If you are googling things to do on a rainy day, chances are you are stuck inside, bored, and probably have at least one kid climbing your leg. I have been there more times than I can count. So let me give you a long list of real life things to do on a rainy day that actually work with kids, nap schedules, and your sanity.
When it’s raining outside, the energy in the house changes instantly. You might be staring out the window wondering how to fill the next twelve hours. It is the perfect time to pivot and find fun rainy day activities that everyone can enjoy.
Some of these ideas get your little ones moving, some are calm and screen based, and some give you five precious minutes to drink hot coffee. Whether you want to play board game favorites or try a scavenger hunt, there is something here for you. Mix and match what fits your family and your energy level today.
Table of Contents:
- Low Prep Things to Do on a Rainy Day at Home
- Creative things to do on a rainy day with Kids
- Cozy Food and Snacks for Rainy Days
- Out of the House Things to Do on a Rainy Day
- Things to Do on a Rainy Day That Refill Your Cup Too
- Big Kid and Grown Up Friendly Ideas
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Low prep things to do on a rainy day at home
There are days where you wake up to rain and you can roll with it. Then there are days where the weather hits and you are already tired. This first group is for that second kind of day.
You do not need to buy expensive supplies or make a huge mess. These indoor activities keep things simple. They rely on items you likely already have stashed in a closet or drawer.
1. Build a “boredom basket” before the meltdown hits
Before kids start chanting that dreaded word, pull out a simple basket of activities you keep only for rainy days. The trick is novelty. If they see it daily, it loses power fast.
You can stash things like stickers, washi tape, cheap coloring books, and puzzles. Playing cards are also a great addition because they take up very little space. A classic game like Connect 4 is amazing for preschoolers and older kids because you can play together or let siblings battle each other while you sit on the couch.
Include items that encourage independent play. You might add a new coloring pad or a small set of building blocks. When you bring this basket out, it feels like a gift rather than just another toy.
2. Create a movie theater without leaving the house
On gray days, screen time feels extra cozy. Make it feel intentional, not like survival mode. Turn it into a movie “event.”
Let your kids pick from a couple of comforting watches you pre approve. For you, that might be romantic comedies like How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days or something rainy and nostalgic such as Sleepless in Seattle. Dim the lights, pop popcorn, toss blankets on the floor, and watch the mood shift.
If you want to go the extra mile, bake some chocolate chip cookies to eat during the film. The smell of warm chocolate chip filling the house makes everything better. It transforms a standard afternoon into a fun rainy day memory.
3. Play “indoor gym” with simple movement breaks
Kids trapped indoors start bouncing off walls fast. Tiny movement challenges help burn energy in a controlled way. You do not need fancy equipment.
Set a timer and do a silly fitness circuit together. You can add a plank challenge, then compare times. Remind yourself you are doing great even if you are nowhere near the wild Guinness World Record holder who held a plank for over four hours.
That is not the bar here. The goal is giggles, not abs. If you do not have space for a circuit, try a simple game of “The Floor is Lava” using pillows. It works for kids alike and saves your furniture from being climbed on.
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Creative things to do on a rainy day with kids
Rainy days are perfect for slow projects you never get to start during busy weeks. Art and craft time also gives kids a break from fast moving shows and games. This is your chance to engage their brains differently.
4. Turn old photos into a storybook
Most of us have years of photos sitting in our phones. Rain is the perfect nudge to print or organize them. You can spread prints across the table and let your kids pick their favorites.
Work together on scrapbooking, or start crafting my own photobook using an easy online builder while they stick labels and draw. Talk about the trips or memories as you go. You are quietly building their sense of family history, which matters more than a perfectly arranged album.
Encourage them to start writing short captions for each photo. If they are too young to write, they can dictate a short story to you. This turns a simple photo sorting session into a creative literacy lesson.
5. Simple woodworking projects for older kids
If you have a school age child who loves to build, a rainy afternoon can be a good time to learn basic woodworking skills. You do not need a full workshop. A small kit, some supervision, and patience go a long way.
