When plans get canceled due to rain and mud, we all can become discouraged, and if we don’t do something else fun, the whole day can feel dreary. Fortunately, a little inspiration can go a long way toward improving our attitude for an entire day. Next time a simple shift in the weather alters your schedule, perhaps these options will be useful for canceling the tantrums and pity parties that often follow unexpected detours:

Bake Simple Cookies
Only a few ingredients are necessary to make the simplest kinds of cookies, and they quickly fill the whole house with a happy aroma, helping ease the tension even before the first taste. If you would like to try your hand at making cookies, but the oven is not your friend, there is a no bake cookie recipe at the end of this post.

Pop Some Corn
Another delicious treat that immediately minimizes stress by warm scent, for most of us, and it easily accompanies a nice variety of indoor activities. Whether you microwave it, use an air popper, go old school with a covered pot on the stove, or any method I forgot to mention, popcorn offers the comfort of a treat without the guilt a lot of people feel at some point after eating sweets.

Brew a Spot of Tea
If you keep a tea party fairly simple, and the cups are not pink, even the boys can enjoy a few soothing sips. Or you can share out the tea while doing something else interesting.

Play a Game
Depending on abilities and preferences, choose a game or two for the whole family to enjoy. Board games don’t have to be boring, and there are plenty of card games to choose from. There are string games, marble games, tile games, stick games, and games that involve drawing pictures.

Family Dance Party
No matter your skill level, filling a room with fun music and dancing full on feels great. If you can tolerate a few kid songs in the mix, let your kids take turns with you at choosing the next tune to play. To add another layer of fun, take a few minutes playing dress up first and wear your masterpieces on the dance floor.

Patchwork Story
With a notebook and pen, or other means by which to write out a meandering tale, begin with something like “Once upon a time,” however you prefer, and write no more than five sentences before passing it to the next person. If one word is all that is written for their turn, or if they scribble down five run-on sentences, it’s acceptable. The story doesn’t have to be completely original, or even particularly good, the purpose is to have fun with collaborative writing.

Hair Salon
A simple chair, a comb, a brush, a spray bottle full of water &/or detangling oils, a small to medium sized bathroom towel, plus a few hair holders and a handheld mirror are enough to turn any room you choose into a pretend hair salon. Whether or not your play salon also does nails or makeup is up to you. Take turns playing stylist and customer, making sure to add in some silliness to the small talk as you play the frustration away.

Play Fort
Flat sheets become ceiling and walls, chairs and tall lamps become structural supports, finger foods and story telling become essential for your fantasy land. In the process, your focus turns to searching out wonderful details that hide in every ordinary thing around you.

No Bake Chocolate Cookies
To be sure this idea doesn’t leave you and your kids even more disappointed, please make sure you have all of the required ingredients and tools before starting.

Tools: Medium to large saucepan with a thickly layered bottom
A large, strong fork or spoon for mixing
A spoon (usually for cereal) to help drop dough onto cooling sheet(s)
Measuring cups and measuring spoons (these have marks to indicate capacity)
Waxed Paper or Baking Parchment
A food storage box for when the cookies are fully cooled

Ingredients: 2 cups Granulated Sugar
4 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter
1/2 cup Milk
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
3 cups dry Oatmeal (old fashioned will be more crisp, quick cooking will be more chewy)

Prepare a clean landing place covered with waxed paper or baking parchment.
In a heavy saucepan, mix Sugar, Cocoa, Butter, and Milk; bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let boil one minute, then add Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Oatmeal. Stir until integrated, turn off burner, and remove pan from heat.
Drop mixture by spoonful onto papered surface until pan is empty. Allow cookies to cool at least 20 minutes before serving, cool completely before storing.