Let’s face it, UK weather isn’t always on our side. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring and suddenly your toddler is bouncing off the walls while you’re frantically searching for ideas to keep them busy (and off the furniture).
We’ve all been there.
Whether you’re stuck inside on a rainy school run morning or just need ideas to break up the boredom, here are 20 great and fun indoor toddler activities for rainy days at home that will help burn energy, spark creativity and save your sanity, no matter the weather.
1. Build a Blanket Fort
A classic for a reason. Drape blankets over chairs or a table, throw in some cushions and a torch, and you’ve got the perfect toddler den. It becomes a cosy hideaway for stories, snacks or pretend play.
2. Watercolour Painting
All you need is a tray of toddler-safe watercolours, thick paper and a paintbrush or sponge. Pop down an old tablecloth and let them explore colour mixing and creative mess.
Tip: For less mess, use a paint-with-water colouring book.
3. Bake Together
Simple toddler-friendly bakes like fairy cakes, banana bread or even just decorating digestives with icing and sprinkles give a sensory-rich experience and a tasty result!
4. DIY Colouring Station
Create a basket with crayons, stickers, stencils and blank sheets of paper or free printables. Sit them at the table with a little creative freedom, it’s amazing how long this can hold their attention.
5. Sensory Bins
Fill a shallow box with rice, oats, pasta, or pom-poms and add spoons, cups, and toy animals. These bins encourage exploration, pouring, and scooping—all key fine motor skills.
6. Indoor Disco
Clear some floor space, dim the lights, and blast your toddler’s favourite tunes. Bubble machine? Even better. Just five minutes of dancing can work wonders for little ones with cabin fever.
7. Teddy Bear Picnic
Lay out a blanket, invite their favourite cuddly friends and serve a pretend meal. You can include real snacks or get creative with felt food.
8. Wash the Toys
Set up a bowl of warm bubbly water and give your toddler some plastic toys, sponges and a towel. They’ll love pretending to be grown-ups and helping clean.
9. Read-a-Thon
Cuddle up with a big stack of books and let your child choose what to read. For an extra layer of fun, bring in puppets or do character voices.
10. Indoor Obstacle Course
Use cushions, tunnels, and tape on the floor to make a toddler-friendly agility path. Hop, crawl, jump, and balance your way around the room.
11. Kitchen Drumming
Raid the pots, pans, wooden spoons and let them go wild. Yes, it’s noisy. Yes, it’s fun. Add music for an instant jam session.
12. Pom-Pom Sorting
Use cupcake trays and a few colourful pom-poms or buttons. Give your toddler tongs or a spoon to sort by colour—great for hand-eye coordination and learning.
13. Footprint Art
Cover their feet in washable paint (outside the bathroom is ideal) and let them stomp on paper. Messy? A bit. Memorable? Always.
14. Dress-Up Time
Keep a small box of old hats, scarves, glasses, and costumes. Toddlers love role-play and pretending to be someone else for the day.
15. Puzzle Time
Keep a stash of age-appropriate puzzles or magnetic board games. They’re brilliant for focus, patience, and problem-solving skills.
16. Sticky Wall Fun
Tape a large sheet of contact paper (sticky side out) to the wall. Provide pom-poms, shapes, or scraps of coloured tissue paper to press and play.
17. Play with Food (Yes, Really)
Let toddlers squish jelly, peel a banana, scoop dry cereal into cups, or make silly snack faces on plates. Toddlers learn through touch, and food play is surprisingly educational.
18. Toddler Yoga or Movement Videos
There are some great free YouTube videos like Cosmic Kids Yoga or Moovlee that get toddlers stretching, giggling, and calming down when things get too hyper.
19. Block Towers (and Crashing Them Down)
Wooden blocks, Mega Bloks, or Duplo are all brilliant for free building. Let them knock down towers too—because that’s half the fun.
20. Handprint Keepsakes
Use air-dry clay or salt dough to make a little keepsake for rainy-day memories. Paint it once dry, and you’ve got a forever memento.
Final Thoughts
Being stuck indoors with a toddler doesn’t have to mean climbing the walls. With a few simple activities up your sleeve, and permission to not do them all perfectly, you can turn rainy days into meaningful memories.
Grab Your Free Printable:
Rainy Day Toddler Activity Checklist
Download now
Stick it to your fridge for instant inspiration on wet days!
