When it rains in Novo mesto for days on end, children's energy doesn't fade – there's simply less room for it. The good news is that the town and the surrounding area offer plenty of options to keep a wet afternoon enjoyable. You can adapt the ideas below to your children's age, their mood and how much time you have available.
A quick plan first, action second
Rainy days most often go wrong because we decide on something too late – when the children are already restless and we're worn out from negotiating. A few minutes of preparation in the morning will often save the whole afternoon.
- Choose one main activity and one backup, in case the first is fully booked or closed.
- Check the opening hours – at some places they change during school holidays and on public holidays.
- With younger children, plan your outing for the first part of the day, while they're still well rested.
- Pack spare clothes, socks and water. At indoor playgrounds, socks or clean indoor shoes are usually compulsory.
- Tell your child in advance how long you'll be staying. An agreement before you go in is almost always easier than a conversation when it's time to leave.
Indoor playgrounds: movement when outdoors isn't an option
Children need to move in rainy weather too. Climbing, crawling, balancing and running about on soft surfaces can help develop coordination and strength, and at the same time your child uses up energy that at home would often show itself as restlessness or squabbling between siblings.
At Supernova Qlandia on Otoška cesta 5 you'll find Bambino, a playground measuring more than 220 m², the permanently open children's playground in Dolenjska. It's suitable for children aged 0 to 14, the youngest have a separate corner, entry for parents and carers is free, and parking at the centre is free with no time limit. The space is air-conditioned and heated, which is a practical advantage in rainy weather and low temperatures.
A tip from experience: if your child becomes overwhelmed quickly in a crowd, plan your visit for quieter hours, that is, early in the week and right after opening.
Books, the museum and performances
The library
The Miran Jarc Library in Novo mesto is one of the most wholesome and most affordable solutions for a rainy day. The children's department lets your child browse, choose and settle down on their own, while you take half an hour for yourself. The programme of events for children changes, so do check it on their website before you visit.
Exhibitions and the stage
The Dolenjska Museum, the Janez Trdina Cultural Centre and the Anton Podbevšek Theatre put together a programme throughout the season that also includes content for children and families. Performances and guided tours can be a good choice for slightly older children who are no longer drawn in by play alone. As the programme changes, it's worth looking a few days ahead to see what's on and booking tickets if needed.
Water and sport instead of rain
If your children love swimming, rain is a surprisingly good excuse for the pool – the indoor pool in Češča vas is a popular family choice in the colder months, though do check the public swimming timetable in advance, as some slots are reserved for training and groups. A rainy spell is also a good time to sign your child up for a sports or dance activity close to home. Regular exercise often brings easier evenings too, as your child is pleasantly tired.
When you stay at home
Sometimes it makes the most sense not to go anywhere at all. That's when it helps to have a few ideas ready in advance.
- A den in the living room. Blankets, chairs and a reading light. Building it is often more fun than lying in it.
- Cooking together. A simple dough, pizza or biscuits. Measuring, mixing and counting are practice for fine motor skills and patience all at once.
- A rainy-day research project. Put a container on the windowsill and measure how much rain falls in an hour. Keep a record of the results all week.
- Board games and cards. Instead of screens, try a game with turn-taking – this often strengthens the ability to wait for your turn.
- Tidying up with a task. "Find five things that are blue and put them away" works better than a general instruction to tidy the room.
- Fifteen minutes outside. If there's no storm, a short walk in a raincoat and wellies is quite enough for many a child.
Rain isn't a lost day
A rainy afternoon usually doesn't call for grand plans, just one clear decision and a little patience. A combination of movement, a quiet activity and a predictable rhythm to the day often works better than searching for the perfect programme. And if the plan falls through, you've lost one afternoon, not the whole week.
If you decide on an indoor playground, you can read about the space and the rules for visiting on the playground page, the prices for free play and visit packages are gathered in the price list, and regular visitors may find something useful among the special offers. Before visiting, we recommend a quick look at the opening hours, as they differ during school holidays from the school year.