Rainy Day Activities for Kids: 5 Fun Indoor Ideas to Try at Home

Looking for rainy day activities for kids that don’t involve endless screen time? When the rain starts pouring, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, a rainy day can be the perfect opportunity to slow down, get creative and enjoy quality time together indoors.

Weekends and school holidays are often when children need the most entertainment — especially when the weather isn’t on your side. That’s why having a list of go-to indoor activities for kids on a rainy day is essential.

RGS Guildford has shared five simple and enjoyable rainy day activities for kids that you can try at home. And if you have your own ideas, we’d love to hear them too!

1. Play Board Games on a Rainy Day

One of the easiest and most effective rainy day activities for kids is pulling out a board game.

Many children naturally gravitate toward tablets, video games and smartphones when stuck indoors. While screen time isn’t inherently bad, too much of it can lead to tired eyes, headaches and restlessness.

Board games offer:

• Screen-free entertainment
• Family bonding time
• Improved concentration and patience
• Social and communication skills

Choose a game that suits your child’s age and attention span. Rotate games regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

If your child really enjoys board games, you could even visit a local board game café on another rainy afternoon and try something new together.

2. Create a Relaxing Spa Day at Home

Rainy days are perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere indoors. Why not turn the day into a mini spa experience?

Set up everything you need:

• A warm bath with bubble bath or bath bombs
• Soft towels and comfy pyjamas
• Child-safe face masks
• Calm music or story time

Getting your child involved in planning makes it even more fun. They might want to bring bath toys, choose the scents or create a “spa menu.”

This simple rainy day activity helps children relax and unwind while turning an ordinary afternoon into something special.

3. Build an Indoor Treasure Hunt

If the weather ruins your outdoor plans, bring the adventure inside with an indoor treasure hunt.

This is one of the most exciting rainy day activities for kids because it gets them moving and thinking.

How to set it up:

• Create a checklist of items to find around the house
• Set a time limit
• Add clues for older children
• Offer a small prize for completion

Treasure hunts encourage:

• Problem-solving skills
• Observation and memory
• Friendly competition
• Physical movement indoors

If you have multiple children, turn it into a race for extra excitement.

4. Make Homemade Pizzas Together

Cooking is one of the best educational rainy day activities for kids.

Making homemade pizzas allows children to:

• Make decisions
• Develop motor skills
• Learn about food preparation
• Try new ingredients

Lay out different toppings and let your child create their own masterpiece. It doesn’t matter if the pizza looks perfect — what matters is that they’re involved and having fun.

Bonus tip: Keep a backup pizza base just in case!

Cooking together builds confidence and teaches practical life skills, making it a fantastic indoor activity for rainy days.

5. Create a Rainy Day Jar of Ideas

If you frequently find yourselves wondering what to do when it rains, create a rainy day activities jar.

Here’s how:

1. Write down different activity ideas on slips of paper.
2. Place them in a jar.
3. When boredom strikes, shake the jar and pick one.
4. Commit to the activity chosen.

This encourages children to:

• Respect others’ choices
• Try new activities
• Develop flexibility

Keep the jar stored somewhere visible so it’s ready whenever the weather turns grey.

Why Rainy Day Activities for Kids Matter

Rainy days can sometimes feel limiting, but they actually offer valuable opportunities for:

• Creative thinking
• Family bonding
• Skill development
• Slowing down from busy schedules

Having a variety of indoor rainy day activities for kids ready ensures that boredom doesn’t take over when outdoor play isn’t possible.

Find More Rainy Day Activities for Kids Near You

Looking for indoor classes, workshops or activity centres when the weather isn’t great?

Explore the Club Hub directory to discover:

• Indoor play centres
• Creative workshops
• Sports classes
• Family attractions
• Educational activities

Find kids activities across the UK here: https://clubhubuk.co.uk/kids-activities-near-me/

Thank you to RGS Guildford for providing these five rainy day activities for kids.

New to Club Hub? Browse our directory today and discover amazing children’s activities near you — rain or shine.