It’s every parent’s nightmare. You get to a super fun destination like a theme park or beach and torrential downpours keep your family confined to the hotel. Sure, you could flee to a museum or mall, but when the rain is especially bad, it’s tough to layer up the kids and keep them dry. Chances are also high you didn’t bother to bring along umbrellas, galoshes and a raincoat.
Instead of immediately turning to screen time, occupy the kids with some fun and games right in the hotel. Then when they’re sufficiently tired out and ready to crash, turn on a movie for some peace and quiet for Mom and Dad. Here are five things to try on your next rainy day vacation.
Raid the Amenities
Whether you’re staying in a motel or luxury hotel, there’s bound to be a few amenities you can raid on a rainy day. Ask the front desk about any age requirements, and then hit the gym, indoor sauna and hopefully a pool for a dip.
Build Forts
Hotels load up guests with towels, sheets, robes and even more sheets that can all be transformed into the perfect fort. Better yet, create a giant fort tunnel draping across your hotel beds and over nightstands and chairs for a subterranean adventure.
Photo: Constantin Opris | Dreamstime.com
Splurge on Room Service
Kids lose their minds in glee when they’re finally allowed to order room service. But if they’ve been there and done that, scour the menu for a contraband item like milkshakes or ice cream sundaes you wouldn’t normally indulge in. And if room service isn’t really in your travel budget, go shopping at the vending machines and have a potluck with snacks everyone can enjoy.
Go On a Scavenger Hunt
A respectful and quietly executed hotel scavenger hunt may become your kids’ new favorite activity. Send a parent to take a few quick notes on where vending machines, ice machines, conference rooms and laundry areas are and come up with clever clues where your kids have to guess where these spots are. Team up a grown-up with a kid and see who wins. Pass out prizes from the vending machine where everyone can win at least one thing.
People Watch in the Lobby
Even little kids can get in on the fun of people watching. But turn it into a game and make a list of 10 things they have to spot from high heels to trench coats. They’ll get fired up by the competition and forget they’re just sitting around waiting for the rain to pass them by.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023The World’s Largest Indoor Beachfront Waterpark Opened This Summer
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? If the weather is forcing you to head indoors, you can still take advantage of a few opportunities to splash around in the waves, without even being that far from the beach — thanks to the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, which opened this summer in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
Slideshow
Sep 21, 20236 Tirana, Albania, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tirana, Albania, with us.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 20234 Reasons to Head to Franklin, Tennessee, This Fall and Winter
The next two seasons see Franklin, Tennessee, come alive with festive events, fun pop-ups and colorful lights. Family travelers planning a trip to Tennessee this fall or winter must make time for Franklin, a city just south of Nashville with plenty of history and festivities awaiting.
ShareThis