Living in Phoenix, you get used to endless sun and dry weather. But then, out of nowhere, the desert gets moody, and suddenly you’re stuck with a rainy day. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of throwing in a surprise party, but without the cake. As a mom, those rainy days can feel like an unexpected challenge—especially when you’re trying to keep your kids entertained. So, here are some go-to rainy day activities to survive Phoenix’s occasional fits of bad weather.
First off, let me just say that when the rain hits, it’s like every kid in the house suddenly remembers they have an endless supply of energy. I mean, Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly act like they’re all cooped up for days, even if it’s only been a few hours. The first few minutes of rain are kind of fun—everyone’s fascinated by the puddles, the thunder, the smell of wet pavement. But then? Chaos. So, let’s talk about how I try to keep things from totally spiraling.
If you’re like me and your kids are constantly on the go, it can be tough to keep everyone happy when you can’t go outside. But lucky for us, Phoenix is full of places that are perfect for rainy days. Here are a few of my favorites.
The first one on my list? Children’s Museum of Phoenix. I swear, this place is like a kid magnet. It’s indoors, it’s huge, and it’s packed with all sorts of activities that will tire them out—bonus points if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and sip on your coffee while they go wild. Lincoln loves the building area, where he can create everything from houses to castles, and Molly’s all about the art stations. They’ve got everything to keep them busy for hours. Plus, I get to feel like a semi-responsible parent while they burn off all that energy.
Now, if you’re in the mood to stay a little closer to home (because, you know, it’s that rainy), I have a trick up my sleeve. How about a DIY movie marathon? All it takes is a cozy blanket fort, a stash of popcorn, and letting the kids pick a movie or two (or ten). Jenny’s into those Marvel movies (don’t even get me started on how many times she’s watched Spider-Man), while Lincoln and Molly are more into animated adventures. It’s a no-fail recipe for an afternoon of chill, and the best part? It buys me a few moments of peace.
But sometimes, all that screen time isn’t the answer. If you’re looking for a bit of education wrapped in fun, I love visiting The Arizona Science Center. Yes, it’s hands-on, and yes, the kids are all over the place in there, but it’s a great way to let them explore and learn while still keeping them inside. They’ve got everything from space exhibits to robotics, and I’ve caught myself (on more than one occasion) getting lost in the exhibits alongside my kids. That’s the beauty of these places—they’re not just for them, but for us moms, too.
And then there’s the classic, indoor bowling. Look, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy plans for this one. Just grab your shoes, roll a few balls down the lane (and by that, I mean pray the ball doesn’t veer off course), and let the kids have some fun. Even if you’re not a bowling champion, it’s one of those low-key activities that gets the kids moving and laughing. Jenny usually has her competitive side on display, Lincoln’s just trying to avoid rolling the ball into the gutter, and Molly’s all about cheering them on like she’s their personal hype woman.
At the end of the day, rainy days in Phoenix might seem like a wild ride (especially when your kids think it’s Christmas because of the weather), but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With a little creativity, some indoor adventures, and the occasional cozy time on the couch, you’ll find that a rainy day is just another opportunity to make some fun memories with your kids—without having to fight the sun for space.
So, the next time the desert decides to show a little moodiness, just remember that a little rain doesn’t mean you’re stuck at home, twiddling your thumbs. It means it’s time to get creative, let your kids burn off that endless energy, and, who knows, maybe even enjoy a little downtime for yourself while you’re at it.