Exetercation: February Half Term Rainy Days

Raining? Don't panic - we've gathered some exciting activity ideas to entertain the kids this February half term! From indoor and outdoor fun, to Pancake Day recipes and virtual ways to experience Exeter - we've got you covered.

Enjoy a rainy day stroll

Urgh it’s grey and miserable and raining, what on earth are you going to do with the children? Well it may be the last thing on your mind, but take them for a walk! Make sure everyone is wrapped up warm and in waterproof coats and trousers (if you have those!) wellingtons and old play clothes. Did you know? In Sweden they say “There is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes.”

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Puddle jumping

There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom when your parents say “yes you can jump in the puddles” and when the adults join in as well children find this hilarious! Who can make the biggest splash? Try jumping over the biggest puddle, who jumped the furthest? Jump in every puddle you see - allow your child to take a small wind up bath toy to play in the bigger puddles.

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Learn rhymes

As you walk see how many rainy themed rhymes/songs your children know, perhaps the older children could see how many rain-themed pop songs they can list! Here are some ideas to get you started:

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“It’s raining it’s pouring,

The old man is snoring.

He got into bed

And bumped his head

And couldn’t get up in the morning”

                                                 

“Doctor Foster went to

Gloucester,

In a shower of rain;

He stepped in a puddle,

Right up to his middle,

And never went there again.”

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“I hear thunder, I hear thunder,

Hark don’t you, hark don’t you?

Pitter patter raindrops, pitter patter raindrops,

I’m wet through, so are you.”

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“Rain rain go away,

Come back on another day”

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“Rain on the green grass,

And Rain on the tree.

Rain on the roof top,

But not on me!”

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“Incy Wincy spider climbed up the waterspout,

Down came the rain and washed poor Incy out.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,

And Incy Wincy spider climbed the spout again.”

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Create a rainy day playlist

Here are a few rain-themed pop songs to add to your playlist – what others can you think of?

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1. Rihanna – Umbrella

2. Why does it always rain on me – Travis

3. Purple Rain- Prince

4. Raining in my heart- Buddy Holly

5. Set Fire to the rain- Adele

6. Only happy when it rains- Garbage

7. Sunshine on a rainy day – Zoe

8. It’s raining men- Weathergirls

9. Rainy night in Georgia-Randy Crawford

10. Rain – Script

Outdoor rainy activities

Catch rain drops on your tongue – sometimes the simplest things are the most fun!

1. Make mud pies in your garden: Children love getting muddy get them to decorate their “pies” with flowers, leaves, sticks and stones

2. Race leaves in rain gutters: An all-time favourite even older children will get involved with

3. Measure the Rain: Take rainfall measurements - how much did it rain in an hour, day, week is a fun activity. Make your own rain gauge by securing a ruler inside a clear cup or jar and keep a rain journal

4. Rain art: Use markers to draw on paper then put your pictures out in the rain and watch what happens.

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‎‏‏‎‎Escape the Everyday at Home 

It's no secret that we're all yearning for a change of scenery in 2021! But until we can do that, let us inspire you to 'Escape the Everyday at Home' in Exeter as part of VisitEngland's national campaign! Don't forget to check out our 'Enjoying a February Half Term' at Home blog for fun ways to experience Exeter at home for the whole family! 

Take an Exetercation

One of the best things about being out in the rain, is coming home and getting warm and dry! Why not make a hearty soup or hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, a lovely pampering bubble bath followed by a cosy movie night. Check out our Exetercation: Activities at Home page for recipes and activities inspirations for your half term indoors! Don't forget, Pancake Day is coming up on 16th February - don't miss our Flippin' Good Pancake Ideas and Activities!