11 Rainy Day Activities to Do With Kids (that Doesn’t Involve Technology)
A young boy and girl mixing ingredients in a bowl.
On rainy days, the temptation is great to turn on the kids Netflix account and the let them veg out on mindless cartoons. But the value of that is not very high. No memories are being made, no lessons learned. Just low value entertainment. What if instead a rainy day was an opportunity to make special memories your kids can look back and treasure. Here are 11 ideas for family activities for those days you have to stay inside, that are so fun your kids will forget you own a T.V.!
Indoor Treasure Hunt:
An indoor treasure hunt is an imaginative activity that can turn a rainy day into an exciting adventure. This family-friendly game encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Here's how to create a memorable indoor treasure hunt:
Materials You'll Need:
1. Clues: Plan and prepare a series of clues or riddles. The number of clues can vary depending on your child's age and attention span.
2. Treasure: Decide on a hidden "treasure" that your child will seek. This can be a small toy, a special treat, or even a homemade prize.
3. Pen and Paper: You'll need these to jot down the clues and hide them.
4. A Starting Point: Choose a location where you'll reveal the first clue to your child. It could be the living room, their bedroom, or any other room in your home.
Steps to Organize an Indoor Treasure Hunt:
1. Create Clues: Write a series of clues that lead from one location to the next. Each clue should hint at the next hiding spot. For example, a clue could be, "Where do you go to sleep at night?" (leading to the bedroom).
2. Hide Clues: Place the clues in their designated locations. Be creative in your hiding spots, using household items, books, or toys to conceal them.
3. Set the Starting Point: Gather your family in the chosen starting location, and reveal the first clue to your child.
4. Follow the Clues: As your child deciphers each clue, they'll embark on a journey through your home, following the hints to find the next clue.
5. Final Treasure Location: The last clue should lead to the treasure's hidden location. Once your child discovers the treasure, celebrate their success with applause and excitement.
6. Optional Theme: To add an extra layer of fun, you can theme the treasure hunt. For example, turn it into a pirate adventure with a "pirate map," or choose their favorite cartoon character.
7. Tailor to Age: Adjust the difficulty of the clues and the complexity of the hunt to suit your child's age and abilities.
An indoor treasure hunt is a fantastic way to engage your child's problem-solving skills, stimulate their imagination, and provide hours of entertainment on a rainy day. It's an activity that fosters family togetherness and creates lasting memories.
Create Homemade Sensory Bins:
Another fantastic rainy day activity that will captivate your younger child’s imagination and keep them engaged is creating homemade sensory bins. These sensory bins are not only entertaining but also promote sensory exploration and learning.
To get started, you'll need a large, shallow container like a plastic storage bin. Fill it with various materials that stimulate your child's senses. Here are a few ideas:
1. Rice Bin: Fill the container with dry rice and hide small toys or objects within it. Your child can sift through the rice, searching for treasures.
2. Water Beads: Soak some water beads to create a colorful, squishy, and slippery sensory experience.
3. Colored Pasta: Dye pasta using food coloring and let your child play with the colorful noodles.
4. Kinetic Sand: This moldable sand is perfect for building and shaping, and it provides a unique tactile experience.
5. Nature Bin: Collect natural items like leaves, pinecones, and rocks from your backyard or a nature walk and let your toddler explore their textures and shapes.
6. Farm Animal Bin: Fill the container with dried beans or lentils and add toy farm animals. Your child can create a farm scene and engage in imaginative play.
As your child explores these sensory bins, they'll engage all their senses—touch, sight, sound, and sometimes even smell. It's a hands-on learning experience that can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and language skills as you discuss the different textures, shapes, and colors they encounter.
Moreover, creating these sensory bins can be a fun family project. Let your toddler choose the materials and objects to include in the bin, encouraging their creativity and decision-making skills. Sensory bins are not only a great way to spend a rainy day but also an excellent tool for your child's cognitive and sensory development.
Have an Indoor Picnic:
Transform a gloomy, rainy day into a delightful adventure by having an indoor picnic with your toddler. This activity not only allows you to enjoy a special meal together but also adds an element of surprise and excitement to an otherwise mundane day.
Here's how to create a memorable indoor picnic:
1. Choose a Cozy Spot: Find a cozy area in your home where you can spread out a blanket or some cushions. The living room or a spacious bedroom can work well for this purpose.
