Here are several fun things to do on a rainy day indoors and outdoors! Rainy-day activities don’t always have to be indoors; send the kids OUTSIDE when they get the rainy-day blues with this excellent list of outdoor rainy-day play ideas!
Here’s a list of rainy-day activities for kids with plenty of fun things to do on a rainy day during the wet season, indoors and outdoors, to help you beat boredom and weather the storm. Even adults will enjoy the fun things to do when it rains, as included in this informative guide. Here at Rhythms of Play, my family believes in getting outside every day, rain or shine. So, of course, the ideas below include several fun outdoor rainy-day activities you can do with kids. While indoor rain activities are fantastic, playing in the rain outside during the wet season can be even more fun!
The best part about this list of rainy-day play ideas is that it includes several FREE activities you can do indoors and outdoors on a rainy day. Have you ever asked what you can do on a dull, rainy day to cheer yourself up? Or how to enjoy the rain to beat the rainy day blues. Scroll down for a list of classic indoor rainy-day activities at home or school. Ideas include indoor attractions that make excellent adventure destinations for young children and their parents (or teachers) on rainy days. You might also enjoy Outdoor Learning Ideas and Nature Activities for Kids.
Fun Ways to Play in the Rain Outdoors:
However, don’t be fooled by the list of rainy-day play activities you can do inside in the following section. More information is included to help you get outside, even when it’s wet and cold, starting with the best way to dress children appropriately for damp, cold, and rainy conditions. Knowing how to dress for the rain makes getting outside on a rainy day much more manageable. Dressing in proper rain gear also helps outdoor teachers and parents deal with rainy weather, especially when toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners are involved.
If you are a parent or an outdoor nature school teacher who has ever spent time outside with young children in the rain, I know you hear me loud and clear. Even older kids and adults manage rainy day conditions better when adequately dressed for the rain. Get the kids outside with a detailed list of fun things to do OUTSIDE for entertainment on rainy days, below the indoor rainy activities and rain gear recommendations that follow. You may also enjoy creating art on rainy days. For ideas, look through our lists of winter art, Valentine’s Day painting ideas, St. Patrick’s Day arts and crafts, and Easter art project ideas for kids and adults. Or look through the other arts and crafts for a rainy day, recommended below!
Related: 15 Open-Ended Toys for Pretend Play
Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day Indoors and Outdoors:
One of the best activities during the wet season, especially when kids start moaning the rainy day “I’m bored, mom” blues, is to get OUTSIDE! There are countless learning opportunities and fun ways to play outside in the rain. For example, a few outdoor activities we enjoy in the rain are making music, rain art, engaging the senses, practicing gross and fine motor skills, studying nature, and so much more!
Of course, you can do several other fun indoor activities on rainy days at home. This informative post also shares several rainy-day adventures you can do in your local city or town. For example, rainy days offer an excellent opportunity to visit indoor attractions such as amusement parks, science museums, libraries, learning centers, historical landmarks, and other indoor attractions in your local city or town.
Go on an Educational Adventure:
Over the years, I have also discovered that it’s much easier to get children interested in educational adventures that might not particularly interest them if it weren’t raining. On rainy days, especially if it is stormy for days on end, I recommend taking children to indoor attractions they might not be interested in on a sunny day. Visit a local attraction, or take a short road trip to an indoor historical landmark or museum in a neighboring city or town. Who doesn’t enjoy going on an adventure somewhere new after being cooped up for several days inside the house when it’s raining outside?!
Of course, being the outdoor Mom (and teacher) I am, I recommend getting the kids outside to play in the rain before getting in the car. You can find my favorite outdoor rainy-day play activities listed after the indoor ones. Without further ado, here’s a fantastic list of the best indoor rainy-day play ideas you can do when it rains. After looking at the entertaining indoor activities, you can do on a rainy day. Scroll down for an even better list of outdoor rainy-day activities that will have your kids screaming for joy when it rains instead of crying, “Mom, I’m bored!”
30 Classic Indoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids and Adults:
Finding creative ways to keep kids entertained on a rainy day can be challenging. Especially if you’ve been cooped up for several days. First, try the indoor rainy-day play ideas for kids and adults listed below. Then scroll down for a list of fun things to do when it rains outdoors to chase away the rainy day blues!
