In the Lower Mainland, rainy days are a regular part of life – especially from October to March. At Wild & Immersive, we believe that rain doesn’t have to slow families down. With good rain gear and a bit of curiosity, kids can still explore, learn, and stay active. From puddle play to nature-inspired crafts, there are lots of ways to keep the fun going, both indoors and out in the rain!
Bring Nature Indoors
When it’s too stormy to head outside, nature crafts are an easy way to stay connected. Leaf prints, pinecone art, and homemade bird feeders are fun, low-prep ideas that help kids notice textures, shapes, and seasonal changes. These crafts spark creativity and keep little hands busy. Here are some of our favourites, with step-by-step instructions:
Nature-Themed Games and Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids moving. You can create your own list of nature-themed items to find around the house, or try a ready-made printable from local groups. The BC SPCA offers a “Nature Scavenger Hunt” PDF that’s free to download and suitable for kids of all ages. These kinds of activities help build curiosity and early connections to local plants and wildlife.
Learn About Nature From Home
Rainy days are perfect for curling up with nature documentaries or wildlife films. These introduce kids to forests, oceans, animals, and habitats from around the world. You can also try easy science activities at home – like comparing leaves, melting ice with salt, or watching how water changes the soil outside your window. These simple experiments keep learning hands-on without requiring special supplies.
Watch Wildlife Live
Live wildlife webcams are another fun way to explore nature from home. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology streams real-time footage from bird feeders and nests, giving kids a close look at owls, hummingbirds, and backyard birds.
While it may sound a bit ‘out-there’, we’re also a big fan of the “TV for Dogs” or “TV for Cats” videos on YouTube. While they’re made for pets, we find ourselves watching long after the animals have wandered off. These calm forest scenes, busy bird feeders, and curious squirrels make great background viewing while doing crafts or playing indoors.
Backyard Play (for when you can step outside)
Light rain can make the outdoors even more exciting. Kids can:
- Float leaves or sticks down small streams and puddles
- Listen to the sound of rain on metal bowls or buckets
- Look for worms, slugs, and snails enjoying the wet weather
- Watch how water gathers, moves, and changes the environment
Just stick to familiar trails and watch for slippery roots and rocks.
A Simple Rain Gear Checklist
Having the right clothing helps kids enjoy outdoor play longer. A quick checklist:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm socks
- Boots with a good grip
- A hat or hood
- A change of clothes in a bag
- An umbrella for serious downpours.
Being prepared makes even short adventures much more comfortable.
Local Resources for Rainy Day Learning
UBC Biodiversity Museum
Families can explore exhibits featuring plants, animals, and fossils from across British Columbia. The museum also offers a drop-in Nature Club – perfect for kids (5-12 years) who enjoy learning about ecosystems and local species.
Maple Ridge Library
Our local library offers a great selection of nature-inspired books for kids, along with reading programs and occasional workshops. It’s an easy place to pick up inspiration for crafts, scavenger hunts, or indoor learning activities.
Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) Blog & Events
While the park itself is a favourite outdoor spot, its online resources include natural history information and seasonal wildlife sightings. This can spark indoor learning and help kids plan what they want to look for once the rain clears. They also host events open to the public, so keep an eye on their website!
Wild & Immersive Programs
At Wild & Immersive, we offer a variety of hands-on nature programs in Maple Ridge that help kids build confidence and curiosity in all seasons – including the rainy ones. Our programs encourage outdoor play, discovery, and learning through experience.
Enjoying Nature, No Matter the Weather
Living in the Lower Mainland means getting used to plenty of rainy days, but they don’t have to wash away the fun. With a mix of crafts, games, local resources, simple experiments, and even wildlife webcams, families can keep exploring nature year-round.
At Wild & Immersive, we’re passionate about helping kids discover the outdoors in every season. If you’re looking for more ideas or upcoming programs in Maple Ridge, we’re always happy to help. Keep an eye on our Events page or check out one of our programs!
