Building our Community

Rainy day activities for young children 

Rainy days can sometimes put a damper on outdoor plans, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop for your little ones! There are plenty of engaging and entertaining activities that can be enjoyed indoors. Here are some ideas to keep your children happy and occupied on a rainy day.

1. Make Some Playdough

Playdough is undoubtedly the crowd favourite for our Busy Bees playgroup at MECS! The children thoroughly enjoy poking, rolling, squeezing and squashing their dough into different shapes and in doing so are strengthening those little fingers and developing their fine motor skills too. 

This simple No-Cook playdough recipe is great fun to make at home with your children and opens the door to endless possibilities of imaginative and creative play. 

2. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Create a treasure hunt by hiding small toys or objects around the house. Give your child a list of clues or pictures to find the hidden treasures. Be creative with what you hide - pieces of a puzzle to finish together once found, or some favourite books that you can later snuggle up with and read together. My four boys are highly motivated by food so hiding yummy blueberries or choc buttons always adds extra excitement to our hunt! Give your children the opportunity to be the ones who hide the treasures and watch the excitement on their faces as you uncover what they have hidden. This activity not only encourages problem-solving skills but also keeps them active and engaged while indoors. 

3. Dance Party

Clear some space in your living room and have a dance party with your children. Play their favourite music and encourage them to dance and move their bodies. Dancing not only helps improve co-ordination but also provides a fun and active way to burn off energy on a rainy day. Some of our family favourite dance songs include If you're a kid dance around!

The floor is lava song and The Dance Freeze song

4. Indoor Picnic

Transform your living room into an indoor picnic spot. Lay out a blanket, pack some sandwiches, fruits and treats and have a pretend picnic with your little ones. You could invite some of the toys that live at your house to join in the fun too! This activity not only stimulates your child’s imagination but also provides opportunity to practise their fine motor skills while eating. 

5. Inside Obstacle Course

Set up a simple obstacle course using pillows, cushions and furniture. Create challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over pillows, throwing a toy into a basket or balancing on a line. This activity helps improve gross motor skills and provides a fun physical outlet for your young ones. 

Remember, rainy days can be a great opportunity for young ones to engage in different activities and explore their creativity. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can turn a rainy day into a fun and memorable experience for you and your little ones. 

Jemma Lichtendonk

Busy Bees Playgroup Leader