Why you should play in the rain

It can be tempting to just stay indoors when it’s raining, but you don’t have to change your plans because of a drizzle. There are so many reasons to embrace the wet weather.

Dec 11 2023

Two women hold hands with a child and walk through the countryside

Playing outside is an essential part of growing up. Especially in winter, there are plenty of reasons to grab your coat and get outside. It can be tempting to just stay indoors when it’s raining, but you don’t have to change your plans because of a drizzle. There are so many reasons to embrace the wet weather.

Here are our top five.

A child splashes in a puddle

Try new activities

Wet weather is the only time when certain activities are available. There’s nothing like the joy of jumping in puddles (wearing your wellies, of course), spotting fresh animal tracks in mud, or seeing if you can spot a rainbow peeking through a treetop canopy.

Playing in the rain is also a great way to engage your little ones with new sensory experiences. Listen to the rain as it falls on the treetops, squelch your boots in the mud, and smell petrichor (the scent of dust after rain).

A parent and child in winter coats walk through the countryside

Avoid the crowds

If you’re planning to take part in any seasonal activities, embracing the rain means you can beat the crowds. Other families are more likely to stay indoors, so you can enjoy the beauty of the countryside without any competition.

Spot winter animals

We’re lucky to have so many extraordinary animals in Hampshire, some of which can only be seen in winter. While winter can have rainier weather, this doesn’t stop our animals enjoying the countryside and it shouldn’t stop you either. If you’re wondering what there is to spot this season, our friends at Bird Aware Solent have created a list of ten birds you can spot on the coast.

A parent and two children slide down a slide

Make memories

There’s a reason why there are so many songs and poems about being outside in the rain. There are so many times where you’ll get the chance to spend time in dry and mild weather that making an exception – even at risk of getting soaked – will make your day even more memorable. After all, when was the last time you danced or played in the rain? So, grab your friends and family and have fun. Just make sure you’ve got a spare change of clothes to wrap up in afterwards.

Enjoy coming home

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting back inside after being out in the rain. Changing into warm pyjamas and sipping on a hot drink is the ultimate reward for spending time outside in wet weather. The only way to get this experience is to have fun in the rain before heading home to curl up on the sofa and get cosy indoors.

Now you know why playing in wet weather is a good idea, it’s time to grab your wellies and head outside. Let us know your favourite rainy day activities on Facebook and Instagram. For the latest news about Hampshire’s countryside, you can also sign up to our newsletter. 

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