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Rainy Day Survival Kit for Moms: What We Keep Ready When Florida Storms Roll In

  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

If you’ve spent a summer in Florida, you already know the routine.


The mornings are beautiful.

By lunchtime, it’s hot enough to melt your flip-flops.

Then, almost like clockwork, the dark clouds roll in



This summer has been especially rainy, and we’ve made it a priority to get outside early in the day—whether that’s heading to a splash pad, exploring a park, taking a nature walk, or simply letting the kids burn off some energy before the afternoon storms arrive.


Because once the rain starts… we’re usually inside for the rest of the day.


Instead of scrambling to figure out how to entertain everyone, we’ve started keeping a simple “Rainy Day Survival Kit” ready to go.


It’s just a collection of activities that help keep little hands busy, encourage creativity, and make those rainy afternoons feel a little more enjoyable.


Mornings Are for Adventure

One thing we’ve learned this summer is to work with Florida weather instead of against it.


Whenever possible, we try to:

  • Visit a splash pad

  • Walk a local trail

  • Go to the playground

  • Ride bikes

  • Play in the backyard

  • Meet friends at the park


By the time the afternoon storms arrive, everyone has already had fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of movement.


That makes indoor time much easier.


Our Rainy Day Survival Basket

We keep everything together in one basket so it’s easy to pull out when we hear the first rumble of thunder.


Having everything in one place saves me from hearing…

“Mom… what can we do?”

about twenty times. 😂


Art Supplies That Actually Get Used

Rainy afternoons are the perfect excuse to get creative.


Inside our basket you’ll usually find:

  • Construction paper

  • Washable markers

  • Crayons

  • Watercolor paints

  • Colored pencils

  • Stickers

  • Glue sticks

  • Child-safe scissors

  • Pom-poms

  • Pipe cleaners


Sometimes we’ll follow a craft idea, but most days I simply let the kids create whatever comes to mind.


Puzzle Time

Puzzles have become one of our favorite quiet-time activities.


They’re great for:

  • Problem-solving

  • Fine motor skills

  • Teamwork

  • Patience


Plus, they’re something both kids and adults can enjoy together.


Family Game Drawer

When everyone starts getting restless, games almost always save the day.


Some of our favorites include:

  • Matching games

  • Memory games

  • UNO

  • Go Fish

  • Dominoes

  • Bingo

  • Spot It!

  • Simple board games


We love games that are easy to set up and don’t require a lot of pieces.


A Stack of Favorite Books

There’s something cozy about reading while it rains outside.


We rotate books regularly so they always feel new and exciting.


Picture books, chapter books, joke books, and seasonal stories all make great additions to a rainy afternoon.


Sometimes we even build a blanket fort and read together inside.


Baking Together

Some of our favorite rainy day memories have happened in the kitchen.


Whether we’re baking cookies, muffins, or trying a new recipe together, cooking naturally turns into a learning activity.


Kids practice:

  • Measuring

  • Counting

  • Reading directions

  • Following steps

  • Patience


And everyone gets a delicious treat at the end.


Building Challenges

Building toys always come out when the weather keeps us inside.


We love creating:

  • Tall towers

  • Animal habitats

  • Race tracks

  • Castles

  • Cities


I like giving the kids a challenge instead of instructions.

“Can you build the tallest tower in the house?”

It keeps them engaged much longer.


Dance Party Breaks

Let’s be honest…

Sometimes everyone just needs to move.


We’ll turn on music and have:

  • Freeze dance

  • Dance competitions

  • Simon Says

  • Yoga

  • Animal walks


Even ten minutes helps reset everyone’s mood.


Don’t Forget Mom

The rainy day survival kit isn’t just for the kids.


I’ve learned to keep a few things ready for myself, too.


A warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, a good playlist, or a few quiet minutes while the kids are happily creating can completely change the tone of the afternoon.


Taking care of yourself matters, too.


Mama’s Thoughts 💌

I’ve stopped feeling guilty when our afternoons look slower than I originally planned.


Some of our sweetest family memories have happened while listening to the rain, baking cookies, building forts, or reading books together on the couch.


Not every day has to be packed with outings to be meaningful.


Sometimes the unexpected rainy days become the ones we remember most.


Rainy Day Survival Kit Checklist

Keep these items in one basket so they’re always ready:


Creative Fun

  • Washable markers

  • Crayons

  • Watercolors

  • Construction paper

  • Glue sticks

  • Stickers

  • Modeling clay


Quiet Time


Family Fun

  • UNO

  • Dominoes

  • Memory games

  • Spot It!

  • Board games


Kitchen Fun

  • Baking mix

  • Kid-safe utensils

  • Aprons

  • Measuring cups


Movement

  • Dance playlist

  • Yoga cards

  • Balloon games

  • Indoor obstacle course ideas

 
 
 
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