A drizzly day can sometimes put a damper on getting kids outside and active. If you have kids' rain boots, however, you and your youngsters can still have a fun day with activities out in the rain. If there’s a thunderstorm, it’s best to stay inside, of course. But if it’s just rain, grab the rain boots, umbrellas, and raincoats, and try one of these activities. Just remember to have towels ready for when you’re done!

GET PLAYFUL: SPLASH IN SOME PUDDLES

The most obvious fun activity for kids in the rain is splashing in puddles or streams. You will want the kids in boots and raincoats, as well, to help guard against the splashes. Walk around the neighborhood or local parks to find the best puddles and streams and jump away!

GET OUT THERE: STAY DRY ON A HIKE

Whether it’s a wilderness trail or just around the neighborhood, dressing for the weather means you can still go out on a hike. Having rain boots kids can wear—particularly those with a traction rubber outsole—gives them more sure footing, but they should always be supervised if they go on nature trails in the rain. The trails may look different during a rainstorm, especially if they wind through forests.

GET HEROIC: HELP RESCUE WORMS

On your walk around the neighborhood, the kids can help save stranded worms on sidewalks by returning them to nearby grass or dirt. If you're near a lake, pond, or stream, your kids can look for frogs or go “fishing” with a stick and some twine. Remember to dress not just for rain, but for mud, as well!

GET CRAFTY: RACE GUTTER BOATS

Ahoy! Grab some paper and practice folding up a makeshift ship to sail. Try out a few different designs of boats with different materials, such as popsicle sticks, and see how they do in a race to the gutter. Catch them before they go down the gutter and race again. If there are puddles around, see how long the boats will float. If there are no puddles or streams, grab a large, rimmed cookie sheet and let it fill with rain so you can race in it.

GET CREATIVE: MAKE MUD PIES

Foster a creative imagination by helping your kids make mud pies. The basic mud pie needs water and soil, but sticks, leaves, and rocks can help add decoration. While an aluminum pie tin can help shape the mud pies, it’s not required. Of course, there are plenty of other mud items to make, such as mud castles—let their imaginations run wild!

GET SCIENTIFIC: MEASURE THE RAIN

Gather cups, mason jars, water bottles, and anything else that can hold water. Set them out in the rain. Ask your kids how long they think it will take to fill each container. How much will each one fill in a minute? An hour? A day? Try it with a large measuring cup and record the results.

GET ARTSY: WATERCOLOR SIDEWALK CHALK

Outdoor chalk reacts very differently on a wet sidewalk than dry. The water causes colors to intensify and run, blurring the chalk in a watercolor-like effect. This can be done while the rain is still coming down, or afterward while the sidewalk is still damp. If your kids want to create art that they can keep and display, use food coloring and paper plates. Once the faux watercolors are mixed on the plates, bring them inside to dry.

About Western Chief

Western Chief was founded in Seattle in 1891, making durable boots to combat the tough weather conditions during the Alaska Gold Rush. More than 100 years later, they continue to provide family footwear options for outdoor wear. These include lovable character kids rain boots; durable work boots; and cozy, whimsical boots for the entire family. Whether you want rain boots for women, men, or kids, even wide calf rain boots, they’ve got styles that’ll fit your needs. Western Chief’s rain boots are perfect for everything from everyday wear to trudging through muddy fields, playing in puddles, or gardening. If you need practical, affordable footwear that fits your lifestyle, Western Chief has you covered.

Browse rain boots for the whole family at www.westernchief.com