What are some fun ways to spend time together when the weather outside is dreary? There are all kinds of inexpensive ways to spend time with your kids. Reading a story to your young child is a wonderful experience. Listening to music and dancing together is also fun. Another fun activity is building forts with blankets and moving furniture together. Then bring in a flashlight and read a book to your child.

Play dough is also a nice creative way to spend time together. Roll it, mold it and create great works of art. It's safe and can be used over and over again. You can make your own play dough and make different colors. Here is a great play dough recipe I have used many times with my own kids.

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

4 cups water

4 tablespoons oil

1/2 cup cream of tartar

food coloring (use this to create the colors of your choice)

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Allow to cool slightly before storing in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

Shaving cream art is also fun and easy. Using a vinyl table cloth or plastic place mats just spray some shaving cream on and let them use like finger paint. I would recommend using the sensitive skin brand of shaving cream. Another great favorite is collages. You just need construction paper, some magazines, elmer's glue and safety scissors. Have the children cut out pictures of interest to them and glue them all over the construction paper. Once their project dries hang proudly on your fridge.

Make a dreary day into a fun and exciting day with your child.