Rainy days are great times to spend indoors together. There’s nothing more relaxing than the pitter-patter sound of rain as it hits the ground outside- if you’re an adult.
For kids, rainy days result in a near-unanimous chorus of “rain, rain, go away, come again another day!” So, what do you do with your kids when they are bored to tears and can’t blow off steam outside? Here are some fun ideas for rainy day activities to help your kids stay busy and burn off a little energy.
Rainy Day Activities for Younger Kids:
It’s important to have age-appropriate indoor activities for younger kids when it’s raining outside because they can get bored quickly and start causing trouble. Indoor activities will keep them occupied and give them something constructive to do. Some ideas for indoor activities include puzzles, coloring, playing with toys, and watching age-appropriate movies. Here are some more ideas for Indoor, rainy-day fun!
Play “I Spy” or “20 Questions”
These are great games to play if you’re stuck indoors. I spy is a classic game where you try to find something hidden around the house. It’s perfect for slightly older kids who are developing their spatial awareness. The questions game works well for younger kids. They’ll love answering questions like, “What color is this?” or “Where does this toy belong?”
Create With Play-Doh
Playing with Play-Doh is an excellent activity for kids on a rainy day because it’s a fun, creative way to spend time indoors. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage kids to use their imaginations and be creative. If you don’t have any Play-Doh on hand, you can easily make your own with a few simple ingredients. All you need is flour, water, salt, and cream of tartar. Once you have the ingredients, simply mix them together and knead the dough until it’s the right consistency. Then, let your kids have fun shaping and molding the Play-Doh into whatever they can imagine.
Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a classic game enjoyed by children of all ages. It is a great way to spend a rainy day indoors with your kids. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it also helps to promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your kids entertained on a rainy day, hide and seek is a great option.
Play Dress Up
Dressing up is a fun activity on a rainy day. It’s the perfect way for kids to use their imaginations. Some great ideas for dress-up include pretending to be a favorite character from a book or movie. For example, dressing up as a princess or knight. For older kids, dress-up can also be a part of a homeschool opportunity to learn about different cultures. Depending on age, dressing up is a great way to have indoor fun on a rainy day.
Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are a great way to keep kids entertained on a rainy day. They are also great for early childhood development, allowing kids to explore different textures and materials. Plus, they’re just plain fun! If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids occupied on a rainy day, bust out a sensory bin.
Hold an Indoor Treasure Hunt
An indoor treasure hunt is an excellent activity for young kids on a rainy day because it’s a fun way to keep them entertained while they’re stuck inside. Plus, it’s a great way to get them to move and use their imaginations. To set up an indoor treasure hunt, simply hide a few small prizes around the house or in a specific room, and then give your kids clues to help them find the treasure. Depending on your child’s age and ability, you can make the game as easy or complex as you like. Indoor treasure hunts are a great way to beat the rainy day blues!
Make a Home Cinema
Choose your kids’ favorite movies or browse a streaming service like Netflix. Another option is to introduce your kids to your favorite childhood films!
Next, a projector is a great idea. If you have one, project it onto a projector screen, a sheet, or a wall. We usually just project onto our wall. You can get some very affordable projectors on Amazon. I also suggest you theme your home cinema with your movie. For more information on the best ways to do that, read our article on hosting a fantastic family movie night.
If you don’t have a projector, that’s no significant loss. A standard TV works just fine. The real thing that makes it feel like a movie theater is blacking out your windows. You can do this by hanging sheets over your blinds or curtains. If that won’t work, you can use tin foil to block the light from your windows. It won’t look the nicest from the outside, but it’s just temporary.
Do Some Coloring
Coloring is a great rainy day activity for kids. It helps them to use their imaginations and express their creativity. Plus, it’s a calming activity that can help kids relax on a rainy day. Many coloring books and coloring pages are available online, so kids can easily find a picture they want to color. Whether they’re into animals, nature scenes, or cartoon characters, there’s sure to be a picture that they’ll love. So grab some crayons and let your kids enjoy a rainy day coloring.
A LEGO Building Contest
Looking for something fun to do on a rainy day? Why not have a LEGO building contest? This is an excellent activity for kids of all ages and can be done with just a few supplies. All you need is some LEGO bricks, a timer, and a few willing participants. The object of the contest is to see who can build the tallest structure in a set amount of time. You can also add other challenges, such as making the structure with only one type of brick or using a limited number of bricks. This is a great way to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills in kids, and it’s also a lot of fun!
Painting Faces
Kids love painting faces, so why not let them paint yours too! There are lots of different ways to do this. You could ask them to draw a picture of what they think your face looks like, then ask them to color it. Or you could quite literally let them paint your face like they do at amusement parks. Just make sure you have the appropriate kind of paint. If you’re not feeling so brave, then offer to paint their faces. You can paint them to look like a tiger, a puppy, a butterfly, or any number of other animals or cartoon characters.
