Published 10/11/26
With fall in full swing, cooler temperatures and rain are bound to settle in. While it’s easy to see a rainy day as misery and a house full of kids with energy to burn, it can also be the perfect opportunity to change up your routine. When you find yourself stuck indoors, try these simple, low-prep ways to keep your kids occupied.
1. Head Outside Anyway
As long as there’s no lightning or high wind, go enjoy the rain! Nobody is made of sugar, so don’t worry about melting. Put the rainboots on and let them play in the mud, get wet, splash in puddles, and learn about what changes outside when it rains.
2. Dive into Everyday Crafts
You don’t need an elaborate craft closet to keep little hands busy. Almost everyone has some sort of craft supplies on hand, such as markers and paint. You can also use ordinary household objects like paper plates, cardboard boxes, empty toilet paper tubes, etc. Give a simple prompt and these are easy ways for kids to use their imaginations.
3. Whip Up Simple Sensory Play
Sensory Play isn’t just for babies and toddlers; sensory activities can be surprisingly fun for big kids too! Grab your cocoa powder, cornstarch, and some water, mix it up and you have your own indoor mud that is taste-safe and everyone can play with! Add a few toy trucks, measuring spoons, or dinosaurs and your kids can start exploring.
4. Build a Fort
Pull cushions off the couch, grab a few chairs, and yank the blankets off the bed and you have all you need to start building! A fort is a quick way to change the boring living room to a magical memory. You can read, eat, play, and even nap in the fort. Once you’re ready to clean up, it’s just as fun to take it apart and dive in the pillows and blankets that the fort was made with.
5. Explore Somewhere New in Town
Venturing out on a rainy day can be more challenging, but the reward pays off! Check out a museum, indoor community center, or an indoor play space you haven’t had time to visit lately. There is always somewhere new to explore and a change of scenery does wonders for breaking up a long afternoon.
6. Design an Obstacle Course
Similar to fort building, grab some pillows, blankets, cushions, and chairs to make a fun obstacle course. Declare that the floor is lava, set a timer to race, or just see who can complete the course without touching the floor! Older kids will especially love designing the course.
7. Host a Freeze Dance Party
When everyone has extra wiggles and giggles to get out, turn on some upbeat music for a round of freeze dance. There are many great freeze dance videos online, or you can play DJ yourself. Make sure everyone freezes in their silliest pose when the music stops!
8. Visit the Library or a Bookstore
A quiet visit to the local library or bookstore offers a calm, cozy escape from the rainy weather. Find a stack of books to read while you’re there. Better yet, grab some new books to bring home to read in your pillow fort!
9. Bake or Cook Something Together
Inviting kids into the kitchen gives them a meaningful task and a confidence boost. Cracking eggs, measuring ingredients, or dumping everything into a bowl are all simple tasks that can help your kids take ownership of what they make and also keep them busy. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about the experience.
10. Pull Out the Games and Puzzles
There are so many ways to play games to keep your kiddos occupied. Whether it’s a classic board game like Monopoly, a few rounds of hide-and-go-seek, or a few card games, it’s simple to create something fun for kids of all ages to play. Even if younger siblings don’t completely understand the rules, they can still play, practice taking turns, and be part of the fun!
Rainy days don’t have to mean endless screen time or cabin fever. You can easily mix and match these activities to keep your family busy through the day also. Get creative and allow your kids to help as much as you can. You may be surprised what they can come up with on their own!
Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.