2. Pack a Picnic Basket: Encourage your toddler to help you pack a picnic basket with their favorite snacks and foods. Finger foods like sandwiches, fruit slices, cheese, and crackers are ideal for picnics. Don't forget to include some refreshing drinks like fruit juice or homemade lemonade.
3. Set the Scene: Use your imagination to set the scene. Pretend you're in a park or a meadow. Decorate the indoor picnic area with a few potted plants or flowers, and play some nature sounds or soft music in the background to create an outdoor ambiance.
4. Picnic Blanket: Lay out a blanket or tablecloth on the floor. Encourage your toddler to help arrange the food on the "picnic table."
5. Storytelling: While enjoying your indoor picnic, engage in storytelling or pretend play. Create a story about an adventure in the great outdoors, complete with encounters with friendly animals or magical creatures.
6. Games and Activities: After the meal, have some fun activities ready to keep your toddler entertained. You can play board games, do a simple craft project, or engage in a fun, themed scavenger hunt around your home.
Indoor picnics are not only a delightful way to spend a rainy day but also an excellent opportunity to strengthen your bond with your child. By involving them in the preparation and imaginative play, you'll create lasting memories and provide a sense of adventure that goes beyond watching TV.
Plus, this activity can be adapted to suit your child's interests and preferences. Whether it's a teddy bear picnic, a superhero-themed adventure, or a classic picnic experience, your toddler will relish the chance to explore their creativity and share a special meal with you in the comfort of your home. So, the next time the rain pours, grab your picnic basket and enjoy an indoor adventure that your child will cherish.
Build a Fort:
Another fantastic way to turn a rainy day into an unforgettable adventure with your toddler is by building a fort. There's something magical about constructing a secret hideaway, and it's an activity that promises hours of entertainment and creativity. Here's how to create a fort-building experience your child will treasure:
1. Gather Supplies: Begin by gathering blankets, pillows, cushions, and any other soft materials you can use to build your fort. Encourage your toddler to participate in this treasure hunt for fort-building materials.
2. Choose a Location: Find a suitable spot for your fort within your home. Common choices include the living room, bedroom, or even the space under a dining table. The chosen location should be spacious enough to accommodate both the fort and the imaginative play that follows.
3. Construction Time: Let your child's imagination run wild as you work together to create the fort. Use chairs, tables, and any available furniture to support the blankets and create a cozy, enclosed space.
4. Decorate the Fort: Once your fort is complete, let your child add personal touches. Hang up some fairy lights, drape colorful scarves, or bring in stuffed animals to create a cozy atmosphere.
5. Storytelling and Reading: Encourage your toddler to bring some of their favorite books inside the fort. Reading stories together or making up your own tales can make the fort feel like a magical world of adventure.
6. Snack Time: Pack some of your indoor picnic snacks and enjoy them inside the fort. This adds an extra layer of excitement to your day, and your child will relish the idea of a picnic inside their secret hideout.
7. Games and Activities: Within the fort, play games like "I Spy" or engage in imaginative play. Whether it's pretending to be pirates on a ship, explorers in a jungle, or characters in a fairy tale, the possibilities for creative play are endless.
Building a fort not only sparks your child's imagination but also promotes problem-solving skills, teamwork, and fine motor development as they arrange pillows and drape blankets. It's a wonderful way to create a special space for quality time together on a rainy day.
The best part is that, unlike watching TV, building a fort offers the chance to interact and bond with your toddler while creating magical memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the rain starts pouring, gather your fort-building materials, and embark on an indoor adventure that your child will treasure for years to come.
Have a Dance Party:
When it's raining outside, there's no better way to lift spirits and create a joyful atmosphere than by having a dance party with your toddler. Dancing not only provides a fun and active way to spend time together but also helps release those feel-good endorphins. Here's how to host an unforgettable dance party at home:
1. Choose the Music: Allow your child to take the lead in selecting the music for the dance party. Whether they prefer their favorite songs, nursery rhymes, or upbeat tunes, let them curate the playlist.
2. Clear a Dancing Space: Move some furniture to create an open area for dancing. Ensure it's a safe space where your toddler can move freely without any obstacles.
3. Dress Up: Get into the spirit of the dance party by dressing up in fun and colorful outfits. Encourage your child to choose their dance attire, and let your imaginations run wild with accessories and props.
4. Start the Party: Once the music starts playing, let loose and dance like nobody's watching. Dance with your child, showing them some moves, or let them take the lead and show off their dance skills.
