Rainy day ideas and activities for kids

We’re used to living with rainy days, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a challenge to keep the kids entertained when the outdoors becomes off limits and our pool of options is suddenly much smaller.

We want to keep them off screens as much as we can and get them to engage their creative sides, so we’ve put together some fun stuff you can do and see on those rainy midterm days when you’re all at a loose end. Save these ideas for when you’re stuck!

Painting

This one is great because it works for all ages. Whether you're finger painting or a Monet-wannabe, this one will keep everyone entertained for hours. Even more fun if you're all trying to paint the same thing and get to see how everyone interprets it differently! My favourite is self-portraits or portraits of whoever is opposite you.

Go to the library

It’s always a good time to sign your kids up to the local library, there’s something about having a great stack of books to make your way through on a rainy day! Get them their own card and give them the freedom to wander the kids section, practicing their independence by selecting their own stories!

Obstacle course

A bucket, a chair, a skipping rope - whatever you can get your hands on! Let the get creative with it. A great way to get some exercise, set them up with some things and let them off. Incorporate a sports day element to it, adding a three-legged race, a sprint after spinning five times, whatever they want!

Play a board game

It's always fun to learn something new, and you never know what someone might uncover a hidden talent for! It's a great way to all sit down together and bond in a way that's not over dinner. Board games can encourage creativity, and once they know the rules, they can try it themselves with siblings or friends.

Make a new recipe together

A great one for slightly older kids, learning how to cook is a wonderful life skill and the sooner they start, the better they’ll be when the time comes to actually cook for themselves. Starting simple, like scrambled eggs for the very young ones or omelettes for slightly older kids is a great way to pique their interest and see who might have a talent for it.

Build a clubhouse

Or a den, or a blanket fort or whatever they want to call it! As long as it's their space, they won't care. Let them stash a few snacks, steal a few sheets, maybe even help string up a few fairy lights. Yes, it's messy, but it's a little fun and novelty and the perfect rainy day activity.

Put on a play

One of my favourite childhood memories is putting on silly little plays with my cousins whenever we visited. The eldest child was always 'the director', and often they were just garbled silly versions of our favourite fairytales. Have them base it on a book or a TV show - it doesn't particularly matter; the fun is in the dressing up and learning lines and making up a story. Play is so important for children and this is a great way to spark their imagination.

Science experiments

This one can get a little messy – and again, that’s what’s truly great about it. Throw caution to the wind and just let it happen. It can be something as simple as making instant ice cream with milk, ice and salt - showing how salt lowers the freezing point - you don’t need anything fancy and the kids will be enthralled.

Scavenger hunt

Either you make one for them or let them make one for the parents! It’s so much fun watching each other trying to figure out clues. Make it themed or use simple and familiar hints like 'Where you fall asleep at night', 'Where you wash your hands' 'Where your toys go to sleep at night'. Have them all be on the same team so that the prize can be split afterwards.

Jigsaw

A timeless classic, if you need a little quiet time, a jigsaw is always a good shout. Set them up at the kitchen table with a puzzle or two and tell them you want to see their progress when you get back.

Baking

Fun and yummy too! Aside from being a fun activity, it's a great way to introduce them to cooking and maybe even sparking a lifelong passion. Starting out with something simple like fairy cakes is a good shout, as you can get creative with icing, food colouring and toppings afterwards.

Write a letter

Writing to a friend, a beloved auntie or uncle or lonely grandparents not only sneakily gets them to practice their letters and writing, but also can give a real boost to the letter's recipient. Adding stickers, drawings and notes are fun way to get creative with it.

Cleaning up afterwards

Remember – kids are only young once, so forget about the mess that will result after a fun filled day of activities for kids. You can always get them involved in the tidy up process, and your washing load can be lightened, with the help of Fairy Non Bio new Platinum PODs® with Extra Stain Removal. The new Platinum PODs® offer the same gentle care for sensitive children’s skin, now with boosted cleaning power. Everybody’s happy.

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