Amed is famous for its stunning outdoor lifestyle—snorkeling in Jemeluk Bay, playing on the black sand beaches, and splashing in villa pools. But what happens when the tropical skies open up and the rain sets in for the day?
During Bali’s wet season, having a plan for indoor entertainment is crucial. A bored child in a villa can quickly lead to cabin fever. The good news is that with a little creativity, a rainy day can be just as fun as a sunny one.
Here is a survival guide for nannies (and parents!) to turn a gloomy day into an indoor adventure.
1. The Ultimate Villa “Fort Building” Championship
This is a classic that never fails. Turn the villa’s living room into a giant adventure playground.
- Materials Needed: Sheets, blankets, pillows, chairs, and sofa cushions.
- The Activity: Challenge the nanny and kids to build the biggest, best fort possible. Drape sheets over chairs to create tunnels and “secret caves.”
- The Nanny’s Role: They are the chief engineer and storyteller. Once the fort is built, it becomes a castle, a spaceship, or a secret hideout where they can read books or have an indoor picnic.
2. Cultural Crafts: Making Balinese Offerings (Canang Sari)
Use the time indoors for a unique cultural lesson. Many Balinese nannies make fresh Canang Sari (the small, colorful flower offerings you see everywhere) daily.
- Materials Needed: Palm leaves (busung), various colorful flowers, and small bamboo sticks (semat). These can often be sourced from the villa staff.
- The Activity: The nanny can teach older kids how to weave the simple square base from the palm leaf and arrange the flowers inside according to the cardinal directions.
- Why it’s Great: It’s excellent for fine motor skills, serves as a beautiful cultural lesson, and the kids will be proud to place their offerings around the villa later.
3. The Indoor Obstacle Course
When kids have too much physical energy to burn, create a safe indoor course to get them moving.
- Materials Needed: Pillows to jump over, a line of masking tape on the floor to balance on, a table to crawl under, and a laundry basket to throw soft balls into.
- The Activity: The nanny demonstrates the course, and then times the kids as they complete it.
- Safety Tip: Ensure the area is clear of sharp furniture corners and breakable items.
4. “Villa Masterchef”: No-Bake Cooking Fun
If your villa has a kitchen, use it for some simple, safe food preparation.
- Activity Ideas:
- Fruit Skewers: Let the kids thread pieces of melon, pineapple, and watermelon onto blunt wooden skewers to make colorful fruit “wands.”
- Decorating Cookies: If you can source plain biscuits, let the kids decorate them with icing and sprinkles.
- The Nanny’s Role: Supervision is key. They handle any cutting and guide the kids, turning snack time into an engaging activity.
5. The “Spa Day” Experience
Turn the rain into an excuse for pampering. This is especially popular with younger kids who love imaginative play.
- The Activity: Set up a “spa” in the bathroom or living area. The nanny can give the kids a gentle foot massage, paint their nails with child-safe polish, or put cucumber slices on their eyes while listening to relaxing music.
- Why it Works: It’s calming, quiet, and makes the children feel special and cared for.
Summary for Parents
Don’t let the rain ruin your day. By preparing a “rainy day kit” with some art supplies, masking tape, and maybe a deck of cards, you equip your nanny with the tools they need. A great nanny will see a rainy day not as a problem, but as an opportunity for creative connection.