5. Dance-Offs: Challenge each other to dance-offs or create fun dance competitions. This adds an element of friendly competition and laughter to the party.
6. Lighting and Decorations: Consider adding some colorful, rotating disco lights or use a flashlight to create a mini dance club atmosphere. You can also decorate the dance area with balloons and streamers for a more festive look.
7. Snack Breaks: Take short breaks during the dance party to refuel with some healthy snacks or a mini picnic. This gives everyone a chance to catch their breath and continue dancing with renewed energy.
8. Capture the Moments: Don't forget to capture the magical moments on camera. Take photos or even record short videos of the dance party to create lasting memories.
Dancing is not only a fantastic way to boost physical activity but also a means of self-expression. Your toddler will enjoy the freedom of movement and the chance to dance their hearts out, all while bonding with you in a lively and dynamic setting.
A dance party is a fantastic rainy day activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. It's an opportunity for you and your toddler to celebrate life and enjoy each other's company. So, the next time the rain keeps you indoors, turn up the music, hit the dance floor, and have a blast with your little one.
Bake Cookies:
One of our beloved family traditions on rainy days is baking cookies together. It's a heartwarming and delicious way to bond while creating sweet memories. Here's how we transform our kitchen into a cozy bakery:
1. Choose the Recipe: The first step is to choose a cookie recipe that everyone in the family can enjoy. Depending on your preferences, you might opt for classic chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, or something a bit more adventurous like snickerdoodles.
2. Gather the Ingredients: Involve your toddler in the ingredient gathering process. As you gather flour, sugar, eggs, and other essentials, take a moment to explain the ingredients and their roles in making the perfect cookies. It's a fun and educational experience.
3. Get Creative with Decorations: Baking isn't just about the final result; it's also about the process. Allow your toddler to get creative with cookie decorations. Whether it's colored icing, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, they'll love adding their personal touch to the cookies.
4. Mix and Bake: Baking cookies is an opportunity for your toddler to practice important skills like measuring, mixing, and following instructions. Let them take the lead in stirring the dough, and, with your assistance, place the cookie dough on the baking sheet.
5. Wait and Anticipate: While the cookies are in the oven, engage your toddler with a "cookie countdown." The anticipation of freshly baked cookies filling the air is an exciting part of the experience.
6. Enjoy Warm Cookies: When the cookies are ready, savor the warm, delicious aroma that fills your home. Enjoy a delightful moment as you each take a bite of your freshly baked creations. It's a simple pleasure that brings immense joy.
7. Cleanup Together: After indulging in warm cookies, make cleanup a family affair. Teach your toddler about responsibility by involving them in washing dishes and tidying up the kitchen.
8. Share with Others: Baking cookies is not only about enjoying them yourself but also about sharing the love. Encourage your toddler to give some cookies to neighbors, friends, or family members, fostering kindness and generosity.
Baking cookies is more than just a rainy day activity; it's a warm and educational experience that brings your family together. It offers lessons in teamwork, patience, creativity, and the joy of sharing, all while filling your home with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies.
So, the next time the rain pours down, put on your aprons, gather your ingredients, and bake some cookies. It's a delightful way to create cherished family moments and savor the simple pleasures of life.
Create an Obstacle Course:
Another exciting way to turn a rainy day into a thrilling adventure is by designing and navigating an obstacle course right in your own home. This hands-on activity not only provides physical exercise but also encourages problem-solving and creativity. Here's how we transform our living space into an obstacle course:
1. Plan and Design: Sit down with your toddler and sketch out a rough plan for your obstacle course. Decide on the elements you'd like to include, such as crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, and zigzagging through chairs.
2. Gather Materials: Once you have a plan, gather the materials you'll need. These might include pillows, cushions, blankets, chairs, and any other safe and movable objects you have at hand.
3. Safety First: Ensure the safety of your obstacle course by removing any hazards and making sure that all elements are stable and secure. Double-check that there are no sharp edges or items that could cause harm.
4. Layout and Assembly: With your toddler's help, arrange the obstacles in your chosen order to create the course. Describe each obstacle and explain how it should be tackled.
5. Practice Runs: Before the official run, allow your toddler to practice navigating each obstacle individually. Offer guidance and encouragement, helping them build confidence and understand the course.
6. Official Obstacle Course: Start the timer and have your toddler begin the obstacle course. Cheer them on as they complete each challenge. Time them for an added element of fun and competition.
7. Rotate Roles: After your toddler has their turn, switch roles and let them design an obstacle course for you to navigate. This not only empowers them but also keeps the fun going.
