Although summertime is built for outdoor adventures [1] like biking, swimming, and having picnics, Mother Nature can sometimes have plans of her own. There is nothing that will dampen a kid's Summer spirits [2] faster than the arrival of a rainy day [3], and as a parent, we aren't all that fond of them either since they require last-minute activities to entertain our kiddos [4] that don't break the bank. But, if you plan ahead and have a backup in place for days when the weather goes awry, you all may have such a great time that you'll start looking forward to the next rainy day! Keep reading for 40+ creative and fun rainy day activities for all ages.
Ages 2-4
Toddlers are natural explorers, so if you have to keep them cooped up indoors all day, be prepared to have some interactive adventures planned.
- Finger-paint masterpieces
- Have a puppet show with socks
- Go to the library for story time
- Have your own story time with pillows and twinkly lights
- Play together with blocks
- Put together a puzzle
- Have a dance party
- Play Simon Says
- Sing songs together
Ages 5-8
This is a great age because children have better motor skills and impulse control by now. Take advantage of that and dive into more complex activities.
- Play hide and seek
- Create a collage with paint
- Make an obstacle course throughout the house
- Make a fort with all the blankets you can find
- Have an indoor beach party with towels and snacks
- Do an at-home facial together
- Listen to an audiobook
- Make a music playlist for the whole family
Ages 9-12
Older kids might be more willing to try something new, so urge them to think outside the box!
- Have a scavenger hunt with prizes
- Make your own scary movie
- Discover sudoku together
- Create a slideshow of your last family holiday
- Try guided meditation with an app
- Play musical instruments with makeshift items
- Play dress-up with costumes
- Write letters to family members far away
Ages 13+
Teenagers can be a challenge to keep engaged and off devices, but zoom in on whatever is of most interest to them and you'll have a captive audience in no time.
- Watch a horror film together
- Have an all-day movie marathon
- Have a pillow fight
- Help reorganise their room
- Cook a new recipe together
- Introduce them to your '90s playlists
- Teach them to play poker
- Learn how to make origami
- Make s'mores by roasting marshmallows over the stove
- Read the Harry Potter [6] books aloud