It’s another rainy day and you know what that means – trying to keep our little ones entertained indoors. As much as we all love cozying up with a good book and hot cocoa, our toddlers don’t always share the sentiment.
They’re bursting with energy and need to keep active, engaged and having fun. So, what do we do to keep our toddlers entertained on a dreary day without losing our sanity?
In this post, we’ve put together a list of rainy day play activities for toddlers that will help you survive the day, while keeping your little one happy and engaged. We’ve got a mix of ideas for physical play, creative projects, and games to help them develop their cognitive skills.
And the best part? These activities don’t require any fancy toys or materials, and many of them can be done with items you already have at home. So, let’s get started and turn this rainy day into a fun day with our little ones!
How do you entertain a toddler on a rainy day?
The first step to keeping your toddler entertained on a rainy day is to set up a safe and comfortable play area. If you have a designated playroom, great! If not, no worries – you can easily create a play space in your living room or any other area that is safe and child-friendly.
Clear away any hazardous items and ensure that furniture is properly secured to avoid accidents. Create a soft area by laying down blankets, pillows or even a foam mat to cushion any falls or tumbles. If you have a tepee or a play tunnel, set it up to create a cozy hideaway for your little one.
Adding some sensory activities to the play area can also help keep your toddler engaged. Try setting up a sensory bin filled with rice, beans or even water for them to explore. Add in some scoops, spoons or cups for them to practice their motor skills.
With a safe and comfortable play area set up, you can now encourage your toddler to explore and play in a space that is all theirs.
What should a toddler do all day?
Toddlers love to be involved in everyday activities and they thrive on feeling helpful. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to engage them in household tasks that they can assist with.
Have your little one help you with simple chores like wiping down counters or sweeping the floor. They can also assist with meal prep by helping you stir ingredients or putting toppings on pizza. These tasks not only keep them busy, but also help them develop important life skills and foster a sense of responsibility.
Another way to involve your toddler in everyday tasks is by setting up a mini “laundry station”. This can include a small bucket filled with warm water, soap and a few pieces of clothing for them to “wash” and “dry”. They’ll love imitating what you do and feel accomplished knowing they helped with a task.
By involving your toddler in everyday tasks, you not only keep them entertained, but also teach them important life skills and instill a sense of independence.
What do toddlers do when they’re bored?
On a rainy day, it’s important to get creative with playtime activities to keep your toddler engaged and stimulated. Here are a few fun ideas to try out:
- Build a fort: Use blankets, pillows and chairs to create a cozy fort. Your toddler will love playing peek-a-boo, reading books or even taking a nap inside.
- Paint with water: Give your little one a cup of water and a paintbrush and let them “paint” the walls or floor. The water will evaporate and leave no trace behind, making it a fun and mess-free activity.
- Dance party: Put on some music and have a dance party with your toddler. This is a great way to get some exercise and burn off energy.
- Play dress-up: Let your toddler raid your closet and put together a fun outfit. They’ll love pretending to be a firefighter, doctor, or even a superhero.
- Make a sensory bottle: Fill a plastic bottle with water, glitter, and small objects like beads or buttons. Seal it tightly and let your toddler shake it up for a mesmerizing sensory experience.
Getting creative with playtime activities is a great way to keep your toddler entertained while also fostering their creativity and imagination. Don’t be afraid to get silly and have fun with your little one – rainy days can be some of the most memorable ones!
How can I entertain my toddler without toys?
Playing games with your toddler is a great way to keep them entertained while also promoting important developmental skills like problem-solving, communication and socialization. Here are a few game ideas to try out:
- “I Spy”: Take turns spying objects in the room and describing them for your toddler to guess. This game helps with vocabulary and observation skills.
- “Simon Says”: Play a classic game of Simon Says, taking turns being the leader. This game promotes listening skills and following directions.
- “Obstacle course”: Create an indoor obstacle course using pillows, cushions and other household items. Your toddler will love crawling, jumping and climbing through the course, while developing their motor skills.
- “Guessing game”: Fill a jar with small objects and have your toddler guess how many objects are inside. This game helps with counting and number recognition.
- “Puzzle time”: Work on a puzzle together with your toddler. This activity promotes problem-solving skills and patience.
Playing fun games with your toddler is a great way to bond and spend quality time together while also promoting important developmental skills. Plus, it’s a fun way to pass the time on a rainy day!
Wrapping up the day with a cozy activity
As the day winds down, it’s important to create a calming and cozy atmosphere for your toddler. Here are a few activities to try out:
- Reading time: Pick out a few of your toddler’s favorite books and snuggle up together for a cozy reading session.
- Bubble bath: Draw a warm bubble bath for your little one to relax and unwind in. Add in some bath toys for extra fun.
- Movie night: Put on a favorite movie or show and enjoy some popcorn and snacks together.
- Bedtime routine: Stick to your toddler’s usual bedtime routine to ensure they get a good night’s sleep. This can include a bath, storytime, and a lullaby.
Wrapping up the day with a cozy activity is a great way to wind down and end the day on a positive note. By creating a calming and comforting atmosphere, your toddler will be ready for a restful night’s sleep – and you’ll have successfully made it through a rainy day with a happy and entertained toddler!
Getting Outside To Play
While it may seem counterintuitive, getting outside to play in the rain can actually be a fun and refreshing activity for both you and your toddler. Here are a few ideas to try out:
- Jumping in puddles: Put on some rain boots and jump in puddles with your little one. This is a great way to burn off energy and enjoy the rainy weather.
- Rainy day scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to find in the rain, like a colorful leaf, a snail or a feather. Go on a walk with your toddler to search for these items.
- Mud kitchen: Set up a mud kitchen with pots, pans and spoons for your toddler to “cook” up some delicious mud pies.
- Water play: Fill up a plastic tub or bucket with rainwater and let your toddler play with water toys or even give their dolls or action figures a bath.
Getting outside to play in the rain can be a fun and invigorating activity for your little one, as well as a great opportunity to teach them about the natural world. Just make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and keep a close eye on your little one to ensure their safety.
Toddlers On A Rainy Day
Rainy days don’t have to be boring – in fact, they can be a great opportunity to get creative and spend quality time with your toddler. Whether you’re building a fort, playing dress-up, or jumping in puddles, there are plenty of activities to keep your little one entertained and engaged.
By getting outside to play in the rain and playing fun games and activities indoors, you’ll be able to keep your toddler happy and stimulated, even on the dreariest of days. Remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity run wild – your toddler will thank you for it!
This post on rainy day play activities for toddlers was a lifesaver! As a parent, it can be challenging to find ways to keep my child entertained and engaged when we’re stuck indoors due to bad weather. The suggestions provided in this post were creative, fun, and easy to do with items we already had at home.