What to Do on a Rainy Day with Kids

20 Fun Activities

The sound of rain tapping against the window can be cozy at first, but when you have children bouncing around the house, it doesn’t take long before the dreaded words appear: “I’m bored!”

Rainy days may cancel outdoor plans, but they don’t have to cancel fun. In fact, staying indoors can be the perfect chance to try new activities, spark creativity, and strengthen family bonds. With a little preparation, you can turn gloomy weather into an exciting adventure.

In this guide, we’ve gathered 20 fun things to do on a rainy day with kids, ranging from classic indoor games and creative DIY projects to one-of-a-kind activities like hosting a printable escape room at home.

Let’s chase the rainy-day blues away! 🌧️🎉

2. Creative Crafts and DIY Projects

Rainy days are perfect for unleashing creativity. Set up a craft station with supplies like paper, scissors, glue, and markers, then let the kids’ imaginations run wild.

• Painting and Coloring: Pull out coloring books or let kids paint their own masterpieces.
• Clay or Playdough Sculpting: Challenge them to make animals, monsters, or food items.
• Build a Cardboard Fort: Use old boxes, blankets, and pillows to create a cozy hideout.
• DIY Explorer Kit: Pssst… make your own explorer kit with this super easy DIY! The perfect extra touch for a safari, jungle, or animal-themed play day.

3. Rainy Day Learning Fun

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean kids can’t keep learning — in a fun way!

• Science Experiments: Try making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or whipping up homemade slime.

• Puzzle Time: Jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and riddles are great for problem-solving skills.

• Story Nook: Build a reading corner with blankets and pillows, and spend an hour diving into favorite books together.

4. Active Indoor Fun

Kids need to burn off energy, rain or shine. Transform your living room into a mini gym or playground.

• Obstacle Course: Use chairs, cushions, and tape to create challenges like crawling under or jumping over obstacles.
• Dance Party: Turn up the music and let the kids show off their best moves. Bonus points for glow sticks or a disco light!
• Balloon Volleyball: Blow up a balloon and use a string or tape as the “net.” Safe and hilarious.

5. Special Activity: Escape Room at Home

If you’re looking for something unique, exciting, and educational, why not try an escape room at home?

With Escape Kit’s printable escape room kits, you can set up a full adventure in just 30 minutes. Once ready, your kids will spend about an hour solving puzzles, cracking codes, and working as a team to complete their mission.

These kits are designed especially for children ages 4–12 and come in different themes:

What makes escape room kits so great for rainy days?

• They keep kids away from screens.
• They encourage problem-solving, logic, and teamwork.
• They transform an ordinary living room into a world of adventure.

6. Food Fun on a Rainy Day

Cooking together is both entertaining and rewarding. Plus, you get to eat your creations afterward!

• Bake Cookies: Let kids help with measuring, mixing, and of course decorating.

• DIY Pizza Lunch: Provide toppings and let each child build their own mini pizza before baking.
• Hot Chocolate Bar: Set out marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles to create the ultimate cozy treat.

7. Family Bonding Activities

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy simple quality time together.

• Movie Marathon: Pick a theme (Disney, superheroes, animals) and settle in with popcorn.
• Board Game Night: Classics like Uno, Jenga, and Connect Four never disappoint.
• Storytelling Circle: Each family member adds a line or two to create a funny or spooky group story.

8. Bonus Ideas to Beat Boredom

Still need more inspiration? Here are a few extra quick wins:

• Karaoke Hour: Sing along to your child’s favorite songs.
• Dress-Up Parade: Pull out costumes or old clothes and host a mini fashion show.
• DIY Photo Booth: Set up a corner with props and let the kids take silly pictures.

Tips for Parents: Keep Rainy Days Stress-Free

• Prepare a Rainy Day Box: Keep a stash of crafts, puzzles, and games ready to go.
• Mix Quiet and Active Activities: Balance energy levels throughout the day.
• Limit Screen Time: It’s tempting to hand over a tablet, but creative play is more rewarding.
• Join the Fun: Rainy days are the perfect chance to play alongside your kids — they’ll love it.

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Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom or endless hours of screen time. With a little imagination, you can transform them into memorable family experiences.

From classic games and cozy crafts to science experiments and dance parties, the possibilities are endless. And for a truly special activity, nothing beats a printable escape room at home. With Escape Kit’s ready-to-play adventures, you can set up in minutes and let your kids embark on an unforgettable journey — even while the rain pours outside.