Rainy Days in the Airstream

Jane reading to Wilson.

We’ve been asked what we do when it rains or when the weather otherwise doesn’t permit us to hike, bike or explore the outdoors.

We are fortunate in that we’ve only run into this problem a couple times. Most storms tend to be in the afternoon during nap time. But even if it is raining, we go out and explore unless the weather is really threatening, such as lightning or impossibly heavy rain.

When the kids need some indoor fun we try to find a museum, aquarium or library near our campsite. The kids love visiting these indoor places, and so do we.

If we’re in the middle of a National Park and miles away from options like museums or libraries, we’ll either head to the visitors center, which often has at least one section geared towards kids, or as a last resort we’ll let the kids play in the RV.

Jane and Wilson playing with their train set.

The kids have two 12in x 18in Rubbermaid boxes. One box is for books and the other for toys. The one with toys has a train set, blocks, some animal figurines, puzzles, and art supplies. I can count on one hand the number of times we’ve pulled out the toy box for play. I’m amazed we downsized from a large playroom with baskets, drawers, and piles of toys to a 12in x 18in box with toys, and we rarely pull them out to play unless we’re stuck inside on a rainy day.

In addition to the toys, Jane also has Candyland, Hi-Ho-cheerio, Chutes and Ladders and two sets of Goldie Blocks that she loves, all of which she can play alone or with mom or dad.

Jane playing Goldie Blocks while Wilson is settling into his nap.

The other activity the kids love when it rains is the chalkboard and dry erase board we put on the walls in the RV. They’ll often color or Jane will work on spelling while I cook or am cleaning up. I’m so glad we added these little play areas to the Airstream. They take up no space but allow for hours of entertainment.

Jane working on her letters.

Any other good ideas for inside activities for small spaces? Let me know in the comments.