I like this woodworking 101 guide because it walks through tools and safety with clear tips for beginners. You can start with something tiny like a birdhouse or a name sign for their room. The pride they feel seeing it on the wall later is huge.
Make sure you have a clean cloth nearby to wipe up sawdust. It is a productive way to pass the time and learn something practical. Plus, they get a tangible reward for their effort.
6. “Art gallery day” at home
Cover your table with craft paper and invite kids to paint, color, or use stamps. If you have the budget, toss in clay or air dry dough. Set up a simple “gallery” wall using tape on a door or hallway.
Once art dries, have a mini exhibit walk where every family member points out one detail they like from each piece. You are sneaking in confidence building and connection, wrapped in paint splatters. Seeing their local art displayed on the walls makes them feel important.
This is one of those indoor activities kids really love because they control the outcome. There are no rules, just expression. It consumes a good chunk of time and cleanup is usually easy.
Related Reading: 10 Preschool Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Fun at Home
Cozy food and snacks for rainy days
There is a reason rain makes you crave something warm and comforting. Our brains link certain foods to comfort and safety. For many of us that means soups, carbs, or sweet treats shared with people we love.
Parents in South Asia often talk about specific rainy day foods they look forward to during the wet season, from spicy fritters to steaming tea. You can borrow this idea and create your own family “rain menu.” It gives everyone something to look forward to when the sky turns gray.
7. Create a family rainy day treat tradition
Pick one snack that only shows up on rainy days. It does not have to be complicated. Maybe it is hot chocolate with whipped cream, grilled cheese, or a special popcorn mix.
Kids begin to connect gloomy weather with cozy time at home instead of boredom. Over the years that simple ritual can turn into one of their favorite childhood memories. My personal favourite rainy day treat is fresh baked brownies.
If you prefer something savory, a warm bowl of soup works wonders. The key is consistency. When the rain starts, the special treat comes out.
8. Let kids help prep a simple recipe
Even toddlers can help in the kitchen with small tasks. Let them dump ingredients, stir, or rinse berries in a colander. Talk through each step using simple words.
This slows things down, but you are building real skills and giving them a sense of control. When they eat what they helped cook, even picky kids often feel more willing to try. Making chip cookies is a great entry point for little bakers.
Follow a step-by-step guide to keep things organized. Measuring flour and sugar counts as a math lesson too. Plus, the kitchen stays warm, which is nice on a cool day.
Out of the house things to do on a rainy day
Sometimes you need to leave the house or everyone will lose it. If you can bundle kids into the car, a rainy day can turn into a memory making field trip. Put on those rain boots and head out.
Travel writers talk all the time about finding fun things to do in big cities across the globe or picking top things to do in family friendly spots. You can borrow that same spirit of exploring right in your own area. Treating your own town like a tourist destination can be surprisingly fun.
9. Visit a greenhouse or conservatory
If you live near a greenhouse or indoor garden, a stormy day is the best time to visit. You get the sound of rain outside and the calm of green plants around you. It allows you to feel outside while you stay dry.
For example, the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle has been giving city families that kind of escape since 1912. Even little kids who hate museums tend to enjoy paths, flowers, and warm air. They feel like they stepped into a storybook jungle.
It is a sensory experience with humidity and earthy smells. It is often much quieter than a play center. A day exploring nature indoors can reset everyone’s mood.
10. Try kid friendly museums and aquariums
On heavy rain days, indoor museums are lifesavers. Many cities now design exhibits with hands on features, shorter text, and places to move bodies, not just look and read. A local science museum is usually packed with interactive fun.
If you ever visit Long Beach in California, you could take kids through the Long Beach Museum of Art, then check out the more kid focused Aquarium of the Pacific. That aquarium has large indoor galleries full of sea creatures, so it works well on stormy days. History fans can step aboard the old Queen Mary ship nearby and talk with kids about travel long before airplanes were common.