Fun rainy day activities to do inside at home (or in the classroom):
- Put together a jigsaw puzzle.
- Curl up with a good book and a warm blanket.
- Write in a journal. (Use these gratitude journal prompts.)
- Play card games.
- Enjoy board games such as Monopoly.
- Listen to music.
- Have a dance party.
- Meditate or practice yoga with a FREE yoga video for kids.
- Make hot chocolate.
- Fold paper airplanes.
- Take a long bath.
- Play with toy cars and racetracks.
- Enjoy an indoor picnic.
- Call a friend or a faraway relative to say hello.
- Set up a tent or build a fort in the living room.
- Go on an indoor treasure hunt.
- Create an indoor obstacle course.
- Build a homemade marble run with recycled toilet paper tubes and paper towel rolls, or play a game of marbles.
- Get creative with cardboard boxes and other recyclables.
- Put on costumes, get out the props, and enjoy role-play activities.
- Challenge the kids to an indoor scavenger hunt.
- Pop some popcorn and enjoy a movie marathon.
- Make your favorite homemade treats! Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies, or cook up your family’s favorite cookie or cupcake recipe.
- Make slime.
- Get out the Play-Doh and cookie cutters.
- Create new snacks to enjoy.
- Enjoy a warm fire or a pretend play campfire.
- Organize a shelf, drawer, or closet.
- Learn something new.
- Try a new craft or DIY project. Click the link for several arts-and-crafts ideas to get started. More ideas are below. Getting out the glue and craft supplies, or paint and art paper, is a creative indoor activity perfect for stormy weather. Or try rain painting! Doing artwork is fun on a rainy day. Look at the list below for several arts and crafts for rainy days:
Rainy Day Art and Craft Activities for Kids:
Try the rainy-day arts, crafts, and painting ideas included below the next time it rains in your neighborhood. Creating arts and crafts is another fun thing you can do on a rainy day. However, there are several more arts-and-crafts ideas with step-by-step tutorials on Rhythms of Play than those listed below. So be sure to look at these excellent craft ideas and art activities for even more creative ideas for a rainy day.
Rainy Day Art Activities: Projects and Painting Ideas for Stormy Days:
- Fingerprint Art Ideas for Kids
- Heart Art Projects and Painting Ideas
- Best Winter Art Projects for Kids
- Christmas Art Projects for Kids
- Valentine’s Day Art Activities: Projects and Painting Ideas
- Saint Patrick’s Day Art Activity Ideas
- Flower Art Projects
- Easter Art Ideas for Kids
- Best Fall Art Projects
- Fall Nature Craft Ideas
- Halloween Art Ideas for Kids
Rainy Day Craft Ideas: Fun Crafts to Do When it Rains:
- Thumbprint Heart Magnets
- Fingerprint Magnets
- How to Start and Finish a Beaded Necklace
- Nature Crafts and Art Activities
- Valentine’s Day Crafts and Gift Ideas
- Crafts and Homemade Gifts for Mom and Grandma
- Gifts for Dad and Grandpa Kids Can Make
- Craft Ideas for a Rainy Day
Indoor attractions and adventure destinations: Fun Places to visit when it rains:
Visit these Indoor Attractions and Adventure Destinations on a Rainy Day:
- Visit a children’s museum, a natural history museum, an art gallery, or another educational attraction.
- Going to the arcade.
- Head to the local gym or indoor pool.
- Hit the bowling alley for a bit of friendly competition.
- Play laser tag.
- Go to a trampoline park.
- Ride around in bumper cars.
- Be cool on the skating rink.
- Go to the library or a local bookstore.
- Visit a yogurt shop or ice cream parlor.
- Walk around an indoor mall.
- Enjoy a live music show.
- Find clues in an escape room.
- Go to the movie theater or a stage show.
- Visit your favorite local pizza parlor.
Fun Things to Do When It Rains Outside:
Even though there are many fun places to go and things to do at home, in addition to your local city or town, we think getting outside for AT LEAST 15 minutes, even when it’s pouring, is a must! Playing outside in the rain is much more fun than you might think. Once you get out there, we’re willing to bet you will want to stay A LOT longer. We always do!
