When planning a beach vacation, we typically think of sunbathing, swimming, flying kites and in general, enjoying the great weather. But, what do you do when your wonderfully sunny beach vacation turns into a wet, rainy beach vacation? For kids, and adults alike, it can be a dismal disappointment. If you find yourself facing a rainy beach vacation, read on for more details on ways to keep the kids, and yourself, easily entertained and get your mind off the rain outside.

Board games and cards are an excellent way to while away a few hours while you are waiting for the drizzle outside to stop. Many beach houses even stock cards and board games for just such occasions. For younger kids, play fun games like Go Fish and Memory. Older kids will enjoy playing more complex games such as Rummy, Hearts and Spades.

Jigsaw puzzles are another great way to spend some time when the weather is less than perfect outside. Clear off a table and have the whole family get involved in putting together a masterpiece. Before you know it, you will find yourself so engrossed in finding the right pieces that you will have forgotten all about the weather outside. One thing is definitely certain; your kids will probably develop an entirely new appreciation for ‘old-fashioned’ games that aren’t run by electronics.

What better way to spend a rainy afternoon than to snuggle up together and watch a family favorite? If you’re renting a beach cabin, rifle through the offerings on hand and something is certain to catch your eye. Pop some popcorn, pour a few glasses of pop and you have an instant cinema fest. For even more fun, consider renting a movie with an ocean theme.

Unless the weather is just really treacherous, there is no written rule that says you must stay indoors when it is raining at the beach. Don some rain slickers and take a family stroll along the beach. You might come home a bit soggy, but there is just really nothing like inhaling the fresh air at the beach during a refreshing rain storm.

If you have your camera with you, bring it along and encourage the kids to take some close-up shots of rain drops or the way the water and the waves look in the rain. Once you’re done with your little expedition, head back to the hotel or the beach cabin to warm up with some hot cocoa. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

When it’s raining outside and you just don’t feel like braving it, get cooking inside if you have the facilities available to you. Consider mixing up a huge batch of brownies with the kids or baking a couple of different types of cookies. Encourage the kids to be involved with the mixing and the measuring as well as the decorating and of course, the sampling! Everyone in the family will enjoy the effort and there’s a good chance you won’t hear a single bit of whining about the rain while you’re at it.

Who says rain has to spoil your picnic? Just because it is raining outside doesn’t mean you have to forego your picnic. Spread a blanket across the floor and enjoy traditional picnic foods for a picnic that your kids won’t soon forget. Ideas for food include sandwiches, chips, lemonade, chicken, cookies and brownies.

Think about the items you have on hand and have a contest to see who can create the most original crafts. You might just be surprised at exactly how crafty your kids can be when presented with such a challenge. When everyone is done, have an impromptu art showing at your indoor art gallery.

Regardless of where you are vacationing at the beach, there are certain to be a variety of different plants and trees that offer numerous different textures. Creating rubbings is a great way to entertain the kids when its rainy outside as well as help them learn something about nature as well.

Begin by collecting sample leaf samplings and then create rubbings by placing the items beneath a sheet of paper and rubbing them lightly with a pencil or a crayon. Both you and the kids may be amazed at the beautiful objects you can create with such simple materials.

Remember, that just because it rains while you are at the beach does not mean you have to give up on the idea of having fun. When you get creative, there are plenty of fun things that you can enjoy with your kids while you wait for the skies to clear up again.