If those are too far, check your local art museum or central library. Libraries often have large children’s sections with toys and puzzles. It is a free way to spend a few hours.
11. Make it a culture and color day
Museums do not need to be quiet and serious. Themed spaces can open cool conversations about art, culture, and history at your kid’s pace. Look for exhibits that offer bright visuals and interaction.
In Long Beach, for instance, you can walk from the Museum of Latin American Art to the Pacific Island Ethnic Arts Museum and the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum. Galleries such as Loiter Galleries also change exhibits often, which keeps things fresh. The point is not to see every piece.
It is to enjoy color and story while staying dry. If you cannot get out, consider finding a virtual museum tour online. You can view world-class art from your couch.
12. Escape rooms and virtual fun for older kids
If you have tweens or teens, their idea of a good rainy day is a little different. They may want puzzles and challenge more than finger paint and story time. This is where you need slightly more engaging day activities.
An escape room such as PanIQ Room in Long Beach can be fun for families with older kids who like clues and surprises. Some locations offer themes ranging from spooky haunted houses to pirate stories, so you can pick the right scare level for your child. It forces everyone to work as a team.
Arcade centers like Dave & Busters give teens and parents a chance to play video games together without sitting still. In some cities you can also find high tech spaces such as Topgolf Swing Suites with virtual games that keep you indoors while still feeling active. You could also look for indoor rock climbing gyms to really burn off energy.
| Activity Type | Best Age Group | Energy Level |
|---|---|---|
| Science Museum | Ages 5-12 | High |
| Escape Room | Teens/Tweens | Medium |
| Central Library | All Ages | Low |
| Indoor Rock Climbing | Ages 6+ | Very High |
Things to do on a rainy day that refill your cup too
It is easy to plan every moment around your kids and forget you are a human who needs a break. On wet, heavy weather days, your mood can sink fast if you are not careful. You need to protect your own energy.
So include at least one thing that feeds you. That can mean coffee, reading, a long shower, or texting a friend. You matter just as much as your to do list.
13. Create a “mom corner” during quiet play
Set kids up with an independent activity near you and claim a chair. That might be a puzzle on the floor, blocks, or an easy game like Connect 4 on the coffee table. Give them something that keeps their hands busy.
While they play, you read book chapters, scroll, journal, or stare at the rain. You do not have to earn rest. Ten minutes here and there across a day add up.
If you can get a longer break, apply a face mask or put on some soothing music. Maybe you even write a love letter to yourself or your partner. It’s nice to reclaim a little mental space.
14. Visit a cozy cafe while the kids tag along
If cabin fever is hitting hard, a simple coffee run can shift the day. Many cities now have kid friendly cafes or roasteries with snacks and open seating. Bringing a few small toys can keep them occupied.
In Long Beach, for instance, there are roasters such as Rose Park Roasters and Black Ring Coffee plus cafes like Coffee Parlor, Alder & Sage, and The Merchant. A whimsical lounge like The Wicked Wolf even mixes fairy tale decor with hot drinks, which kids tend to find magical. The point is less about the perfect latte and more about a fresh scene and human faces.
Treat yourself to a pastry or a specialized drink. Bring a book read for yourself if the kids are entertained. It is a small escape that helps you get through the rest of the day.
15. Night time treat for parents
After bedtime, you may want adult space and grown up talk. If you have child care or older kids, a rainy evening can be lovely for a quick date or catch up with a friend. You’re feeling bored after the kids sleep, so do something fun.
Some parents enjoy local wine bars like District Wine, breweries such as Altar Society Brewing Co. or Beachwood Brewing, or an Irish pub such as The Auld Dubliner where a strong Irish coffee feels like a hug in a cup. For you, it might simply mean tea on the couch and a quiet living room. Look up some fun cocktail recipes to try at home if you stay in.
Give yourself permission to pick whatever truly rests you. A hot bubble bath is another great option. You could even browse affiliate links for new rain gear while relaxing.
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Big kid and grown up friendly ideas
As kids grow, rainy days can become real memory makers, not just survival days. Older children and parents can handle deeper projects and longer adventures. You can start tackling bigger items on your list.
