Nothing is more frustrating than planning a day out with the kids and having the weather ruin your plans.
Rainy days are especially tough when you’re trying to keep young kids entertained, but fear not, there are plenty of fun and affordable activities you can do indoors.
Here are 10 easy and cheap rainy-day activities that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
1. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Kids love scavenger hunts – even when they take place indoors. All you need is a list of items for your kids to find, and you’re ready to go. You can create a list of things already in your house or add fun and quirky items like a blue crayon or a yellow sock into the mix. You can even make it educational by including items that start with certain letters or that fit into specific categories like animals or shapes. Set a timer and see who can find all the items on the list first.
2. Indoor Picnic
Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you can’t have a picnic. Clear out some space in your living room and set up a picnic blanket, sandwiches, and snacks.
3. DIY Art Projects
Rainy days are the perfect time to get creative with your kids. You don’t need to have expensive art supplies to create something beautiful. You can use items you already have at home, like paper, markers, and glue, to make DIY art projects.
4. Movie Marathon
Nothing is better than snuggling up on the couch and watching your favourite movies on a rainy day. You can make it a movie marathon by choosing a theme like Disney movies, action movies, or even a series like Harry Potter. Don’t forget the popcorn!
5. Science Experiments
If your kids love to learn, then a rainy day is the perfect opportunity for fun and educational science experiments. You can make a lava lamp using oil and water, or make your own slime using glue, borax, and food colouring. You can also make a volcano using baking soda and vinegar or create a balloon rocket using a straw and string. The best part about science experiments is that they’re hands-on and interactive, which will keep your kids engaged and excited.
6. Build a Fort
Building a fort is a classic rainy-day activity that never gets old. You can use chairs, blankets, and pillows to create a cosy hideaway. Let your kids get creative and design their own fort. They can decorate it with fairy lights, create a secret password, and even pretend they’re going on a wild adventure.
7. Baking or Cooking
Rainy days are perfect for getting in the kitchen and cooking or baking with your kids. You can make cookies, cupcakes, or even a pizza from scratch. Not only is baking a fun and interactive activity, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about measuring, following instructions, and kitchen safety.
8. Board Games
Board games are a great way to spend quality time with your kids on a rainy day. You can choose from classic games like 30 Seconds, Monopoly or Scrabble. Board games are perfect for all ages and an excellent way to build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
9. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items for your children to find and take a photo of, like a red flower, a funny hat, or a cat sitting in a window. Then, give them a camera or a phone to take pictures of the items on the list. You can set a time limit and see who can find and photograph all the items first.
10. Reading and Storytelling
Rainy days are perfect for snuggling up with a good book or telling stories. You can choose a book to read aloud to your kids or let them choose their own books to read independently. You can also take turns telling stories or even make up a story together.