Photo by Flickr user Weiling

"It's raining, it's pouring, your kids think life is boring..."

Just because it is raining outside doesn't mean fun needs to take a break like the sun has for the day. On a quest to keep my youngest busy on a drippy day during Spring Break, I went looking on the Internet for ideas. I found some really great Web sites with neat activities to keep kids creative and maybe give them a break from the TV and video game remote controls.

If you worry about your kids not getting enough exercise when the weather isn't perfect, then The Family Fitness page at About.com is for you. It lists a boatload of busy activities to keep kids having fun while moving and grooving.

If you are looking for a way to keep things green, www.dnr.wi.gov is a Web site full of environmentally friendly activities, using recycled materials you have hanging around your house or creating items to help the environment outside your house. One thing I loved about this site is that it has an art gallery where kids can submit their nature-based art for display on the site. It is a very cool place for a budding artist to see their work on an official Web site.

Finally, if you just want some new game ideas, puzzles and activities that boost brain power, head to www.familyeducation.com. Here you'll find a plethora of science projects, writing games and brain teasers.

Rainy days can also be a great excuse to get friends together and have a party. Any theme will work. Have a bug party and go worm hunting, or invite guests to come dressed as their favorite superhero and save the day with a mystery for them to solve. Have a cookie baking party with plenty of frosting and sprinkles to decorate.

If the weather is less then cooperative for outdoor play, make the day an opportunity to be creative and enjoy something different inside. Before you know it, your kids may actually look forward to those rainy and cloudy days - and that is what I call a silver lining.

April Scarlett is a freelance writer. Find her work at www.fromherdesk.com, www.successfulwomenweekly.com, www.aprilscarlettwrites.blogspot.com, www.aprilscarlettmotherboard.blogspot.com, on Facebook search ASW-April scarlett Writes and on Twitter @ajscarlett.