Bad weather? It's all a matter of perspective

Of course it's annoying when the barbecue has to be cancelled or your child can't play football in the park with their friends as planned. But getting worked up at length about the unfair weather will only put you in a bad mood. You can't change it anyway – so better look for exciting, weather-independent alternatives. If you take one or two other children of the same age on the trip, the weather frustration surely won't last long. Offer a few alternatives: Something sporty? Or rather something for learning and discovering? Or go out into nature? Surely you'll 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 – similar to how they would play outdoors in nice weather. A trip with friends 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. Accordingly, they tend to be a bit busier in the halls when it rains. In return they offer plenty of entertainment options that you don't find on regular playgrounds: from huge climbing frames and obstacle courses and trampoline areas to giant slides and mazes, children from three or four years old can occupy themselves here for several hours.

Climbing gym:

Climbing gyms are usually only found in larger cities – but most children eagerly accept the challenge of mastering the steep climbing walls with just their hands and feet. Often climbing gyms offer special introductions or day courses for children: here kids learn basic climbing techniques under professional instruction.

Indoor pool/leisure pool:

You can go swimming even with toddlers – children of all ages like the warm water. Maybe there's a leisure pool near you with slides, diving towers and other water play options? Then you can easily make the pool trip a day outing – 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. Primary school children usually learn that quickly – and the good thing about bowling is that everyone can play together or in teams against each other. On weekdays a spontaneous trip to the bowling center is usually no problem – for one to two hours there is often still a lane available.

Learn and discover – culture for children

When it rains we go to the museum – that's the classic, but by no means as dusty as many children might think. On the one hand there are many different types of museums, and on the other many museums offer a very diverse programme, from tours and events to games and interactive activities.

Which museum should we visit?

Some museums are practically predestined as destinations for children – toy museums for example, or chocolate museums, which can be found in many larger cities. But the classic ethnology museum and museums with a natural science or technical focus also often have special exhibits or offer tours that make knowledge exciting and child-friendly. Inquire at the museum itself or get information from the Federal Association of German Children's and Youth Museums about offerings in your region.

Children's theatre – watch or make it yourself

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

Why not simply go outside?

The best way to keep busy 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 forest, watch how the little stream swells with rainwater or build a den as a shelter – many things only work when it's raining: make the most of it!