Plans change fast once the rain starts falling. Instead of scrambling every time it happens, why not get ahead of it? Grab a jar, gather everyone at home, and have each person write down one activity they’d enjoy on a rainy day. That’s your first activity right there, and by the time you’re done, you’ve already got a jar full of backup plans ready to go. To help you get started, here are a few ideas worth dropping in. 

For the kids and their big imaginations

Play dates in the park not possible? Build a blanket fort instead with cushions, an old bedsheet and some fairy lights.  It sounds simple, but there’s something about being inside one, snacks in hand, that makes the whole afternoon feel like an adventure.

For the teens who need a reason to put the phone down

Entertain your teenagers by running a house tournament. Board games, cards, even thumb wrestling works. Winner picks the next activity from the jar. 

For the ladies running the household

Rainy season prep doesn’t have to be a solo, boring job. Go group grocery shopping and stock up the pantry with a few days’ worth of essentials once the season hits. Give each one an item list and make it a contest on who buys the most with the least money spent.  If you’re in a flood-prone area, make a game out of keeping copies of important documents and items in waterproof bags or have everyone prepare a small go-bag ready at all times. The fastest emergency packer wins a prize!

For the men of the house

Organize a challenge for the big boys. Get them to give flashlights, power banks, and even the family car a quick clean and test run. Teach them how to check if the tank is full, how to tell if the wipers and tires are in good shape, and if the engine’s air intake is protected in case of flooding. Make them map out an evacuation route. Every completed task gets points with matching perks!

For grandparents

Got seasoned family members at home? Convince them to stage a full kitchen takeover by having them cook a tried and tested family recipe. It’s a good excuse to pass on some signature family dishes.

For the whole fam

Gather everyone around. Write their names in pieces of paper, put them in a box, and ask everyone to pick a name. Distribute paper and pens. Have everyone write a letter to the person they picked and drop finished letters back in the box. You may also ask them to write a second letter, this time for their future selves. Seal the letters up in another box. Set a date to open them, whether that’s next rainy season or next year. It’s a small thing now that may turn into something worth looking forward to.

The rain will keep interrupting plans this season. But the activity jar, once started, tends to stick around. Keep adding to it, keep pulling from it, and it becomes less of a rainy-day fix and more of a family tradition worth keeping.

This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial advisor, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.