16. Try a culture themed movie marathon
You can line up films tied to a city you want to visit together someday. Travel blogs often round up local things to do in famous cities. You can show your kids clips or pictures between movies to bring those places to life.
For instance, if you are dreaming of a future family trip, you might watch kid appropriate scenes, then look up popular parks, museums, or family attractions in that area. This gives kids something to dream about beyond the gray outside your windows. It turns screen time into research time.
It is my favourite rainy day activity because it sparks so much conversation. You might discover your child is interested in Japanese anime or French history. Follow their lead and explore the topic.
17. Dream and plan future adventures
Grab a notebook and invite everyone to suggest one place they would like to go someday. It does not need to be fancy or expensive. A state park or road trip is great.
If your family loves big cities, browse ideas for things to do in popular spots like Dubai on big celebration nights. Or scan fun lists of things to do in warm places you might visit when it is sunny again. Turn it into a vision board with printed pictures, crayons, and glue.
You can even plan for events far in the future, like New Year’s Eve. Add items to your family bucket list. Start planning now and you will have plenty of options when the time comes.
18. Turn local stays into rainy day adventures
If you have space in your budget and need a full reset, a quick one night stay can do wonders. Some parents book a nearby hotel that has a pool and easy access to indoor fun. It feels like a vacation without the travel time.
In Long Beach, for example, the downtown Courtyard hotel connects guests with ideas like escape rooms, gaming centers, and indoor attractions all close together. It is an easy way to shift from “trapped inside” to “tiny family adventure,” without a long flight or complex planning. Getting a day pass to an indoor water park is another variation of this.
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. The kids can play video or swim while you relax. It breaks the monotony of a long rainy week.
If a hotel is not an option, consider a productive project like a closet cleanout. You can donate clothes you no longer need. It feels good to organize and declutter.
Conclusion
Rain can ruin a park day, soccer game, or that errand list you hoped to finish. But it can also become the backdrop for your most remembered family stories if you have a handful of go to things to do on a rainy day ready to pull out. You just need a few solid ideas in your pocket.
You do not need to tackle every idea on this list. Pick one thing that helps your kids burn energy, one cozy activity you can do on the floor, and one moment that refills your own cup. Whether you choose indoor rock climbing or simply games play on the carpet, it all counts.
If everyone goes to bed feeling mostly connected instead of totally fried, that is a rainy day win. And the more you treat rain as an excuse for warmth, slowness, and small joys, the less those gray clouds will feel like the enemy. They might even start to feel like a welcome pause in your week. — Lord, it’s perfect when that happens. Highly recommend trying at least one new thing next time the clouds roll in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do on a rainy day with kids?
Great options include building a boredom basket, creating a home movie theater, doing indoor gym challenges, trying art projects, visiting museums, or heading to indoor play spaces.
What indoor activities keep kids busy on rainy days?
Independent play baskets, sticker books, coloring pads, board games, scavenger hunts, and simple crafts work well when you need low-prep activities.
Where can I go on a rainy day outside the house?
Families can visit greenhouses, conservatories, indoor museums, aquariums, libraries, escape rooms for older kids, or indoor rock climbing gyms.
What rainy day activities are good for toddlers?
Simple sensory bins, water-friendly bath play, indoor obstacle courses, coloring, sticker activities, and cosy story time are all perfect for younger kids.
How can I make rainy days feel fun instead of stressful?
Create small traditions like a rainy-day treat, set up a cozy movie corner, plan one easy activity, and include a short moment for yourself to recharge.
What are relaxing things to do on a rainy day for parents?
Try a “mom corner,” read with a warm drink, visit a cosy café, take a long shower, or unwind after bedtime with your favourite movie or a quiet night in.
What can older kids and teens do on rainy days?
Escape rooms, virtual game suites, culture-themed movie marathons, kitchen projects, woodworking kits, and indoor climbing offer more challenge for big kids.
