Bad weather? It's all a matter of perspective

Of course it's annoying when the barbecue has to be canceled or your child can't play football in the park with their friends as planned. But anyone who complains at length about the unfair weather will only get into a bad mood. You can't change it anyway – so better look for exciting alternatives that don't depend on the weather. If you take one or two children of the same age on the outing, the weather frustration won't last long. Offer a few options: something sporty? Or rather something for learning and discovery? Or go out into nature? You're sure to find a destination together that everyone will enjoy.

Let off steam in the rain – sporty outing ideas for children

Sporty activities have the advantage that children can really let off steam – much as they would outdoors in nice weather. Together with friends such an outing is even more fun and your children will probably be occupied for a few hours.

Indoor playground:

Indoor play centers are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Consequently, the halls are always a bit busier in rainy weather. On the other hand, they offer plenty of entertainment options that you don't find on regular playgrounds: from huge climbing frames to obstacle courses, trampoline parks, giant slides and mazes, children aged three or four and up can keep themselves busy here for several hours.

Climbing gym:

Climbing gyms are usually only found in larger cities – but most children enthusiastically take on the challenge of scaling the steep walls using only their hands and feet. Climbing gyms often offer special introductions or day courses for children: here, under professional guidance, children learn basic climbing techniques.

Indoor pool/leisure pool:

You can go swimming with toddlers – children of all ages like the warm water. Maybe there is a leisure pool near you with slides, diving platforms and other water play facilities? Then you can easily turn the pool trip into a day out – be sure to ask about group and family discounts.

Bowling:

To hit the pins with the heavy bowling ball you first have to get the hang of it. Elementary-school children usually learn this quickly – and the good thing about bowling is that everyone can play together or compete in teams. During the week a spontaneous trip to the bowling center is usually no problem – there is often a lane available for an hour or two.

Learning and discovering – culture for children

When it rains we go to the museum – that's the classic choice, but far from as dusty as many children might think. On the one hand, there are many different types of museums, and on the other hand many museums offer a very diverse program, from guided tours and events to games and hands-on activities.

Which museum should we visit?

Some museums are practically predestined as destinations for children – toy museums for example, or chocolate museums found in many larger cities. But the classic ethnology museum and science- or technology-focused museums also often have special exhibitions or offer tours that convey knowledge in an exciting and child-friendly way. Check with the museum itself or obtain information on offers in your region from the Federal Association of German Children's and Youth Museums.

Children's theatre – watch or do it yourself

Admittedly – theatre performances for children are rarely available at short notice. But they are a good bad-weather option during rainy seasons, for example during the autumn holidays. If there isn't a children's performance, the cinema will do – or you can stage your own play at home, complete with scenery and costumes. It's only an outing in a figurative sense, but it will occupy you and your child all the more.

Why not just go outside?

The best activity option in rainy weather is also the most obvious: put on wellies and rain gear and head outside for a rain walk. Jump from puddle to puddle on the way, listen to the drops on the leaves in the woods, watch how the little stream swells with rainwater or build a shelter like a cave – many things only work when it rains: make the most of it!