Handmade Jewelry
There are many different types of handmade jewelry, from simple beaded bracelets to more complex wire-wrapped designs. Making jewelry is a great rainy day activity for kids, as it helps them be creative and use their fine motor skills. Jewelry making is also a great way to teach kids about different colors and shapes. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your kids, consider making some handmade jewelry.
Balloon Hockey
Balloon hockey is easy to set up and can be played indoors or outdoors. All you need is a balloon, two sticks (or other objects that can serve as makeshift hockey sticks), and a goal. You can use anything as a goal, from a laundry basket to a piece of tape on the floor. Once you have your materials, set up the goals and start playing. The game’s object is to score goals by hitting the balloon into the other team’s goal. The first team to score a certain number of goals wins the game.
Balloon Tennis
You only need a balloon and a racquet (or a rolled-up newspaper). You can set up a net by stringing a rope between two chairs, or you can just play without a net. The game’s object is to hit the balloon back and forth over the net without letting it touch the ground. If you have more than two people, you can play doubles. Balloon tennis is a great way to get the kids moving on a rainy day.
Hopscotch The Rainy Day Away
Rainy days don’t have to be boring! One of the best ways to beat the rainy day blues is to get up and active with fun indoor activities. One of our favorites is hopscotch. Not only is it a great way to get the kids moving, but it’s also a lot of fun. Plus, it’s a great way to practice those fine motor skills. We like to make our squares on the ground with painter’s tape. It lasts a long time and leaves behind no mess.
Hot Lava (The Floor Is Lava)
Hot lava is a game that is often played by children on a rainy day. The object of the game is to avoid touching the floor. The player must jump from one thing to another to avoid touching the floor. If the player touches the floor, they are out of the game. The last player standing is the winner.
Cardboard Toys
Kids love playing with cardboard boxes, so why not give them fun new toys? They can build houses, play games, draw pictures, and create art projects. In addition, they can cut out shapes from larger boxes if they want something more substantial. We have an entire article with over 17 fun cardboard box projects for kids.
Dot-to-Dot Coloring Worksheets
Dot-to-dot coloring worksheets are a great rainy day activity for kids. They can help kids count, learn shapes, and improve their fine motor skills. Dot-to-dot worksheets can also be a fun way to teach kids about colors and patterns. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that dot-to-dot coloring worksheets are popular for parents and educators alike.
Stage a Talent Show
A talent show is a great way to entertain family and friends and can be a lot of fun for the participants. First, figure out which talent your kids would like to showcase, then help them refine their presentation. Maybe you could be the judge and give feedback after each performance. Then, stage a talent show and have a blast.
Make a Memory Box
Memory boxes are an excellent way to preserve memories and keep kids entertained on a rainy day. To make a memory box, you’ll need a box, some construction paper, glue, scissors, and markers. First, have your child decorate the box with construction paper. Then, help them cut out pictures from magazines or newspapers representing happy memories. Next, glue these pictures onto the construction paper. Finally, write a note to your child inside the box lid. This note can be about anything – a memory of a particular day, what you love about them, or a message for their future self.
Paper Mache
Paper mache is a fun and easy rainy day activity for kids. All you need is some paper, glue, and water, and you can make all sorts of exciting creations. For example, paper mache can make masks, puppets, ornaments, and more. It’s a great way to let your kids be creative and have fun on a rainy day.
Make a Paper Hat
Making a paper hat is a fun and easy rainy day activity for kids. All you need is a sheet of paper and some scissors. The best part: after you’ve made the hat, your kids can take their time and decorate it as nicely as possible.
Do a Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a great rainy day activity for kids. They help with problem solving and fine motor skills; they’re just fun. Plus, you can find puzzles in various themes to suit any interests. For example, if your kids are into animals, there are plenty of animal-themed puzzles to choose from. Or, if they’re into cars or trains, you can also find puzzles with those themes. So, whatever your kids are into, there’s sure to be a jigsaw puzzle that they’ll love.
Zoom Games for Kids
Zoom is a video conferencing service that has become increasingly popular recently. Many people are now working from home and using Zoom to stay in touch with colleagues. However, Zoom can also be used for other purposes, such as playing games with friends and family. You can play many games over Zoom, such as “Would You Rather,” trivia, and bino. Zoom is a great way to stay connected with distant friends and family members.
Take a Virtual Tour On Google Earth
Google Earth allows users to explore the world from various perspectives, including street, satellite, and even 3D views. You can use it to take a virtual tour of any place in the world, whether it’s your hometown or a far-flung destination. And on a rainy day, it can be a great way to keep kids entertained while learning about different places.
