30 Things to Do with Toddlers on a Rainy Day

Rainy days can often pose a challenge when you have an active toddler at home. The allure of outdoor adventures may be temporarily dampened, but fear not! Rainy days offer a unique opportunity for indoor fun, creativity, and quality bonding time with your little one. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 30 delightful activities to keep your toddler happily engaged when the weather has you cooped up inside. From imaginative play to arts and crafts, there’s a rainy day adventure awaiting you and your toddler. Let’s turn those raindrops into opportunities for laughter and cherished memories.

So, grab your toddler’s hand, and let’s explore a world of rainy day wonders together. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a caregiver, or just seeking some indoor inspiration, these activities are sure to brighten up even the gloomiest of days. Let the rainy day adventures begin!

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We are enjoying the remnants of Ophelia here on Long Island. It’s been raining for 4 days straight! The ground is mush, and I can’t remember what the sun feels like. But…we haven’t been bored once!

Baby M (my 3 year old) and I covet rainy days. We both have our trusted rain boots and big rain coats. On days like today, our backyard becomes a rainforest. We pretend we’re sailors on a ship during a storm. We jump in muddy puddles (big Peppa Pig fans) and drink hot cocoa after.

That’s why my first point is….

The Best Thing to Do With a Toddler on a Rainy Day is to Go Outside

Hey there, fellow parents and adventurous souls, hear me out! We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” and when it comes to rainy days, that sentiment couldn’t be truer. As a mom to my spirited 3-year-old, Baby M, I’ve learned that rain can be an incredible playground, full of lessons and memories waiting to happen.

Let Nature Be the Teacher

When the raindrops start falling, it’s the perfect time to show your kids that nature has something incredible to offer, no matter the weather. By encouraging your little ones to explore their own backyard in the rain, you’re letting them in on a secret: there’s a world of wonders right outside their door.

Building Shelters and Funneling Rain

One of the coolest rainy day activities? Building makeshift shelters. All you need are some old blankets or sheets, a few sturdy sticks, and a dash of creativity. Not only is it a fantastic bonding experience, but it also teaches problem-solving and basic engineering skills.

Plus, when you and your kids huddle under your newly constructed shelter as the rain taps its rhythmic beat above, you’ll be in awe of what you can create together.

Engage the Senses

Rainy days are an invitation to engage the senses like never before. Listen closely as the rain distorts sounds, making everything feel magical and new.

Feel the raindrops on your skin—each one is a tiny miracle of nature. And, oh, the mud! Let your kids revel in the sensation of mud squishing beneath their feet, an experience that connects them with the Earth in a profound way.

Our new thing has been tasting the rain drops that gather at the end of our pine tree!

So, the next time the rain starts to fall, don’t rush to close the blinds and huddle indoors. Instead, grab those rain boots, throw on some raincoats, and head outside with your little ones. Let them discover the wonders of a rainy day, and in doing so, you’ll be creating cherished memories and instilling a sense of adventure that will last a lifetime.

What NOT to Do With a Toddler on a Rainy Day

Hey, I get it. Rainy days can make us stir-crazy, and the temptation to head to the nearest play place or children’s museum can be strong. But, here’s the deal: I’ve learned that rainy days and crowded indoor play areas aren’t the best combo, and here’s why.

Packed Play Places and Museums

Let’s talk about those indoor play places and children’s museums. On rainy days, they’re often packed to the rafters. It’s like the whole town had the same idea, right? But, here’s the issue: crowded spaces and toddlers aren’t always a match made in heaven.

The Germ Factor

You know what else happens when you cram lots of kids into one place? Germs, and lots of them. Trust me, I’m all for boosting my kid’s immune system, but there’s a limit. Rainy days bring out the sniffles, and when you’ve got a room full of little ones sneezing and coughing, it’s like a petri dish for viruses.

Save Those Adventures for Sunnier Days

So, what do I do instead? I save those play place and children’s museum adventures for sunnier days when the crowds thin out, and the germ situation isn’t quite so intense. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for getting my kid out and about in all kinds of weather. Rainy days, sunny days, we embrace them all. But sometimes, it’s just smarter to wait for the storm to pass—both literally and figuratively.

Remember, there’s no need to feel guilty about skipping the indoor chaos on a rainy day. There are plenty of fun and educational rainy day activities you can enjoy at home. So, when the rain is pouring down, stay cozy indoors, and save those epic indoor adventures for a drier day. Your toddler’s health and your sanity will thank you.

I do give the library a pass, because it’s usually pretty quiet, no matter what day it is.

Our Rain Toys

Here’s what we use in the rain (or shine)!

Free Places to Go with Babies or Toddlers

Did you know that you’re probably sleeping on so many free places to take your little one? As a mom on a budget, I’ve found multiple places to take my daughter to get out of the house. These include the pet store (aka the free zoo), the library, and museums (not the germy kid kind).