8. Celebrate Achievements: Whether your toddler completes the course in record time or simply finishes it with a smile, celebrate their achievements with a small reward, like a sticker or a high-five.
Creating an obstacle course at home is a fantastic way to encourage physical activity, problem-solving, and creativity while having a blast as a family. It allows your toddler to develop their motor skills and build self-confidence, all while enjoying the thrill of completing challenges.
So, the next time the rain keeps you indoors, get creative and design an obstacle course. It's an adventure that promises laughter, teamwork, and unforgettable moments with your little one.
Play "The Floor Is Lava":
Playing "The Floor Is Lava" is a classic and entertaining indoor game that can turn a rainy day into a fun adventure. This game not only encourages physical activity but also sparks creativity and imagination. Here's how to play "The Floor Is Lava" with your toddler:
Steps to Play "The Floor Is Lava":
1. Set the Scene: Start by explaining the concept of the game to your toddler. You'll tell them that the floor has turned into hot lava, and their mission is to avoid touching it.
2. Designate Safe Zones: Identify safe zones in the room, such as sofas, cushions, chairs, or rugs, where your toddler can stand or jump to escape the lava.
3. Jump and Climb: Encourage your toddler to navigate the room by jumping from one safe spot to another. The more creative and imaginative they are in their movements, the more engaging the game becomes. Make sure the jumping and climbing is age appropriate and safe. The lava may be fake, but table corners and hard wood floors are not!
4. **Create Challenges:** To make the game more exciting, add challenges. For example, you can pretend that there are "stepping stones" on the floor that your toddler needs to reach without touching the lava.
5. **Rescue Missions:** Incorporate the idea of rescue missions. Pretend that their stuffed animals or toys are stranded in the "lava," and your toddler needs to save them without getting burned.
6. **Time Trials:** If your toddler enjoys a bit of competition, you can time their progress across the room. Challenge them to beat their previous record each time.
7. **Join the Fun:** Get involved in the game by becoming a lava monster. Your toddler can try to outsmart you and avoid being tagged by the "monster."
8. **Use Imagination:** Encourage your child to use their imagination to describe the lava and the different challenges they face. They can pretend the room is a dangerous jungle, a volcanic island, or a pirate ship surrounded by shark-infested waters.
Playing "The Floor Is Lava" is not only a great way to get your child moving and active indoors but also an opportunity for them to flex their creative muscles. It's a simple yet entertaining game that can provide hours of enjoyment on a rainy day.
So, when the rain keeps you indoors, turn your living room into a thrilling lava-filled adventure, and let your toddler's imagination run wild as they navigate the "hot" challenges and escape the "burning" floor.
Create a Homemade Puzzle:
Crafting a homemade puzzle is a wonderful rainy day activity that combines creativity, problem-solving, and fun. You and your toddler can design your own unique puzzle together and then enjoy the challenge of solving it. Here's how to embark on this creative journey:
Materials You'll Need:
1. A Piece of Cardboard or Sturdy Paper: This will serve as the base for your puzzle.
2. Drawing or Coloring Supplies: Gather colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
3. Scissors: To cut out the puzzle pieces.
4. A Picture or Image: Choose a simple picture or image that you and your toddler would like to turn into a puzzle. It could be a family photo, a drawing, or even a picture from a coloring book.
Steps to Create Your Homemade Puzzle:
1. Select and Prepare the Image: If you've chosen a picture from a coloring book, you may want to color it together with your toddler. If it's a photo or drawing, make sure it's on a piece of paper of similar size to your cardboard or paper base.
2. Glue the Image: Use glue to stick the image onto the cardboard or paper base. Make sure it's fully adhered and let it dry completely.
3. Design Puzzle Pieces: Once the glue has dried, turn the image into a puzzle by drawing lines to create puzzle piece shapes. You can decide how easy or challenging you'd like the puzzle to be by determining the size and number of pieces. Encourage your toddler to help you with this step, especially if they enjoy drawing.
4. Cut Out Puzzle Pieces: Carefully cut along the lines you've drawn to create your puzzle pieces. Remember to cut through both the image and the cardboard or paper base. Be sure to keep the pieces separate.
Solving the Homemade Puzzle:
Now that your homemade puzzle is ready, it's time to enjoy solving it together. Lay out the pieces on a flat surface and challenge your toddler to put the puzzle back together. Depending on the complexity of the puzzle, this activity can offer varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for children of different ages.
