5 PRESCHOOLER-APPROVED RAINY DAY OUTINGS IN BALTIMORE

Are you flat out of ideas for rainy-day activities for your preschoolers? We've had what feels like the rainiest start to summer ever here in Baltimore, and it would not surprise me at all if you've already exhausted your old-standby activities and are now completely out of ideas...and patience. Have no fear! I reached out to Jen Aumiller, a Baltimore-based preschool teacher and mom to three, for some parent and teacher-approved activities that are sure to easy those rainy-day blues. So, when staying home all day with a little person is about to drive you insane and you're already sick of the library and the Chick-Fil-A playground, check out one of Jen's recommendations

1. Regal Summer Movie Express

 Looking for a cheap, easy, but crowd-pleasing activity for a rainy day? Look no further! During the summer months, Hunt Valley Regal Cinema offers $1.00 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Two options are shown each week and movies are preschooler-appropriate favorites like Curious George, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Paddington 2. Films begin around 10:00 am and concessions are open! It's the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the big screen!

2.  Storyville

Located at the Rosedale and Woodlawn branches of the Baltimore Public Library, this kid-size interactive village is a hit for all preschoolers. Featuring a grocery store, post office, construction zone, puppet stage, and baby garden, you'll be sure to find developmentally age appropriate books, and interactive toys and activities for children 0-5. Both branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Best of all, it's free!

3.  Maryland Science Center

Head downtown to enjoy the fun activities at the Maryland Science Center. You could spend an entire day here and never see the same exhibit twice. There are IMAX movies that change periodically as well as many other great interactive exhibits.  The best part of the Maryland Science Center is the kids room which is strictly for children ages 0-8.  Let Your children use their creativity and run wild.

4. Sky Zone

If your children are anything like mine, then the rain can make us all a little grumpy.  Turn that grumpiness into positive energy with some jumping at Sky zone. Sky Zone has special "Toddler Zones" that are designated for your little ones and also has special Toddler Time which is designed specifically for children ages 0-4.  Come burn off some of that excess energy and get some exercise while you are at it! Two area locations are Sky zone is located in Timonium and Columbia.

5. Turkey Hill Experience 

Do your kids love ice cream? Silly question, of course they do! Why not spend the afternoon experiencing what it would be like to be a Turkey Hill Ice Cream maker for a day. Your little ones will learn how ice cream is made and they can sample their favorite Turkey Hill flavor.  What can be better than a tour with ice cream at the beginning, middle, and end??  Turkey Hill is located an easy one hour drive from Baltimore in Columbia, PA. (Lancaster County) and makes the perfect day-trip for your youngster. You can have day's worth of fun and be home for nap time!

We'd love your input! Do you have any favorites you feel should be on the list? Or did you take Jen's suggestion and visit one of the attractions? We'd love to hear all about your visit in the comments below!

About the Expert: Jen Aumiller is a Baltimore-based preschool teacher. She resides at home with her husband and 3 children, Will, Gavin and Emmy and her French bulldog Rocky!