While attending graduate school in Vancouver, BC (one of the world’s rainiest places), I worked as a nanny. The kids and I had a lot of fun bundling up in proper rain gear to get outside and play in the rain. Because we had excellent rain gear, outdoor rainy-day activities were always among our favorite things to do.
As the Norwegians like to say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” and I wholeheartedly agree! Getting outside to play in the rain was much more fun than staying inside for weeks during the rainy months, both as a child and as an educator. Scroll down to find a list of the best rain gear for kids.
Creative Things to Do Outdoors on a Rainy Day:
If you are wondering what to do on a rainy day or how to play in the rain, children from toddlers to preschoolers and kindergarteners to teens love to get outside to explore the wet earth, jump in puddles, play in the mud, catch raindrops on their tongue, as shown in the photograph below, and more! There are so many fun ways to play outside in the rain. I created a giant list of outdoor rainy-day activities, complete with detailed instructions for each outdoor rainy-day activity. Discover several fun screen-free rainy-day outdoor activities for kids with the list below. Scroll past the rain gear recommendations for kids in the following sections to see them all!
The Best Rain Gear for Kids: Rain Jackets and Pants to Keep Children Dry When It’s Wet Outside:
Knowing how to dress for rain and having the proper rain gear and outerwear for the weather on hand are among the most important things to make outdoor rainy-day activities fun for kids. This makes rain boots (try THESE or THESE), a good waterproof rain jacket, or cotton-lined rain jackets and rain pants a must if you want to keep smiles big on a rainy day. Waterproof rain pants with a bib and straps that wrap under rain boots like THESE are best when kids get wet and muddy. Otherwise, rain boots will likely fill up with rainwater no matter what you do.
Best Rain Gear for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Older Children: One-Piece Rain Suits for Kids:
Toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and young school-aged children can wear a separate rain jacket and pants, but putting them in a one-piece rain suit is often easier. Tuffo makes a great one-piece unisex muddy-buddy rain suit for toddlers and young children, 12 months to 5T, available HERE. Or try this other best-selling one-piece rain suit for girls and boys ages 1 to 10 years old HERE. If you are looking for a highly rated single zip, one-piece rain suit for kids, try THIS one by Oaki; it comes in a broader range of sizes for children from one to fifteen.
Or, try THIS cute little ducky rain suit for toddlers and preschoolers for a good laugh! This rain gear doesn’t fully cover and protect the whole body from the rain, but it’s sure cute to watch little ones playing in the rain while wearing it! THIS duck raincoat for toddlers and preschoolers ages 12 months to 5 years old is a better outerwear option with more rain coverage and is equally cute.
Most Important Rainy Day Clothing: Breathable Base Layers:
The likelihood of getting wet on a rainy day also makes it necessary for children to wear a warm, breathable wool base-layer top, a pair of wool pants, and, most importantly, wool socks to keep them feeling warm and dry. Fleece-lined long-sleeve shirts and pants or thermal long johns, like this set of thermals for boys or girls, will keep kids warm and dry in wet weather if wool is out of your price range. Unfortunately, breathable base layers are often the least known, understood, or remembered rain gear. Please don’t skip this essential layer of rain protection! Children wearing a warm, breathable base layer are less likely to complain about feeling cold on a rainy day, even when wet.
Please Don’t Wear Cotton In the Rain:
Whatever you do, don’t allow children to wear cotton in the rain. Cotton socks, pants, shirts, and sweatshirts will not help kids stay warm and dry in the rain outside. Getting wet in a heavy cotton sweatshirt will make you so cold that anyone would want to cry! Have you ever heard the phrase cotton kills? I know it’s a bit overdramatic, but it’s true. Cotton absorbs moisture and becomes weighed down when it gets wet. This is great if you are using a towel to absorb it. But it is not recommended as a baselayer or outer layer. Cotton’s natural absorbency will draw heat away from the body on a rainy day. When it’s cold and damp outside, that’s the last thing you want.
