Camping with the family is always a fun experience—that is, until the rain starts pouring. When this happens, many campers feel disappointed and trapped inside of their RVs. While that feeling is totally understandable, it is also 100% avoidable.

You see, the only reason rain ruins camping fun is because the campers in question are looking at it the wrong way. Most people see rain as a nuisance and something to be dealt with, when in reality it’s an invitation to play.

There are tons of amazing activities to do when camping in the rain. Here are a few of our favorites.

Puddle Hopping

Whether you choose to don rubber boots or head out barefooted, jumping in a nice, deep puddle never gets old. Despite this fact,many adults haven’t gone puddle hopping in years. The next time showers choose to make a showing during your camping trip, use the opportunity to experience this childhood pastime again and show younger campers the joy it can bring.

Mud Pies

Another classic childhood activity, making mud pies is a messy, goopy blast. Pull out some pie tins the next time it rains on your parade, and have a mud pie decorating contest or see who can make the most pies in a given amount of time. Get messy and have fun with it!

Water Fights

Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to head outside for a bit of water fun. Water balloons and water guns are equally good weapons of choice, but whatever you choose, be sure it’ll soak your opponents. Of course, the rain will help with that too.

Want even more water fun in the rain? Set up a slip-and-slide with a tarp that’s been coated with a bit of baby oil. The rain will keep it wet, creating the ideal surface for sliding.

Science Experiments

Why not use the rain as a chance to explore science with the kids? Set out a rain gauge and measure the downfall, or put out pH tape to measure the pH in rain and compare it to other liquids (lake water, tap water, juice, etc).

Art Projects

Rain can also be used to create art. To make your own rain art, cut a stencil out of cardboard and place it on concrete before the rain begins. After a few minutes of rain the ground will be covered—except where the stencil was.

For rain art you can keep around after the fact, try putting several drops of food coloring on a piece of white paper. Set it out in the rain and watch as the colors blend together and become a lovely rainbow watercolor painting.

Game Night

Of course, rain often comes with lightning. When this lightning is happening it’s best to stay inside, so you’ll definitely want to keep some indoor options on hand.

For this, we highly recommend game night (or morning or afternoon). Grab several awesome board games or card games, turn on some music, put out snacks, and party while you wait for the storm to pass.

Movie Marathon

Another good indoor activity is a movie marathon. Keeping a favorite movie series on hand means you’ll always be prepared to create your own movie fun. Add in a bag of popcorn and some sodas, and you’ll be waiting out the storm in style.

We all know rain isn’t the ideal camping weather, but there’s really no reason to let it ruin your fun either. Embrace the weather and make the best of what you get. You’ll probably get some pretty great memories along the way.

About the Author:

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Elsie D – “We picked up a screw in one of our front tires and discovered it was flat the morning we were leaving for a full day drive to our next stop…Coach-Net came through flawlessly.”