It’s raining. Again. The kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’re this close to handing them a screen and calling it a day.
But what if rainy days could become your favorite days as a family?
With a little creativity (and maybe a few couch cushions), you can turn a gloomy afternoon into a magical, screen-free adventure. Whether you’re camping or cozy at home, here are 20 rainy day activities your kids will beg to do again and again.
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Creative Crafts That Spark Imagination
1. Paper Bag Puppets
Grab some brown lunch bags, markers, and yarn to create silly puppet characters. Put on a puppet show together and let your kids’ imaginations run wild.
2. DIY Rain Sticks or Instruments
Make a mini family band! Use toilet paper rolls, beans, rice, and tape to create simple instruments. Try this guide or this one.
3. Coffee Filter or Paper Plate Masks
Make colorful animal or character masks with everyday items. Here’s a fun tutorial.
4. DIY Storybooks
Staple a few blank pages together and let your kids write and illustrate their own books.
Movement Games to Burn Off Energy
5. Living Room Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create an exciting course. Add crawling, hopping, or climbing challenges!
6. Dance Party or Freeze Dance
Turn on some music and get moving. YouTube dance videos like “Just Dance Kids” are a great (and fun) exception to the no-screen rule.
7. Balloon Volleyball
Use a couch or string as your net and bat a balloon back and forth.
8. Sock Skating
If you have hardwood or tile floors, slip on socks and see who can do the best spin.
9. Animal Charades
Act out animals while the others guess. No supplies needed, just your best elephant impression.
Storytime Adventures
10. Fort Reading Time
Build a cozy reading fort with blankets and pillows. Pick a theme or let the kids choose their favorite books.
11. Audiobooks or Kids’ Podcasts
Pop on an audiobook or a fun story podcast. Pair it with drawing time or puzzle-building.
12. DIY Story Dice Game
Roll dice to take turns adding to a story. Use puppets or drawings to bring it to life.
Rainy Day Science & Sensory Play
13. Rain Cloud in a Jar
Create a storm with shaving cream and colored water. Here’s how.
14. Sink or Float Game
Fill a bowl with water and test different objects. Predict what will float or sink, then talk about why.
15. Slime or Oobleck
Messy, yes. Fun? Always. Here’s a great slime recipe.
16. Sensory Bins
Fill a bin with dry rice, pasta, or water beads. Add scoops, toys, and measuring cups for hours of play.
Quiet-Time Fun for Recharging
17. Puzzle Time
Choose an age-appropriate puzzle and work on it together. It’s calm, collaborative, and satisfying.
18. Coloring or Sticker Books
Color together or do a “color and pass” where each person contributes to the same picture.
19. Meditation or Calming Music
Try a short family mindfulness session with calming music or a kid-friendly guided meditation.
20. DIY Journal or Gratitude Notebook
Give each child a journal and let them write or draw about their day. Need prompts? Here’s 100+ ideas.
Bonus: Embrace the Rain
- Watch the rain with a warm drink – A cozy moment to slow down together.
- Make paper boats and float them in puddles – If it’s safe outside, turn the rain into play.
- Build a magical fort – Add twinkle lights and listen to the rain together.
- Watercolor Rain Art – Let raindrops do the blending!
Bonus Tip:
Create a Rainy Day Kit:
Keep a box filled with a few crafts, a card game, stickers, and a kid-safe flashlight for those surprise wet-weather days—at home or at the campsite.
Conclusion
Rainy days don’t have to be boring or screen-filled. With a little prep and a spirit of fun, they can become some of your most cherished family memories. Start with activities to burn off energy, then move into quiet-time fun for a balanced, magical day. If you are looking for more affordable family fun ideas, check out these posts: 25 Unforgettable Family Adventures that are Fun & Affordable, Family Is Fun: Backyard Adventures to Try this Weekend (Budget Friendly)
Did you try one of these ideas? Share your favorite rainy day activities in the comments or tag us on Instagram @YourHandle. We’d love to see your family fun!
Want a free printable version of this list? [Download your Rainy Day Activity Guide here!]