Wool, on the other hand, will keep you warm and dry even when it gets a little wet. That’s why I’ve replaced most of the cotton in my wardrobe with a warm, comfortable collection of wool and other natural, more sustainable fabrics for various weather conditions. If wool is unavailable or overpriced for your budget, polyester fleece is the next best option for a rainy day. However, it is not as environmentally friendly as natural fibers, such as wool, because it causes microplastic pollution every time you wash it.
Choose Wool for Sustainable Warmth in the Rain:
Please choose wool thermal base layers if you can, even if you must stretch your budget a little. The future of our planet matters, especially for your children, and every time you choose sustainable products, you help make this world a better (and greener) place to live. Another advantage of wool is its natural odor-eliminating properties, so you can wear it for days on end before it needs to be washed. This is even true for baselayers and socks. For more green living tips like these, read Caring for Earth. You might also like this list of my favorite must-haves for moms, teachers, and caregivers everywhere. The post shares several sustainable clothing and outerwear options that are perfect for her. I don’t know how I would have survived all these years outdoors with children without them!
Related: The Best Rock Painting Ideas for Kids
Outdoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids: 27 Ways to Play Outside in the Rain:
Wondering what to do on a rainy day? Rainy day activities for children from toddlers to teens don’t have to be inside; here is a list of fun OUTDOOR rainy activities for kids! Going outside to play in the rain is always a good idea. It helps children get exercise and improves their mood, especially if they’ve been cooped up for a few days.
Going outside to play in the rain does wonders for adults, too! Use the ideas below to get the kids outside and having fun in the rain! There are several fun things you can do outdoors on a rainy day. While indoor rainy-day activities for kids are great, children need to get outside and move their bodies daily. When it rains, outdoor rainy-day activities make it fun to get outside and play.
There are many fun ways to play in the rain, and many educational opportunities to be found outside on a rainy day. The list of rainy-day play ideas that follows provides an excellent source of free, screen-free activities for kids. Try any of these outdoor rainy-day activities to get the kids outside, learning, and having fun! When the sun is shining, you might enjoy this list of fun and educational shadow activities for kids.
1. Sing and dance in the rain:
Who doesn’t love singing in the rain? Like Gene Kelly, get outside to sing and dance in the rain. “I’m singing in the rain, I’m singing in the rain! What a glorious feeling! I’m happy again!” Don’t forget your umbrella to get yourself in the mood.
2. Play with water toys in puddles:
Get the kids outside playing in the rain with some of their favorite pool or bath toys. Bath toys are fun for kids to dip in puddles and play outside on a rainy day, or to play with inside to entertain them in the bathtub and help pass the time when it’s stormy and wet. My daughter has a robot fish bath toy she loves to take outside to swim in the rain. Watching it swim around in the bathtub, inside and outside, in deep enough puddles, is cute. Give it a try!
3. Catch raindrops on your tongue:
Sometimes, the simple pleasures in life are the best, and catching raindrops on your tongue is one of them. Invite children to catch raindrops and sprinkles on their tongues for this fun rainy-day activity. I’ve never met any kids playing in the rain who haven’t loved trying to catch raindrops on their tongues! While at it, ask children to count how many raindrops they catch.

4. Rescue worms:
The lifeguard in me loves this activity. Whenever you see a worm in a puddle, place it back on the earth. Once the rain stops and the ground is dry, rescue the worms by removing them from puddles and from the sidewalk or street, and placing them back in the moist earth. Only hold on to worms long enough to move them. Worms can die if they are held or handled for too long. For more about worms, see Investigate Worms.
5. Make mud pies in the rain:
Children love to play in the mud on rainy days. Making mud pies is a fun outdoor rainy-day activity for kids. Children love playing in the mud on a rainy day. The earth gets nice and soft when it rains, so it’s easy to dig. And it’s fun to decorate mud pies with flowers, leaves, sticks, rocks, etc. Check out Mud Pie Nature Art for more ideas!

