How to Entertain the Kids at the Hotel on a Rainy Day

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.