Indoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids

Just as we get done being stuck inside because of the cold, we’re now facing rainy days — and I’m pulling together my bag of tricks — rainy day activities for kids!

I’m all for kids experiencing boredom sometimes, but it never hurts to put a few fun suggestions in front of them.

Read on for 10 ways to bust indoor boredom, some of which kids can do on their own and some of which you’ll want to get involved in. This post contains affiliate links.

Be sure to check out our other fun family-friendly kid activities and crafts!

Boredom Busters! Rainy Day Activities for Kids

Perler beads

You may know Perler beads as those things that go crunch when you vacuum, but kids recognize them as hours of fun!

Using flat, plastic shapes with spikes, kids can create all sorts of things by placing Perler beads in different patterns.

You can turn creations into necklaces, magnets, cool things to put inside school binders!

Once the beads are in place, you’ll need to place parchment paper over them and iron on low until the beads melt together.

FUNZBO Arts and Crafts SuppliesArt Supplies, 240-Piece Art Set Crafts Drawing Kits with Double Sided Trifold EaselBlue Squid Arts and Craft Supplies for Kidspigipigi Scratch Paper Art for Kids

 

Flip then over and do the other side, then they are stuck together and ready to go!

Legos

Break out the Legos because it’s time for a little friendly competition! Kids of all ages can get in on this one.

Take turns tossing out ideas for things to build. For example, you might say the thing to build right now is a refrigerator.

Then everyone tries their best to build a fridge. (My son plays a similar game online through Minecraft.)

LEGO Jurassic World Blue and Beta Velociraptor CaptureLEGO Friends Pet Adoption CaféJITTERYGIT Robot Building STEM GiftLEGO City 4×4 Off-Roader Adventures

 

Everyone’s creation will be different, so it’s not really a competition, but it’s fun seeing what everyone comes up with!

Art show

Kids love to draw and color! I have tons of artwork on my fridge, but how about REALLY showcasing their special artwork of the day?

All you need is a long piece of thin rope or yarn hung from one end of a room to another.

Then hang finished pictures using clothespins, invite over some friends for the grand gala opening, serve some snacks and you have an art show!

Restaurant

I loooove when my kids play restaurant because I get to be the diner sitting at the table reading my book while they serve me different foods and drinks!

I don’t serve them back because, let’s face it, I do that every single night!

The point is they are getting to play the grown-up and be cooks, waiters, hostesses and managers. 

Play-dough

This one just takes a few minutes of your help and then the kids are off on their own, creating for hours.

Of course you can just buy the stuff, but here’s a simple recipe as well:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 T. oil
• 2 t. cream of tartar
• Food coloring

Mix all ingredients except food coloring on low heat in a pan.

Once the consistency is of play-dough, take pan off heat, let cool, then add food coloring a few drops at a time.

Knead until the color is all mixed.

Grab some cookie cutters and other kitchen items and let the fun begin!

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Noodle Party PlaysetPlay-Doh Care ‘n Carry Vet PlaysetPlay-Doh Kitchen Creations Drizzy Ice Cream PlaysetPlay-Doh Drill ‘n Fill Dentist Toy

 

Store in air-tight containers or baggies.

Write and illustrate a story

Kids are full of stories, but some aren’t old enough to write them down.

That’s where you come in!

Have each kid tell you a story that’s been running around in their mind and you can either write it out or type it.

Then have your child illustrate it! If you’re creating the story on the computer, you can go to free photo sites like Legos to grab images for the story!

Scavenger hunt

Take out a piece of paper and write down different items in the house on it (if you have two teams doing the scavenging, write the same items down on another piece of paper).

Ideas include: a winter glove, a cotton swab, a doll shoe, a pie pan, etc.

Now send the teams off and whoever gets back with the most items from the list first wins.

Wins what? Oh, how about a cup of hot cocoa with one of the supplies from #10, below!

Board or other games

There are so many to choose from it’s insane!

Depending on the ages of the kids and how much time you have, great games include: LIFE, Monopoly, Monopoly Jr., Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Pop the Pig, and so many more!

Jar Melo Dot Paint Art Marker Kit (Washable, Non-Toxic) With 40 FREE Pdf Activity Book & Physical SheetsSpirograph Jr. for Preschool and upMelissa & Doug Created by Me! Bead Bouquet Deluxe Wooden Bead Set With 220+ Beads for Jewelry-Making12 Paper Plate Art Kit Toy Maker

 

Check out my recommendations for the best board games for toddlers and preschoolers.

Charades

This is a great classic you can play with two or a whole roomful of people.

Start by having each team create their own cards by writing different words on pieces of construction paper.

Think places, movies, books, people, household objects, etc. Then the teams trade cards.

Teams take turns picking a piece of paper and having one member act out what is written on the paper so the other team can try to guess what is being acted out.

Keep track of time … maybe a minute per turn.

If Team A doesn’t guess, no point is awarded and it’s now Team A’s turn to act out something for Team B to guess.

Mini marshmallows and spaghetti noodles

This one can get messy but it’s good for hours of fun.

Break out the mini marshmallows and spaghetti noodles (not angel hair because it will break too easily) and have the kids construct creations like houses, bridges, towers and more!

You won’t believe what your kids will come up with!

DIY Race Track with Painter’s Tape

All you need to create a fantastic indoor race car track for your kids is a roll of painters tape and your imagination.

I started laying down the groundwork on the floor but quickly realized it would be fun to run the track up the couch and all around the room. See what you and your kids can create and then play away!