Related: 15 Ways to Raise a Helper
Fun Things to Do in the Rain: Rainy Day STEM Activities
The following ways to play in the rain consist of outdoor rainy-day science, STEM, and STEAM activities that help kids learn through play:
6. Become a scientist and use your senses:
Take a few moments to observe the rain. Notice everything about it–the sights, sounds, smells, touch, taste, etc. Record your observations in your favorite nature journal. Learn how to make a Nature Journal or Notebook to write down your observations, draw nature pictures, and more. Take this educational rainy-day idea further at home or in the classroom through creative storytelling or writing. Once you go inside, ask your children to write or tell a story using the information they discovered and experienced in the rain. Ask them to practice using sensory language and feeling words to express themselves. This is an excellent educational rainy-day activity for homeschoolers! You might also enjoy this list of educational outdoor activities. Or learn more about nature study for kids–> HERE.
7. Build a dam:
Use stones, rocks, mud, sandbags, or other natural items to create a dam wherever water flows. Building a dam is a fun and educational STEM activity for kids. When building a dam, please ensure you don’t hurt the area’s inhabitants, the natural landscape, or the surrounding ecology. Never block off an entire waterway, and please ensure the water flows back downstream or into the creek or river before you leave. You might also enjoy stone stacking, but please click the link to read about the do’s and don’ts of rock balancing before trying this outdoor STEAM activity.
8. Race leaves or boats in rain gutters and creeks:
Making and racing toy boats is another great rainy-day STEM activity. Racing leaves or boats down a rushing stream or creek–or in overflowing gutters is a perfect place for this fun rainy-day activity for kids. If you’re looking for a quick, easy popsicle stick boat for children to make, click the link. The peg doll on top is super cute, but optional.
9. Measure the rain:
Children love to measure how much it rained. Measuring rainfall and recording its amount over time is a fun rainy-day STEM activity for kids. How much did it rain in an hour? In a day? In a week? Or all year? Make a DIY rain gauge by securing a ruler to the inside of a clear plastic cup or mason jar, or you can purchase one by clicking the first link. Keep a rain journal to check your measurements against those in your local newspaper or favorite weather website.
10. Make rain art on a rainy day:
Making rain art is a fun rainy-day activity for kids. Use markers to draw on paper, then put your drawings outside in the rain to watch what happens. Visit the Rainbow Rainy Day Art step-by-step tutorial for materials and instructions. Or check out these arts and crafts for more creative projects you can do on a rainy day.
Related: 15 Reasons to Climb a Tree and Other Benefits of Risky Play
Outdoor Rainy Day Activities: More Fun Ways to Play in the Rain Outside:
11. Take pictures outside:
For another fun rainy day activity, grab a waterproof camera for kids and head outside to take pictures in the rain. Taking photos of friends and family playing outside without worrying about your camera getting wet is fun. It’s also fun to photograph nature in the rain. Everything looks so lovely with raindrops on it when photographed. It’s a great time to experiment with different camera settings to capture nature’s beauty in a new light. The rain and stormy days create different moods that are impossible to capture on a sunny day. Today, my husband and I love and use our iPhones because they are now waterproof!
12. Go on a nature walk or Hike (or run!):
Going for a nature walk in the rain is one of my favorite activities. Trails look and feel very different in the rain. When I lived in Vancouver, BC (one of the rainiest cities in the world), my Southern California family often asked if I got SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) from the never-ending overcast skies and rainy weather.
Going for nature walks in proper rain gear was all I needed to keep the dreary weather at bay. Today, I share this rainy-day activity with my daughter, who loves it as much as I do. When I lived on the island of Kauai (another one of the rainiest places in the world), I often just wore my bikini to run on the beach on a rainy day. The weather was warm enough most of the year to enjoy the rain without a single item of rain gear, as long as you didn’t mind getting wet.
With that said, if you ever have the chance to run or walk on a warm day in the rain on the beach, do it. It’s an experience not to be missed. Don’t forget to build a sandcastle and go for a swim with the kids while you are at it! There is nothing like playing on the beach on a warm, rainy day.

13. Create an invitation to play in the rain outside:
Another fun thing to do in the rain is to set up an invitation to play. Just as we create invitations to play indoors, we can also create invitations to play outdoors in the rain. To try this idea, set up a creative rainy-day play activity and invite the kids to give it a try.
