by Glamorous team
Rainy days in the Netherlands can transform the outside world into a water world and misty landscapes. But fear not! A family with small kids can turn a dreary day into a bundle of joy with these exciting and healthy indoor activities that will keep both parents and little ones entertained.
1. DIY Indoor Mini Golf and Bowling Tournament
Transform your living room into a mini golf course or a bowling lane using household items. It's a fantastic way to stay active indoors with an engaging stylish game.
2. Cheese Tasting Adventure
Arrange a cheese tasting session with a variety of Dutch cheeses. Pair them with crackers and fruits for a delicious and educational experience.
Check out the recipe from Glamorous Kitchen. Level it up and make a Winter Cheese Fondue!
3. Story Marathon
Cozy up with some hot cocoa and read classic Dutch stories together. Discover tales of friendly giants, mischievous mice, and magical landscapes.
Some of our favorite tales from the Dutch Authors and Best Sellers. Book Collection
4. Raindrop Symphony
Let's listen to the Sound of Nature. Turn the sound of raindrops against the window into a symphony. Grab pots, pans, and spoons, and create rhythm of your own with your little one. Take the opportunity to teach beats and rhythm as the first step to world of Music.
Check out our Introduction to Music Collection too. Surely you will get some inspirations.
5. Indoor Dutch Football Tournament
Set up a mini football tournament with soft, indoor-friendly balls. Kick, pass, and score goals to become the family football champions.
Ideas: IKEA SPARKA Soft football Original
Photo credit: IKEA
6. Rainy Day Yoga
Engage in family-friendly yoga sessions. It's a healthy and calming activity for both kids and adults.
7. Sjoelen Tournament
Set up a Dutch shuffleboard ('Sjoelen') tournament. It's a classic Dutch game that the whole family can enjoy.
8. Word Games
Engaging your little ones with word games early on is beneficial. Try games like Pim Pam Pet, which stimulates your child's brain to recall words based on the alphabet. Or play with wooden alphabets to form 3 or 4 letter words as many as possible. Scrabble is also a good choice!
9. Tulip Bulb Planting
Gardening is so meditative for both adult and children. It teaches Children the different stages of life. Channel the inner gardener by planting tulip bulbs or earlier spring flowers, such as Daffodils and Hyacinth, in colorful pots. It's a hands-on activity that promises future blooms and continuous discovery.
10. Family Board Games
Gather around and play classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue. Or Card games like Uno, Go Fish, or Poker can also be a lot of fun.
Peppa Pig Snakes and Ladders Board Game for Children from 3 Years for 2-4 Players
Monopoly Classic Bordspel met nieuwe Algemeen Fondskaarten
11. Rainy Day Charades
Act out Dutch-themed charades. From windmills to wooden shoes, let the hilarity ensue! Pick a theme; let it be any topic that your little one might love the most—animals, ocean creatures, fairy tale characters, Disney Princesses, the hospital, or something from their imagination. Let the creativity run wild!
12. Baking Extravaganza
Get the kids involved in the kitchen by baking warm cookies or cup cakes. The aroma of freshly baked sweets will fill your home, creating a cozy atmosphere.
13. Build a Fort
Use blankets, pillows, and cushions to build a fort in the living room. It can become a cozy hideout for the day.
14. Science Experiments
Conduct simple and safe science experiments at home. There are many kid-friendly experiments that can be both educational and entertaining.
15. Lego Lego: Let's go!
Check out our Lego Collection
16. Music Dance Party, A Blast!
Finish off the day with a Dutch music dance party. Move and groove to the beats of traditional and contemporary Dutch tunes.
17. Karaoke Party
Have a karaoke session with your favorite songs. It's a great way to let loose and have some fun. For children, the melody helps them remember difficult new words. So, pick your songs wisely and age-appropriately.
18. Movie Marathon
Choose a series of movies or have a theme-based movie marathon. Make some popcorn and enjoy a cozy day of watching short films together. For small kids, be mindful of the duration of screen time. Aim for no more than one hour per day of screen time for children aged 3 to 5. For kids aged 6 and older, parents should establish consistent limits on the amount of time spent using media.
19. Arts and Crafts: make a Origami Wind Chimes
Get creative with arts and crafts. You can make DIY projects, paint, draw, or even try out some simple origami with color papers. Why not make a Origami Wind Chimes or a Tulip in a Row Window Decoration ('Raamhanger').
20. Indoor Picnic
Lay out a blanket, prepare some indoor picnic snacks, and have a picnic in your living room. It can be a fun and different way to enjoy a meal together.
Photo Credit: Ikea.com - Indoor Picnic
Rainy days may keep you indoors, but with these creative and healthy activities, your family can turn a gloomy day into a memorable adventure filled with laughter and joy. Embrace the Dutch spirit, and let the indoor festivities begin!
Have fun, and never let the weather limit your creativity!
By Glamorous Mom team with love