Video Chat with Family
You can do many things on a rainy day, but sometimes it’s hard to entertain the kids. So if you’re looking for a fun and interactive activity that the whole family can enjoy, why not try a video chat? You can catch up with family members who live far away, play games, or just chat about your day. It’s a great way to stay connected and have fun, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Make a Pillow Fort
A pillow fort is a great rainy day activity for kids. It’s easy to make and can be a lot of fun to play in. All you need is a few pillows, some blankets, and some chairs or other furniture to help support the fort. Once you have your materials, stack the pillows and blankets up to create walls and a roof. Then, use the furniture to prop up the walls and keep the fort from collapsing. Once your fort is built, you can act out imaginative play stories or enjoy quiet time inside your little fort.
Cardboard Box Activities
If you’re looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, why not try one of these cardboard box activities? With some imagination, you can turn an ordinary cardboard box into a race car, a robot, or a fort. These activities are perfect for kids of all ages and will help keep them entertained for hours. So next time it rains, don’t let your kids be bored. Instead, break out the cardboard boxes and let their imaginations run wild.
Tape Games
Tape games are a great way to keep kids entertained on a rainy day. All you need is a roll of tape (such as masking or painter’s tape) and some imagination. Some popular tape games include making a hopscotch course, setting up an obstacle course, or creating a maze. You can also use tape to make a giant tic-tac-toe board. Tape games are a great way to get kids moving and thinking, and they can be adapted to any age group.
Use Your Garage
If you’re stuck inside on a rainy day with your kids, don’t despair. You can do plenty of fun activities in your garage to keep them entertained. For example, you can set up a makeshift fort using old blankets and pillows, play tag, or have a dance party. If you have any sports equipment, you can also set up a game of hoops or play catch. You can even turn your garage into an indoor play area if you get creative. So next time it rains, don’t let your kids get bored. There are plenty of ways to have fun right in your own garage.
Rainy Day Activities for Older Kids:
Rainy days can be challenging for kids, especially if they’re cooped up inside all day. But plenty of indoor activities can be just as fun as playing outside. From arts and crafts to exercise or developing new skills, there are plenty of ways to keep older kids entertained on a rainy day. And if you’re looking for something educational, many indoor activities can help kids learn new things or practice essential skills. So next time it rains, don’t despair. There are plenty of indoor activities that your older kids will love.
Cook a Family Dinner Together
Cooking a family dinner together can be a fun and bonding experience for everyone involved. It’s also great to teach kids about healthy eating and cooking. On a rainy day, when everyone is stuck inside, it can be a fun activity to do together. Plus, it’s a great way to get a healthy meal on the table.
Bake Cupcakes
Baking cupcakes is a fun activity for kids to do on a rainy day. It’s a great way to spend time together, and the result is a delicious treat! Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach kids about measuring, following directions, and patience.
Make Pizza Muffins
Pizza muffins are a fun and easy way to make pizza for a rainy day activity with kids. All you need is a muffin tin, some pizza dough, and your favorite toppings. Simply preheat the oven, roll the dough, and press it into the muffin tin. Then, add your favorite toppings and bake. You’ll have delicious mini pizzas that are perfect for a rainy day activity.
Indoor Obstacle Course
An indoor obstacle course can be fun for kids on a rainy day. It can help them burn off energy while providing a chance to be creative. You’ll need a few things to set up the course, including some furniture and household items. You can also use cardboard boxes, hula hoops, and jump ropes to create obstacles. Once you have everything set up, let your kids loose and see how they do!
Make an Indoor Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for a fun activity with your kids on a rainy day, why not try an indoor scavenger hunt? You can hide things around the house for them to find or give them a list of items to find. Either way, it’s a great way to keep them entertained and occupied. Plus, it’s a great way to get them moving around and using their imaginations.
Special Cards or Write a Letter
Kids love making cards and writing letters. They can write a letter to Grandma or draw her a picture. It doesn’t matter what they say; just getting them to communicate something to someone else is great! Does you kid have a favorite toy? Perhaps have them write a letter to the company that makes it.
Dance party
Dance parties are always a blast, but they’re even more fun when it’s raining outside. Indoor dance parties are the perfect way to beat the rainy day blues and get your kids moving. Plus, there’s no need to worry about getting wet or muddy. Instead, just crank up the music and let the good times roll. Here’s a fun freeze dance song you can use:
Would You Rather Game
“Would You Rather” is a classic game that can be played by kids of all ages. It’s a great rainy day activity because it can be done indoors and doesn’t require any materials. The game is simple: one person asks a question with two possible answers, and the other has to choose which option they prefer. For example, “Would you rather have a million dollars or be able to fly?” The possibilities are endless, and the game can be as silly or serious as you want it to be. So next time you’re stuck inside on a rainy day, give Would You Rather a try.
Minute to Win It Games
“Minute to Win It” games are the perfect rainy day activity for kids. They’re quick, easy, and, most importantly, fun! All you need is a few household items and a sense of humor. From balancing marshmallows on your face to racing through a maze of cups, these games will have the whole family laughing. So next time it’s raining outside, bring the fun indoors with Minute to Win It Games.
