10 Indoor Ideas for Rainy Days
By: Sera Trapani
April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring days of boredom during springtime. Rainy days at home can be a challenge for parents. More often than not, kids become restless and bored, and the usual routine of burning energy outdoors is suddenly not an option. Here are some ideas for indoor activities that you and your kids can enjoy during these rainy spring days.
1. Have an indoor picnic
Spread a blanket in your home and discover a new way to enjoy a meal with your children. Get inspired with these indoor picnic ideas or create your own!
2. Arts and Crafts
Crafts are another way to get creative, imaginative, and fun indoors. It combines play with learning and is important to a kid’s development.
This cute Paper Plate Frog combines science with arts and crafts. It teaches kids about the life cycle of a frog and even provides a template. So, all that’s left to do is print and assemble!
A sweet and sentimental craft idea is this Handprint Tree. Not only will your kids enjoy the process of creating it, but it’s something you can display, save, and cherish as they grow.
3. Play a Board Game
Choose from a classic or to add a twist, have your kids create their own board game.
4. Host a Scavenger Hunt
This indoor scavenger hunt for kids is a great way to keep kids active indoors while working to solve puzzles. It is also an exciting way to encourage teamwork within your family!
5. Baking
Baking is a great way to get hands-on and teach some life skills along the way. Plus, you get to enjoy the final product, or if you’re anything like me, some dough along the way.
One of my family’s favorites is this Sugar Cookie Recipe, it’s easy to make and the result is delicious! To spruce them up, I buy colorful icing tubes and let kids decorate their own. Add some sprinkles, and it’s a craft and a snack!
This Gummy Worm Dirt Cake is a science lesson requiring less cleanup than the kids playing in the dirt outside. The recipe calls for gummy worms, but we have substituted all types of candy treasures in the “dirt”.
These adorable Decorated Sheep Cupcakes are super easy to make, and they taste as good as they look!
6. At-Home Movie Theater
Experience the movie theater from the comfort of your living room! Pop some popcorn or create some easy movie snacks to elevate your movie night. Put on your comfiest clothes and settle in for a familiar favorite or something new.
7. Build a Fort
Building an at-home fort can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be! Pick a comfy spot in your home and push together furniture or you can drape a blanket over existing structures. Make sure to bring extra pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals for maximum comfort! Check out these exciting at-home fort ideas for more ideas and inspiration.
8. Put On a Show
Get dramatic! Another indoor activity is creating an at-home play (or musical). You or your kids can reenact a favorite movie or book that will keep everyone entertained. Costumes and props are not required but certainly add to the fun.
9. Create an Obstacle Course
This is a creative way to release some energy and get active indoors. An obstacle course can be done in one area, or even span throughout the home. You can use common objects to create one with little assembly needed. These at-home obstacle course ideas can help you build your own.
10. Make a Time Capsule
Grab an existing box, or let your kids decorate their containers, and find memorable items to add. Set a time in the future your kids will open the capsule, and they can even write a letter to include. This is a great way to reminisce, both as you assemble it, and when the time comes to open the time capsule.
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