24 Shows to Save Your Summer

Babes stuck indoors

When the rain begins to fall ‑- and it will fall at some point, no matter where you live ‑- you'll need to have this handy list memorized to keep your preschooler from making it pour inside.

Dora the Explorer
Nick Jr., 9am and 11:30am, weekdays
A double-dose of Dora could keep everyone happy on a rainy day. You can even leave the room, because your kid will probably be fine conversing through the TV set with Dora, the little raven-haired girl who encourages tiny tots to help solve problems in her little world. The seven-year-old is Latina, so don't be surprised if your kids learn a little Spanish while you're in the other room.

The Backyardigans
Nick Jr., 11am, weekdays
Your kids can't go out in their own backyard on a foul day, but they can commune with Pablo, Tyrone and Uniqua, a group of preschool friends who use their imaginations to transform their backyard into mountains, glaciers and oceans. When the show's over, transform your living room into the same kind of secret agent playland.

next : Rainy days for grade-schoolers