14 fun things to do with a bored toddler on a rainy day
Don’t let the rain stop play!
When the rain sets in, it’s easy to feel trapped inside with a stir-crazy toddler. (You’re not the only one climbing the walls.)
Before you even think about bundling everyone off to a chaotic indoor play centre, try these boredom-busting toddler rainy day activities that are low-cost, low-stress and big on fun.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to turn a grey, rainy day into a surprisingly memorable one, mess, mayhem and all.
Things to do with your toddler on a rainy day
1. Cook up a storm in the kitchen
Toddlers love ‘helping’ in the kitchen, and cooking is one of the easiest indoor activities to turn into a rainy day win. From pouring and mixing to sneaky spoon-licking, it’s a great way to learn through play… and eat the results.
Hot tip: Try kid-friendly recipes like mini pizzas, fairy bread or even a simple banana bread.
Check out these recipe ideas.
2. Try classic toddler games that never get old
Looking for screen-free toddler rainy day fun? Go old-school with games like Simon Says, What’s the Time Mr Wolf and Follow the Leader.
No special gear needed, just a bit of space, a dash of silliness and maybe a coffee for you.
3. Make a puppet theatre from paper bags
This one’s part craft, part creative play. Use brown lunch bags, googly eyes, markers and stickers to create your own cast of puppet characters.
Then, drape a sheet over the foot of the bed and let your toddler put on a show (while you sneak five minutes on the couch).
4. Host a fancy toy tea party
Break out the pretend tea set and roll out the red carpet for every teddy, dinosaur and doll in the house.
Add biscuits or real tea for extra fun or go full Downton Abbey and play with accents and proper manners.
Rainy day toddler activities that also involve snacks? Yes please.
5. Send love in the post
Rainy days are the perfect time to make drawings, cards or scribbly letters to send to grandparents or cousins.
Bonus: when the rain stops, your toddler can help post them in the letterbox, a surprisingly exciting adventure at this age.
6. Catch a movie at Prams at the Pix
Think the cinema’s off-limits with a toddler? Think again.
HOYTS’ Prams at the Pix sessions (every Wednesday morning) are perfect for parents with littlies.
Dimmed lights, softer sound, freshly cleaned cinemas and $10 tickets? Add popcorn and you’re winning the day.
7. Learn through play
A rainy day in is the perfect time to learn through play, and there’s no better way to do this than with the Lovevery Reading Skill Set.
This phonics-based early literacy program motivates children to read through play, with 9 skill-based games and activities.
This is a fun activity for both children and their parents!
8. DIY your own playdough
Homemade playdough is one of the best rainy day activities for toddlers and it’s easier than you think.
Whether you go cooked, uncooked or add glitter and scents, the squish factor is guaranteed fun (and way less messy than slime). Check out this playdough recipe.
9. Build a cosy indoor cubby or tent
Sheets + chairs + pillows = the ultimate toddler cubby.
Give them a torch, some books, or even a plate of snacks and you may just score 20 blissful minutes of quiet. Maybe.
You can also create a proper DIY indoor play tent for rainy days. Pinterest-worthy, but easy!
10. Listen to audiobooks together
If you’re tired of reading That Book for the 500th time, let someone else take over. Audiobooks for toddlers are perfect for rainy days, especially with cuddles and blankets on the couch.
Most audiobook apps have free kids’ titles too. Win-win.
We’ve rounded up some of our family-friendly audio book favourites here.
11. Visit a toddler-friendly museum or gallery
Don’t rule out cultural spots. Plenty of local museums and art galleries now have interactive toddler zones or rainy-day activity programs just for kids.
Look for family-friendly exhibits or special toddler mornings in your area.
12. Mix up some ooey-gooey slime (if you dare)
Slime is like the wild cousin of playdough – messier, stretchier, and 100% irresistible to toddlers.
If you’re feeling brave, mix up your own batch and let the sensory fun begin. Just maybe pop down a drop cloth first.
Click here for three simple slime recipes.
13. Put on a dance party
One of the fastest ways to shake off a rainy day funk? Turn up the music and have a mini disco in your lounge room.
Kids love the chance to go wild and you get to sneak in a bit of movement, too.
14. Get out and play in the rain
Yep, you read that right. Just because it’s wet doesn’t mean you have to stay inside.
Put on gumboots and raincoats and head out for puddle jumping, snail spotting or good old-fashioned splashing.
Sometimes the best toddler rainy day activities are the ones that embrace the mess. (And hey, baths were made for this.)
