Rain showers bring spring flowers, right? So, while you’re dealing with the damp weather and waiting for spring flowers, choose a rainy day activity (or two) from our list and keep boredom at bay!
The Mall – The stay at home parents’ quintessential rainy day activity, and for a good reason. Temperature controlled, ample coffee shops, and you can always find a sale and a friend to stroll with. Bring some loonies to Burlington Mall and the kids can ride the coin-operated rides. And the Milton Mall has been known to host kids events as well.
The Library – There is hardly an hour in the day that the local library branch near you doesn’t have kids programming on, and even without something structured, I struggle to find a child (or parent) who doesn’t love some time spent at the library. All drop in activities are on our calendar – take your pick!
Art Gallery of Burlington – Take a stroll through the galleries and watch your child’s imagination be sparked. They’ll love the colourful paintings, animal sculptures, and human figures. Admission is free, but donations are well used, so bring a few bucks to drop into the donation box. While you’re exploring, look up, look down, and you just may see some small little friends tucked away in the nooks and crannies.
Thrift Store – Fancy yourself a DIYer? Love up-cycling? Or maybe you just like checking out trash-turned-treasures? Pop in and see if you can score an original Rubik’s Cube, Malibu Barbie, or some Muppet Show VHS tapes. Visit The Salvation Army, Value Village or Animal Attic and Animal Loft, your donations and purchases help our community.
Medium Art Studio – Drop in for some paint-your-own pottery any time, any day! No matter the time of year, there’s always a need for a gorgeous handmade gift for a loved one. Birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet keepsake to remember a wonderful day out together, Medium Art Studio has the perfect piece!
Toy Store – Every toy ever made seems to be at the toy store. Enjoy some time in every aisle checking out new toys and games, and adding to your child’s wish list. Just remember, you may not get out without making a purchase!
Movies – SilverCity on Brant Street has Stars and Strollers ever Wednesday at 1pm. Watch a new release film with your little ones. With a little more light, lower sound, and $2 off the regular admission, it’s a great deal! Visit CineStarz on Brant Street or Film.ca in Oakville for second run shows at a deeply discounted price. Don’t worry, the popcorn is just as delicious as the larger theaters! And don’t miss out on Oakville’s Movies for Mommies where the sound is lower, the lights are a little brighter, to make your movie-with-baby date all the more enjoyable.
Pet Store – Little animal lovers will enjoy walking through the aquarium section to check out the aquatic and bug life, and through the cat adoption centre, too. They may even get to pet or feed an animal friend!
Book Stores – As an adult, my favourite rainy day activity is hitting a bookstore, and Indigo has a great children’s area complete with books and toys.
Have a Sweet Treat – The weather is alright perfect for ice cream! We’ve been going to Lakeshore Coffee House for Chapman’s mint chip cones, and if you’re looking for a dairy-free dessert, try Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, for a delicious rainy day activity.
Ikea – Their kid’s centre is fabulous and free, but so is their kid’ department with all of the toys out on display. A great time to get some gift ideas! Plus, they have great deals on kids meals, too!
OEYC – The Ontario Early Years Centres saved me in those early days/months/years of parenthood. I played with my new baby, met new parents, and kept going until my kids were in school full time. I think we are so fortunate to have the OEYC’s in Burlington.
Take a Ride – Hop on the bus and tour around Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown, or Milton. Transit is fast, reliable, and clean, and makes a great sightseeing bus. Plan your tour through Burlington , Milton, Oakville, or Waterdown.
Swim and Skate – Beat the weather by visiting one of the city’s pools, community centres, or ice rinks.
Now, the next time Mother Nature thwarts your picnic plans, you can turn to these spots to help pass some time with the kids. Be sure to let us know in the comments what rainy day activity you rely on to dodge the doldrums of rainy days.