I love being active with my kids and taking them outside. The more energy they use up outside the less likely my house will go from a nicely organized abode to a warzone. That being said, there are those rainy days none of us can ever avoid. On those days, it can be extremely tough for me to keep order in my house. I have to keep a back up of rainy day ativities to keep my kids' interests.

Yes, movies and board games can temporarily occupy their attention, but a movie only lasts so long, and with board games, there is always an arguement of who gets to be the thimble. I came up with some fun items that would occupy their attention AND keep my sanity for the day. One of them is making a Rain stick!

Materials needed:

• Paper Towel Tube
• Craft Paint
• Preval Sprayer
• Foil
• Masking Tape
• Dry Rice
• Long Pipe Cleaner
• Newspaper or drop cloths.

Step 1: Mix paints in Preval Sprayer (2:1 Paint to water ratio)
Step 2: Follow safety instructions on Preval Packaging. This may be a big step to take, but I let my kids try out the Preval themselves. (Make sure to thoroughly cover your work station with newspaper or even drop cloth)
Step 3: Once the tubes are sprayed, allow up to an hour to dry. I like to take this time to have snack time.
Step 4: Once dry, use masking tape to fasten the foil to one end of the tube.
Step 5: Coil the pipe cleaner and fit into tube, along with the Rice.
Step 6: Secure the other end with foil and masking tape.

This is a fun activity for the kids. Even though I helped them make a noise making instrument, essentially, its less annoying than hearing them fight over who gets to be the thimble. Try this funtivity out next time you have a rainy day with your kids!