There’s something cosy about a rainy day when you’re tucked up indoors — but if you’re a parent of a toddler, it can also feel like a very long day. Little ones have so much energy and curiosity and when the weather keeps you stuck inside, it can be tricky to keep them entertained.
The good news? Rainy days don’t have to mean screen time overload or endless rounds of “I’m bored!”. With a little creativity (and some everyday items you probably already have at home), you can turn a wet afternoon into a world of fun.
We’ve gathered together 30 fun rainy day toddler activities that are simple, affordable and perfect for keeping your little one happy indoors. Whether your toddler loves messy play, building or imaginative games, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
1. Build a Pillow Fort
Gather cushions, blankets, and chairs to create a cosy den. Toddlers love the sense of adventure, and you can make it extra special with fairy lights or a torch.
2. Indoor Obstacle Course
Use pillows, tunnels, or even strips of masking tape on the floor to create a mini obstacle course. Great for burning off energy when outdoor play isn’t an option.
3. Mess-Free Painting
Try painting with ziplock bags: place paint inside a sealed bag and tape it to a table. Your toddler can swirl and squish without any mess.
4. Water Play Station
Fill a shallow tub with warm water, spoons, cups, and plastic toys. Place it on a towel and let your toddler splash to their heart’s content.
5. Toddler-Friendly Baking
Get them involved in stirring, pouring, or decorating. Simple recipes like fairy cakes or banana bread are perfect.
6. Indoor Picnic
Lay out a blanket on the living room floor and enjoy lunch picnic-style. Add teddies to make it extra fun.
7. Sensory Bins
Use rice, pasta, or cereal as a base. Add scoops, spoons, and cups for endless scooping and pouring.
8. Storytime Adventure
Act out your toddler’s favourite book with props or soft toys. It makes the story come alive.
9. Dance Party
Put on some music and have a living room disco. Toddlers love copying moves and shaking along.
10. Indoor Camping
Pitch a play tent (or use sheets) and pretend you’re camping indoors. Add a torch for “campfire” stories.
11. Simple Science Experiments
Mix baking soda and vinegar in a tray for fizzy fun. Toddlers will be amazed by the bubbles.
12. Playdough Creations
Homemade or shop-bought, playdough keeps little hands busy. Provide cookie cutters and rolling pins for extra fun.
13. DIY Shakers
Fill empty bottles with rice, pasta, or beads and tape the lids securely. Instant toddler instruments!
14. Toddler Yoga
Follow along with short, playful yoga videos designed for kids. Great for calming rainy-day energy.
15. Cardboard Box Play
Turn a big box into a car, rocket ship, or house. Toddlers love the endless possibilities.
16. Sticker Fun
Keep a stash of stickers and paper. It’s simple but surprisingly entertaining.
17. Indoor Bowling
Use plastic cups or bottles as pins and a soft ball for endless toddler bowling fun.
18. Colour Sorting
Give your toddler coloured cups and a pile of toys (blocks, cars, pom-poms) to sort by colour.
19. Dress-Up Time
Raid your wardrobe for hats, scarves, and accessories. Add a mirror for extra giggles.
20. Indoor Treasure Hunt
Hide soft toys or objects around the room and give your toddler simple clues.
21. Toddler-Friendly Puzzles
Simple wooden or chunky puzzles are perfect for a calm indoor activity.
22. Finger Painting
Messy but so much fun. Tape down paper and use washable paints for easy cleanup.
23. Balloon Games
Blow up a balloon and see how long you can keep it in the air. Safe and entertaining.
24. Homemade Play Kitchen
Use empty boxes, pots, and spoons to let your toddler “cook” alongside you.
25. Sensory Walk
Lay out different textures (towels, bubble wrap, yoga mats) and let your toddler walk barefoot across them.
26. Sing-Along Session
Put on nursery rhymes and sing together. Add shakers or pots as percussion instruments.
27. Indoor Car Wash
Give your toddler a sponge and a bowl of soapy water to “wash” toy cars or plastic animals.
28. Bubble Fun
Blow bubbles indoors and let your toddler chase them. Perfect for giggles and energy release.
29. Collage Making
Provide paper, glue sticks, and safe materials like tissue paper or magazine cut-outs for sticking fun.
30. Toddler Movie Afternoon
Pick a short, age-appropriate film, add a blanket and a little snack, and make it a cosy family moment.
Tips for Rainy Day Success
- Keep supplies handy: A small “rainy day box” with crayons, playdough, and stickers makes it easy to set up activities quickly.
- Mix it up: Alternate high-energy games (dance party, obstacle course) with calmer ones (puzzles, storytime).
- Involve your toddler: Let them choose between two options to feel in control.
Final Thoughts
Rainy days don’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and creativity, they can become an opportunity for connection, fun, and learning. From pillow forts to playdough, the simplest activities often bring the biggest smiles.
So next time the rain pours down, reach for these 30 rainy day toddler activities and enjoy a day full of laughter, play, and precious family memories.
For more rainy day inspiration to keep the kids entertained, check out our post on 20 great and fun indoor toddler activities for rainy days at home and 35 creative rainy-day activities for UK families.