14. Declare an outdoor water-fun war:
Whoever said water soakers and water balloons were only for hot days? A water war in the rain is a great way to get the kids outside to burn off excess energy. Especially if they’ve been cooped up for a while. Gear up, and get out there! (Please ensure that children pick up the water balloon pieces when they’re done to help care for planet Earth. Thank you!)
15. Paint with mud and nature:
Painting with silty mud is one of my daughter’s favorite things to do in the rain (creek or lakeside). She calls them her mudder-nature paintings, pronounced like mother nature–lol. Grab a stick or some leaves and dip them in the mud. Then, paint your driveway or sidewalk with the mud and watch it melt away in the rain.
16. Play in the sandbox:
Playing in the sandbox is a fun rainy-day activity. The rain makes it super easy to mold the play sand in whatever way you choose. Just make sure you remove clothing before entering the house, if possible. Rain and sand make for quite a mess!
Related: The Best Backyard Sandbox Ideas for Kids
17. Make rain music:
Put out pots, pans, bowls, tin foil, or anything else you think might make a pleasant sound when raindrops hit it. If you don’t mind it getting a little wet, you can put out a xylophone and enjoy the sound of rain music, “Tip, tip, tap, tap, tap, ting!” Alternatively, create the sound of rain with a DIY rainstick made from recycled and naturally sourced materials. Click the link to learn how to make a see-through rainstick discovery bottle.

18. Bodyboard down small grassy hills:
This was one of my favorite rainy-day activities when I lived on the rainy island of Kauai, Hawaii. It must rain a lot to do this activity because the ground must be completely saturated with water to work. Grab a bodyboard and make for the hills! Think of it like tobogganing in the rain!
19. Feel the soggy earth:
If it’s not too cold, kick off your rain shoes and feel the soggy earth under your feet. This is a fantastic outdoor rainy-day activity for sensory development for children and adults! You might also enjoy reading Why I Allow My Child to Go Barefoot.
20. Go on a rainbow hunt:
The conditions might be right for spotting rainbows after or during light rain. If you can see the sun peeking through the clouds on a rainy day, go outside and turn your back to the sun to look for rainbows in the sky. Or, head out on a rainbow hunt with the sun behind you and pay attention; you might see a rainbow. This fun sun-and-rain activity can sometimes be best achieved by driving or hiking uphill to higher vantage points with clear views in the direction opposite the sun. Learn more about rainbow science HERE.
21. Observe wildlife on a rainy day:
Many animals are more active during and after a rainstorm, so observing wildlife behavior during these times can be fun. Birds, in particular, can be more vocal, and you might spot other wildlife that comes out to drink and forage under the protection of the stormy skies on a rainy day. You might also enjoy these birding activities for kids and adults.
22. Enjoy a fishing adventure:
Many experienced anglers say fish are more active and bite when it rains. The rain helps to oxygenate the water, and many fishermen and women claim the overcast conditions make fish less wary and more likely to bite. This makes rainy days the perfect time to go fishing. Best of all, you’re likely to have the best fishing spots for yourself. Call a friend, gear up, and throw a line out in the rain to see what you can catch.
23. Host a rainy-day scavenger hunt:
Going on a scavenger hunt on a rainy day can be a fun and educational way to pass the time. Create a list of items to find or tasks to complete that are fun to do in the rain, such as finding a worm, making a leaf boat, or looking for the signs of fall, winter, or spring! Scavenger hunts provide a creative way for children to explore and engage with their surroundings. Or send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find natural materials for nature crafts.
24. Play soccer or football in the mud:
Playing team sports like soccer or football in the mud on a rainy day with friends can be an exhilarating experience. Not only is it incredibly fun, but it is messy in a good way. The slippery conditions add an extra challenge that often results in stomach-cramping laughing fits and yips of joy. But please be mindful. Playing sports in the mud on a rainy day can also lead to injuries when participants are too rough or unaware of their surroundings. Be aware and play with care.
