How to Survive a Rainy Bank Holiday with the Kids

London parents looking for the final entertainment of the school holidays can head over to Westfield. The shopping centre is hosting children’s sessions until 04 September 2011. Money saving offers and vouchers can also be downloaded from the Westfield website in advance:  http://uk.westfield.com/london/

For those parents out of London, forecasts have predicted a wet weekend and terrible delays on the motorways as families head for the South West.

This means for many there will be three days off work with the kids -indoors. Luckily this doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds as Westfield have come up with some suggestions to make parents’ lives a bit easier this bank holiday weekend.

Role playing
Role play is great for developing the imagination. Your little one could dream up a day at the circus, a journey to the moon or they could simply imagine a visit to the shops; just make sure to use toys and utensils as fun props. Mix it up by getting them to mime the actions or by making the situation as fantastical as their imagination will allow- anti gravity boots and under-water cookery anyone?

Make a cinema at home
If the weather is really miserable this weekend there’s nothing better than curling up in front of a film. Instead of just throwing a DVD into the machine, you can make it more of a special experience. First of all, draw the curtains or switch off the lights to create some atmosphere. Get in some pop corn, nachos or pick and mix (or all of these) and have an authentic cinema experience without having to go out in the rain.

Design your own pirate flag or treasure map
If your child is very creative why not introduce them to sewing by setting them the task of creating a pirate ship flag using a felt square, bits of fabric, large needles and wool? You can combine anything sea related from a mermaid design, to more traditional skull and cross bones. Alternatively, ask the kids to hide a piece of ‘treasure’ in the garden, then design and colour a map which you will try out to find the treasure.

Play dressing up
Sometimes your child needs to let their imagination run wild. Present them with a box of your old clothes and let them see how many characters they can invent. If your cast-offs aren’t inspiring enough for your little one’s creative side you could spend some time rummaging around in charity shops, vintage shops or car boot sales. You might even find some great retro pieces for yourself.

Rainy day card making
Children love sparkles and glitter, so get them thinking about upcoming friends’ birthdays or special occasions they can design cards for. Alternatively, if your child’s birthday is coming up get them to create their party invitations – homemade stationary has a lovely personalised touch as well as saving you money and a trip to the shops.

Go puddle jumping
Long periods of rain make for fantastic puddles. Why not make the most of them in between the showers? Make sure your child is wrapped in their waterproofs and wellies then let them get splashing. If the mood takes you, indulge your inner child and have a splash too.

Bake some tasty treats
There’s nothing better than cake making on rainy day. You can bake fairy cakes or biscuits and let your child add the ingredients, stir the mixture and help decorate them afterwards. Use your imagination and make your goodies as colourful and sparkly as your child wants to. Whatever you end up making their favourite part will be licking the mixing bowl and spoon at the end.

Pick up a new skill
Whatever your creative talents are, here is a fantastic opportunity to pass your skills onto your child. Maybe you’re a whizz at craft, perhaps Grandma is a dynamo with a pair of knitting needles, maybe you can juggle or play a musical instrument. Show your child what you can do and let them have a go. If the weather is really horrible they’ll have lots of time to practice.

Hold a mini Olympics
If your child has eaten too many sweets and can’t sit still, holding your own mini Olympics could be the ideal solution. It’s also a great way of learning about the event, which is being held in London next year. What’s more, when bed-time arrives they’ll be tired enough to go straight to sleep with no arguments.

These kids’ activity ideas have been inspired by the jam-packed summer events programme taking place at the Westfield London Shopping Centre until 3rd September.

For more information on the free events see the Westfield London website: http://uk.westfield.com/london/