Rainy Camp Out

As a child, I was always envious of my neighbors whose grandpa built a tree house in their backyard. It was just a small platform, but I still remember the wonder I felt, sitting high above the ground. I never wanted to come down!

Not every kid is blessed with a climbing tree or a yard, for that matter. But you don’t even need a yard to create a fort that will beckon to kids throughout the winter months.. An outdoor shelter can be as simple as a waterproof shower curtain strung from a hula hoop or a tarp draped over a few chairs.

If you are handy with a hammer, you can make a simple structure from reclaimed materials like pallets and scrap wood. An outdoor reading nook can be the perfect place for a young reader to listen to the pitter patter of the rain while cozying up beneath a favorite blanket. With the added touch of a tarp stapled to the roof to make it water-tight, it’s a perfect outdoor space for the rainy season.

Optional!
Another easy option is to break out your camping gear. Pull out the sleeping bags and flashlights and have a mock-camp out. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Pacific Northwest native who isn't accustomed to camping in the rain. Break them in while they’re young!