30 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids During Rainy Days

Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom for your little ones. With a dash of creativity and everyday household items, you can transform a gloomy afternoon into a playground of imagination.

Whether you’re searching for rainy day activities for kids that spark joy, indoor games for toddlers to burn off energy, or fun things to do on a rainy day with kids that double as learning opportunities, this comprehensive guide to indoor activities for kids covers it all.

From rainy day crafts for kids to high-energy boredom busters, these 30 easy rainy day ideas are designed for preschoolers, school-aged children, and even the whole family.

Say goodbye to “I’m bored” with these no-mess indoor fun options that promote creativity, motor skills, and family bonding—no matter how hard the rain falls outside.

Why These Rainy Day Activities for Kids Are a Game-Changer

On those bad weather days when outdoor play is off the table, turning to indoor entertainment for kids keeps the wiggles at bay while fostering development.

These low-prep rainy day activities use simple supplies like paper, tape, and recyclables, making them ideal for busy parents. Plus, many incorporate sensory play for kids or STEM activities at home, blending educational rainy day fun with pure excitement.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with our top picks for keeping kids busy on rainy days.

1. Build an Epic Blanket Fort

Drape blankets over chairs and couches to create a secret hideout, complete with string lights or flashlights for added magic. This classic indoor gross motor activity encourages teamwork and imaginative adventures, making it a perfect rainy-day boredom buster for all ages.

2. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Craft simple clues on paper slips and hide them around the house, leading to a sweet treat or toy. It’s an engaging problem-solving game for kids indoors that turns your living room into a mystery zone.

3. DIY Slime Station

Combine glue, baking soda, and food colouring for stretchy, colourful slime. A must-try sensory rainy day craft that provides hours of tactile exploration without the cleanup hassle.

4. Paper Airplane Contest

Fold sheets of paper into various designs and launch them across the room—measure distances for a winner. This easy STEM indoor activity sneaks in lessons on flight and physics.

5. Living Room Dance Party

Queue up upbeat tunes and challenge everyone to a freeze-dance showdown. An unbeatable energy-burning rainy day game to shake off cabin fever.

6. Cardboard Box Creations

Repurpose shipping boxes into spaceships, dollhouses, or forts with markers and tape. Unleash creative DIY projects for rainy days that recycle while inspiring builders of any age.

7. Homemade Playdough Bakery

Mix flour, salt, and water for colourful dough, then “bake” pretend treats. A mess-free sensory activity for preschoolers that’s as deliciously fun as it sounds.

8. Storytime Theatre

Pick a favourite book and let kids direct a live performance with household props. Boost language-building and imaginative play through this theatrical indoor storytelling adventure.

9. Sock Puppet Show

Transform mismatched socks into quirky characters using yarn and buttons. Host a backyard (indoor!) puppet extravaganza for giggle-filled family entertainment on rainy afternoons.

10. Indoor Bowling

Set up plastic bottles as pins and roll a softball or balled-up socks. Sharpen coordination with this quick-setup gross motor game that’s a hit for toddlers on rainy days.

11. Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin

Color uncooked rice with vinegar and food dye, then add scoops and funnels in a tray. Dive into calming tactile play that’s a top sensory bin idea for kids indoors.

12. Masking Tape Racetrack

Tape winding roads on the floor for Hot Wheels or stuffed animals. Fuel engineering-minded fun with this low-cost indoor track activity for little racers.

13. Balloon Volleyball

Inflate a balloon and rally it over an imaginary net (or couch cushions). Keep the laughs rolling with lighthearted active play that won’t break a sweat—or a vase.

14. DIY Obstacle Course

Weave through pillows, crawl under tables, and hop over cushions to reach the “finish line.” This high-energy indoor challenge builds agility and is endlessly customizable for rainy day gross motor fun.

15. Window Painting

Dip washable paints on old sponges and decorate the glass with rain-inspired art. A creative no-mess craft that turns drizzly views into a vibrant gallery.

16. Baking Buddies

Measure ingredients for cookies or muffins together, letting kids stir and decorate. Combine kitchen science experiments with tasty rewards in this edible rainy day activity.

17. Puzzle Marathon

Dust off jigsaw puzzles or create your own from magazine clippings. Sharpen focus with brain-teasing indoor games that grow with your child’s skill level.

18. Shadow Puppet Stories

Use a lamp and hands (or cutouts) to cast shadows on the wall for silly tales. Spark imaginative shadow play under the dim light of a stormy day.

19. Indoor Picnics

Spread a blanket and “picnic” with finger foods and board books. Foster cozy family bonding through this relaxed make-believe meal time indoors.

20. Bubble Wrap Stomp

Lay out popped or unpopped bubble wrap for a satisfying sensory walk. Pop away stress with this therapeutic foot-massage activity for wiggly feet on wet days.

21. DIY Marble Runs

Build tracks from cardboard tubes and tape, dropping marbles to race. Engineer excitement with hands-on physics fun that’s a rainy day STEM project favourite.

22. Sing-Along Karaoke

Belt out tunes with a phone app or printed lyrics. Boost confidence through musical expression in this lively group singing session for the whole crew.

23. Leaf Rubbing Art

Place fallen leaves under paper, then add crayon for textured designs. Capture autumn vibes with nature-inspired crafts even when the rain keeps you inside.

24. Fortunate Teller Origami

Fold paper into cootie catchers filled with jokes or fortunes. Add whimsy to fine motor skill-building with this nostalgic paper-folding game.

25. Edible Playdough

Craft dough from peanut butter, oats, and honey for safe snacking sculptures. Merge tasty sensory exploration with creativity in a kid-safe rainy day recipe.

26. Memory Lane Photo Booth

Pose with props from around the house and snap silly pics. Create lasting memories via DIY photo fun that doubles as a digital scrapbook starter.

27. Yarn Weaving Loom

Stretch yarn between chair backs for a simple loom and weave in scraps. Introduce the basics of textile arts with this calming fibre craft for beginners.

28. Indoor Hopscotch

Tape a grid on the floor and toss beanbags or coins. Revive playground classics with coordination-boosting hops right in your hallway.

29. Herb Garden Start

Plant seeds in egg cartons with soil for a windowsill garden. Nurture science curiosity with this easy indoor planting activity that promises green-thumb pride.

30. Reflection Jar Calm-Down

Fill a jar with water, glitter, and glycerin for a swirling stress-reliever. Teach mindfulness with soothing visual meditation to wind down after a day of energetic indoor adventures.

Wrapping Up Your Rainy Day Wins

There you have it—30 versatile rainy day activities for kids to conquer any downpour. From arts and crafts for toddlers to active games for older kids, these ideas ensure endless indoor fun without screens or store runs.

Mix and match based on your crew’s mood, and watch as those gray skies inspire the brightest smiles. What’s your go-to boredom buster on rainy days? Share in the comments and keep the creativity flowing!

For more family activity inspiration, check out our guides on summer outdoor fun or holiday crafts. Stay dry and playful!