

Cal Skate – This is one of the best ways to burn off excess energy on a rainy day. Slap on some skates and let those kids race around the rink for a few hours. For newer skaters there is plenty of room to practice (parents can walk in shoes on the rink with their kids). If the mood hits you can take a spin yourself! They have a regular open sessions 7 days a week. Cal Skate is located at 6100 Commerce Blvd.

Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library – A recent has eliminated Mondays from the regular schedule, but they still are open often. With multiple computers to play educational games, ample seating and row upon row of books and magazines, the library is truly a great way to spend a few hours exercising the mind. For the smaller kiddos there is space to toddle and small toys and blocks to use.

Theme Day – This one takes a bit of effort and planning but can be very fun for everyone. Pick a theme for the day (pirate, princess, cowboy, etc) and arrange activities around that. Dress up your child(ren) as well as yourself and turn your house into an adventure. Attack the pirates that have turned your couch into a fort, rescue the princess that the dragon (dog) is guarding in its’ lair (garage). Maybe for lunch serve up some special Pirate Goulash or other fun meal. 

Snoopy's Ice Arena — The perfect combination of exercise and indoor holiday styled fun! They have regular skating times for people of all ages and you can enjoy a cup of cocoa at the Puppy Cafe. Also you can check out the Charles Schultz Museum across the street for more fun!

Pump It Up - More than just a party place, Pump It Up in Cotati also has structured play times where kids can bounce, slide, and just go crazy burning off a lot of energy for an hour or two. Go here for more info.

Rotating Play Dates – This idea requires a few other parents but works out great for all involved. Set up a schedule to host a play date for one or two of your child’s friends for a few hours. As most parents learn it is usually as easy or easier to handle two or three kids that entertain one bored kid. They next day another parent will host the kids and the day after it rotates again. This way the kids get a change of venue as well as toys and the parents get some free time. It usually works out well for everyone.

Nature Walk – Yes it is wet and cold outside so what better time for a walk. No, I’m not crazy. With a little preparation, walking in the rain is a piece of cake. First set up your ‘wet area’ where you will put all the wet rain gear upon return (garage works great) and have some clean towels ready as well as warm clothes. Next dress up in some warm clothes covered with ran jackets and boots, grab an umbrella and explore! There are lots of things to see and talk about that children may not have experienced yet and of course splashing in puddles is mandatory.