Activities To Do Indoors With Your Kids On A Rainy Day

Living in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains almost half the year, I know something about trying to occupy children when the weather is horrible. We’ve actually learned to not only tolerate the rain, but to kind-of love it. Here’s a list of some of the things we do to stay busy and connected.

1. Play Monopoly

Probably the best board game in the world. It takes hours. It’s teaches business acumen and simple math skills. A great way to spend several hours inside.

2. Build Blanket Forts

Sheets, flashlights, hot chocolate. Sure, you’ll have a mess to clean up. But, come on, you remember how fun it was to curl up inside your own private nest.

3. Bake Cookies

Why not spend the day teaching your kids to bake? They’ll love the final product and you’ll love the messy memories.

4. Do Yoga Together

I’m serious. It’s a great way to help kids calm down when they’ve been cooped up.

5. Crafts

Why do you even own all that Martha Stewart glitter anyway? Get out the box of craft stuff you never have time for, and let everyone make a picture for Grandma.

6. Read A Book Aloud

Reading is one the best things to do when it’s raining! If it’s cold enough for a fire and you have a fireplace, lucky you! You’ll hope the sun never comes out. And if your kids are old enough, let them take a turn reading to you. There’s nothing better than listening to a beloved little voice reading a treasured story.

7. Watch A Movie

Sometimes, Mommy, the best you can do is turn on Toy Story II. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

8. Create An Indoor Obstacle Course

This is something I used to do with my kids a lot when they were little and restless. Setup stations around the house dedicated to different activities such as fishing toys out of the bathtub with your feet or hopping across tape lines on the floor. It can be hilarious.

9. Play Together

Just play. Do whatever your kids love to do. Have a tea party. Build a block city. Put on a puppet show. Zoom cars across the floor. After all, how many chances do you get?