Rainy days can sometimes put a damper on family plans, but they also offer the perfect opportunity for cozy, creative, and fun indoor activities.
Here we tell you about 20 rainy-day activities to keep the whole family entertained, engaged, and maybe even a little adventurous—without needing to step outside!
1. Listen to audiobooks
Sharing stories like this can also spark meaningful conversations and strengthen family bonds.
Listening to “What You Didn’t Know About Rapunzel” on the Storybook app.s a wonderful way to engage your child in storytelling.
This immersive story transports kids into a fantasy world while encouraging empathy as they experience new perspectives. 🌟📚
2. Homemade play dough
Making play dough is easy and fun. Let the kids mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring to create their own dough.
This activity is perfect for little hands and is a wonderful way to encourage creativity and activities for kids with down syndrome.
3. Obstacle course
Turn your living room into an obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and blankets.
This activity is great for burning off energy and can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
4. Fort building
There’s nothing quite like building a fort on a rainy day.
Use blankets, cushions, and chairs to make a cozy hideaway where you can read books or play games together.
5. Scavenger hunt
Organize an indoor scavenger hunt by hiding small items around the house.
Make a list of clues for the kids to follow.
It’s an ideal activity for keeping them active and engaged, and it also works well as an at-home activity for kids with behavioral issues.
6. Visit the library
If you can make a quick dash to the car, head to the library for a change of scenery.
Choose books, listen to audiobooks, or even attend a story hour. Many libraries also have cozy spots for reading together.
Visiting the library offers a change of scenery and access to a world of books.
Reading together at the library fosters curiosity and encourages a love of learning, which can be deeply comforting on a rainy day.
7. Escape rooms
Create your own escape room at home with clues and puzzles! It’s a great way to work on problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Customize it with themes based on your family’s favorite movies or books to make it extra exciting.
8. Sock puppets
Making sock puppets allows kids to express themselves through characters, building their creativity and self-confidence.
Putting on a puppet show can also help develop storytelling skills and promote emotional awareness as they explore different roles and emotions.
9. Board games
Board games are a great way to teach kids patience, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Taking turns and following rules encourage social skills, while winning or losing gracefully builds resilience and emotional maturity.
This activity can be easily integrated into morning activities for kids to start the day with some engaging fun.
10. Bowling
Bowling at home with improvised pins gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they knock down each “pin.”
It’s a simple game that offers lots of positive reinforcement, boosting their confidence with each successful turn.
11. Paper airplanes
Making and flying paper airplanes is both creative and relaxing.
It provides a sense of achievement as kids learn to fold and test different designs, and it encourages problem-solving as they adjust their planes to fly better, adding a fun twist to activities for kids.
12. Sensory bins
Sensory bins offer a calming and immersive experience.
They allow kids to explore textures and practice fine motor skills.
Playing with sensory bins can be especially soothing and help regulate emotions, making it ideal for kids who need a quiet moment, especially as part of morning activities.
13. Hear positive affirmations
This simple practice encourages them to recognize their worth and builds confidence, which can be especially valuable on days when they may feel stuck indoors.
A helpful resource to build your child’s confidence is the affirmation story “You Are Unique” from the Storybook app, perfect for celebrating individuality.
This uplifting story encourages your child to embrace what makes them special, helping boost self-esteem and positively fill their routine.
Sharing this moment together not only promotes self-love but also strengthens your bond. 🌟💖
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It can also serve as a part of gender equality activities for kids by promoting self-acceptance and inclusivity.
14. Have a dance party
A dance party is an instant mood booster! Dancing releases energy, promotes coordination, and brings joy.
Moving to music can help lift spirits, encourage self-expression, and provide a healthy outlet for emotions, tying into At-home activities for kids with behavioral issues as a way to channel energy positively.
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15. Host a family talent show
Putting on a talent show lets kids showcase their unique skills, which can help build self-confidence.
Celebrating each other’s talents also encourages appreciation and strengthens family bonds, fostering an atmosphere of support and acceptance, and promoting gender equality activities.
16. Do yoga or group massage
Practicing yoga or group massage helps kids develop mindfulness and body awareness.
These activities promote relaxation, improve focus, and reduce stress, helping everyone feel more grounded and connected.
A great way to foster connection with your child is by sharing the story “The Treasure Chest” on the Storybook app. This storytelling experience, combined with a gentle massage, creates a cozy moment that strengthens the bond between parent and child. 🌟💖
17. Read aloud
Reading aloud offers comfort and strengthens listening skills. It can be a soothing way to wind down and is a perfect way to bond.
Shared reading also introduces kids to new ideas and emotions, broadening their perspectives and emotional intelligence, as well as providing opportunities for listening activities for kids.
18. Make recycled toys
Creating toys from recycled materials encourages creativity and problem-solving.
It also instills a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness, teaching kids the value of reusing and reducing waste, making it a great addition to responsibility activities for kids.
19. Participate in educational games
Educational games stimulate the mind and keep kids engaged.
These games build cognitive skills and encourage focus, giving kids a sense of accomplishment as they learn something new or solve a tricky problem.
What type of rainy-day games can we play without any special equipment?
There are plenty of simple, equipment-free games that can make rainy days fun for everyone.
Try classics like Hide and Seek, Simon Says, or Charades.
These games encourage movement, imagination, and teamwork without the need for any props.
You could also try a family Trivia Quiz, where each person takes turns asking questions on different topics.
What are some quiet rainy day activities?
For quieter moments, try activities like reading aloud, puzzle-solving, or drawing.
These activities are perfect for fostering focus and creativity. Practicing mindfulness exercises or doing simple yoga stretches can help kids relax and unwind.
Listening to audiobooks or writing in a journal are also soothing activities that allow kids to engage with their thoughts.
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Establish a bedtime relaxing activity that signals to your toddler that it's time to wind down.
Try it now!
Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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