25. Collect rainwater for gardening:
Here’s an educational and eco-friendly rainy-day idea for younger and older children, if allowed in your city, county, or state. Believe it or not, collecting rainwater in rain barrels is illegal in many areas. So, do some research before committing to this rainwater activity. To collect rainwater, set out containers. It’s a simple activity that can teach kids about water conservation and can be used to water your garden plants. Invest in a good rain barrel for even more benefits and learning opportunities.
26. Enjoy a Muddy obstacle course:
Rainy weather is perfect for those who don’t mind getting dirty to enjoy the physical challenge of an obstacle course. Muddy buddy mud runs are fun in the rain because outdoor obstacle courses are very different in wet weather. The rain transforms them into slippery, muddy obstacle courses, which adds to the event’s fun, difficulty, and challenge. But again, please use caution when playing in muddy, slippery conditions, as injuries can occur. Especially when events like obstacle courses are involved. Erring on the side of caution is always prudent.
27. Jump in puddles:
Last but certainly not least, everyone’s favorite rainy-day activity is jumping in puddles! Jump in puddles to your heart’s content like my daughter in the photograph below. Who doesn’t enjoy the simple pleasure of making a splash in the rain by jumping in puddles? I like to save this classic rainy-day activity for last because, even with proper gear on, you can get very, very wet!! If it’s not too cold out, take off your shoes to hop, skip, jump, and dance barefoot in the rain like my daughter in the photograph below. Learn 10 reasons why I allow my daughter to go barefoot outdoors–>HERE.
Related: 10 Ways to Have Fun Outside with Fall Leaves
What to do on a Rainy Day: The Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids:
Rainy-day activities don’t have to be indoors; send the kids outside to play in the rain! There are lots of fun things to do outside on a rainy day. We hope you enjoy these rainy-day activities for kids and fun ways to play in the rain outside as much as we do.
After having fun outside in the rain, go inside for a warm bath, some hot tea or cocoa, and a big bowl of popcorn. Next, curl up on the couch with a soft wool throw blanket, light a fire in the fireplace (if you have one), and enjoy the sweet comfort of being warm and dry after a day of fun in the rain.
Once warm and dry, play a fun board game with the whole family, make paper airplanes, pop in a free yoga video, or scroll down and try some of the art and craft ideas for a rainy day on the list below.
Learn more about Nell Regan Kartychok, author and photographer of this guide to fun rainy day activities, indoor and outdoors, HERE, and Rhythms of Play HERE!
Bucket Lists of Fun Activities and Things to Do for Every Season:
For more fun ideas, check out our seasonal bucket lists. They are filled with several fun indoor and outdoor activities that children will love!
- Autumn Bucket List of Fun Fall Activities
- Winter Bucket List of Fun Spring Activities to Do with Kids
- Spring Bucket List of Fun Activities
- Summer Bucket List of Activities for Kids



















It’s a “dam.”
I pay a visit every day some web sites and blogs to read posts, but this blog
offers feature based articles.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy the articles.
You are so cool! I do not suppose I’ve truly read a single thing like this before. It’s so great to find somebody with some unique thoughts on this topic. Really.. thanks for sharing all of these fun ideas!
This site is something that’s needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
Wow, thanks, Helen!
I’m so glad that you appreciate this post, the ideas, and my blog… You just made my day!
Thank you for the fun ideas, but you forgot my favorite thing to do in the rain… rock hound! The rocks are naturally washed so we can see the beauty. I’m so hooked on rock hounding!
Great suggestion Barry! We love searching for rocks. I will add it to our list of fun things to do on a rainy day!
This is so much useful information for parents to do on rainy days with kids in this post. I so am happy that you have shared all of these fun rainy day activities. I never realized there were so many fun ways to play outside in the rain! Please keep sharing fun activities like this for kids!
Hello, Demetra! I’m so glad that you appreciated all of these fun things to do in the rain on a rainy day! I love writing articles like this and will most certainly continue to share more. Thank you for your support!
I love how you’ve included activities to do with kids outdoors! I think there are so many fun things to do in the rain. Measuring rainfall is a good way to incorporate education into it as well.
Thank you, Margaret! Each of the rain activities listed is for outdoor rainy day play. You are correct, measuring the amount of rainfall is a great rainy day activity, and has been listed above.