Creating and solving a homemade puzzle is not only entertaining but also fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and patience in your toddler. Plus, it's a fantastic way to spend quality time together, creating a unique keepsake that you can cherish for years to come.
So, on your next rainy day, grab your art supplies and embark on the fun journey of making and solving your very own homemade puzzle with your little one.
Put on a Puppet Show:
On a rainy day, there's nothing quite like hosting a puppet show to spark your toddler's imagination and entertain the whole family. This creative activity allows your child to take center stage, express themselves, and engage in storytelling. Here's how to put on a memorable puppet show:
Materials You'll Need:
1. Puppets: Gather a variety of puppets or create your own. Stuffed animals, action figures, or handmade sock puppets can all be wonderful choices.
2. Backdrop: Create a simple backdrop by hanging a large sheet or using a cardboard box turned on its side. You can paint or decorate the backdrop to match the story's setting.
3. Lighting: Set up a light source, like a desk lamp, to illuminate the stage area and give your puppet show a professional touch.
4. Script or Story Idea: Decide whether you'd like to use a script, a classic story, or come up with your own tale. Remember that the story should be engaging and appropriate for your toddler's age.
Steps to Put on a Puppet Show:
1. Plan the Show: Discuss the show's storyline, characters, and setting with your toddler. Encourage them to use their imagination and contribute ideas.
2. Character Development: Assign roles for each puppet and discuss their personalities, voices, and mannerisms. Your toddler can come up with unique voices and movements for each character.
3. Rehearse: Practice the show together several times. This helps your toddler become more comfortable with the storyline and develop their storytelling skills.
4. Set the Stage: Arrange the backdrop and lighting to create a stage. Ensure that everyone in the family has a good view of the performance area.
5. Cue the Show: It's showtime! Your toddler takes the lead and puts on the puppet show, narrating the story and bringing the characters to life.
6. Audience Participation: Encourage family members to engage with the show by reacting to the story, clapping, or even participating in the performance. This adds to the fun and makes it a shared experience.
7. Applause and Feedback: After the show, applaud your little performer and provide positive feedback. Discuss what went well and what they enjoyed most about the show.
Putting on a puppet show is a fantastic way to promote creativity, language development, and confidence in your toddler. It also provides an opportunity for family bonding and shared laughter on a rainy day.
So, gather your puppets, set up a stage, and let your toddler's imagination shine as they put on a delightful puppet show that the whole family will remember fondly.
Have a Sock Fight:
Now for my favorite (though honestly probably my wife’s least favorite) rainy day activities is having a sock fight. It's a delightful, safe, and unexpectedly hilarious way to release pent-up energy and enjoy some quality family time indoors. Here's how we turn a simple sock fight into an unforgettable experience:
1. Gather Your Arsenal: We begin by raiding our sock drawers to gather an assortment of socks. The more mismatched, colorful, and fun they are, the better. Everyone gets to pick their "weapons" of choice.
2. Create Teams: Depending on the size of your family, you can form teams or have a free-for-all. Team selection can be a fun activity in itself, with each member picking a partner or randomly selecting teammates.
3. Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries for your sock fight to ensure safety. For example, you might agree that certain rooms are off-limits or that you won't aim for the face.
4. Ready, Aim, Fire: With socks in hand, the battle begins! We unleash our laughter and let the sock-fighting fun commence. Aim for your opponents (gently, of course) and enjoy the challenge of dodging incoming "attacks."
5. Strategy and Tactics: Sock fights can be surprisingly strategic. You can use furniture for cover, plan surprise attacks, or work on your dodging skills. It's all about having fun and letting your imagination run wild.
6. Time for a Truce: After a wild and energetic sock fight, take a moment for a truce. Share stories about the most epic sock-fighting moments and the funniest mishaps that occurred during the battle.
7. Clean-Up Time: Once the sock fight is over, there might be a flurry of socks scattered around the room. It's a great opportunity for your toddler to practice their cleanup skills. Plus, it's a chance for a final round of laughter and camaraderie.
Having a sock fight is not only a fantastic way to burn off energy and have a good laugh but also a creative and safe indoor activity that brings your family closer together. It's an activity that everyone, from the youngest toddler to the oldest family member, can enjoy.
So, the next time the rain keeps you indoors, grab some socks, assemble your team, and let the sock fight battles begin. It's a simple yet incredibly fun activity that you'll find yourselves returning to time and time again.