Cup Stacking
Cup stacking is a great rainy day activity for kids. It’s a simple game that can be played with just a few cups and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can do this in a few ways, but most people see how quickly they can create a pyramid and collapse back down. Here’s an impressive video showing it.
Have An Indoor “Camp Out”
When the weather outside is frightful, the camping inside’s delightful! So, as long as you don’t say no, get pillows, get pillows, get pillows. Ok, I’m done. I promise.
Set up a tent in the living room or a simple shelter out of sheets and tell stories by flashlight. Make s’mores in the microwave, and sleep under a cozy blanket. You can even go on a nature hike in your backyard! Indoor camping is a great way to entertain kids on a rainy day.
Have a Pushup Contest
There are several pushup contest ideas for older kids to do on a rainy day. One idea is to have a competition to see who can do the most pushups in a certain amount of time. Another idea is to have each person do one pushup, then the next person has to beat them by doing two. No matter how you play, they’re sure to tire themselves out!
Work Out Indoors
Working out indoors with your older kids on a rainy day can be a fun way to stay active and spend time together. You can do many rainy day exercises with your kids, such as Jumping jacks, squats, and burpees. You can also follow along with online streaming workouts such as DailyBurn or Beachbody On Demand.
Here’s a free 10-minute cardio workout you can do with your kids made by Fitbit:
Make Your Own Candy
Making candy is a fun and easy activity you can do with your kids on a rainy day. You can make a big batch of candy apples or do something simple and fun like melting bulk chocolate into silicone molds. You can also try making your own flavored candies such as peppermint bark, fruit leathers, or hard candies.
A Collage or Memory Board
A collage or memory board is a great rainy day activity for kids. It’s a fun way for them to express their creativity and also a great way to keep them occupied. All you need is some paper, glue, and whatever else you want to use to decorate the collage. You can also use old magazines or newspapers to add color and interest. Let your kids go wild with their imaginations, and you’ll have a beautiful piece of art that you can hang on your refrigerator or wall.
Make A Bird Feeder
One rainy day activity that both kids and adults can enjoy is making a bird feeder. Bird feeders are made with various materials, such as an empty milk carton, a piece of cardboard, or even a pinecone. Once you have your materials, add some birdseed and hang the feeder outside (when it clears up, of course)!
Challenge Your Kids to a Game of Charades
Charades is a great indoor activity for rainy days. It’s fun to get the kids moving and thinking, and Charades is a great way to bond as a family. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about body language and communication. So next time it rains, break out the charades and have some fun!
Learn to Knit
Knitting is one of those things that I think everyone should know how to do, but not many people actually do it. It’s a great skill to teach your kid because they will always have something valuable they can do, and it’s pretty relaxing too!
Play Chess
Chess is an excellent game for kids of all ages. It helps them develop essential strategic thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills. Chess also promotes concentration and focus. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! So chess is an excellent option if you’re looking for a rainy day activity for your kids.
Science Experiments
Science experiments are fun ways for kids to learn about the world around them. They can be simple or complex, depending on the child’s age. For example, older kids can try mixing vinegar with baking soda to create a chemical reaction, or they can make a rain gauge to measure the amount of rainfall. Simple experiments like growing crystals from a kit or making slime are always popular for younger kids. No matter the child’s age, science experiments are a fun and educational way to spend a rainy day.
Create a Town in a Cardboard Box
Looking for a fun rainy day activity for your kids? Why not have them create their own town in a cardboard box? All you need is a large cardboard box, some markers or paint, and some imagination. Your kids can draw or paint houses, stores, and other buildings and cut out doors and windows. They can even create people and animals to populate their town. Once they’re done, they can play with their mini-city, making up stories and adventures. This activity is sure to keep your kids entertained for hours.
Scrapbooks
While digital photos are convenient, there’s something special about a physical scrapbook. Scrapbooks are a great way to preserve memories and can be a fun rainy day activity for kids. You need some paper, glue, and scissors, and you’re ready to go. You can also add embellishments like stickers or ribbons to make your scrapbook even more special.
Play Board Games
A wide variety of board games are available for kids, ranging from simple games like Candyland to more complex games like Monopoly. Board games are a terrific way to spend a rainy day, as they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. In addition to being fun, board games can also help kids develop essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. So, break out the board games next time it rains and have some fun.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of things that kids can do on a rainy day. Some ideas include reading, playing indoor games, doing arts and crafts, or watching movies. Of course, it’s essential to ensure that kids stay safe and dry on rainy days, so parents should supervise their activities. However, with some planning, rainy days can be just as fun as any other day.
I hope this article has provided you with Some ideas for rainy day activities for kids. Next time it rains, make sure it’s a blast!
