As much as we all love outdoor play, sometimes you have to stay inside. Whether it's due to rain, or other types of inclement weather, it can be hard to keep everyone entertained indoors all day long. And when you have more than one child in different age ranges, it's even harder to find the right type of activity ideas for everyone.
That's why we've compiled a list of some of our favorite rainy day activities and toys for a range of ages—perfect for those days when you're stuck inside and out of ideas. Here are a few.
Be the director of your own puppet show
Puppet shows are a fantastic way to get imaginative and flex your storytelling muscle! And these handmade puppets are a sweet way to spin your tale. Whether you like hand puppets or finger puppets, both can help you and your child unleash your creativity together. They're great for ages six months and older, made with organic cotton, and are colorful and cute. We love them!
The Flutterers Finger Puppets by Cuddoll
Explore your senses
Sensory play is not only fun; it's also a great way to develop a child's senses and encourage development. This themed rice kit brings together sensory play with bugs! Perfect for every bug-loving little one, the kit includes a large bag of rice, a smaller pack of beans, rocks, gems, stones, toys, a magnifying glass, and more. Get ready for loads of exploratory fun.
Bugs bugs bugs! Sensory Bin from Tiny Tales Boutique
Make a batch of slime
Slime never gets old for little ones. It's another excellent way to explore sensory play, and the beauty of this kit is that you can let your child do it all. (Which means they'll be kept busy for even longer!) Everything they need to make slime comes with the kit, including step-by-step instructions. All you need to do is provide a measuring cup, spoon, and water. Fun for hours and only a little work for you. (Next, teach them how to clean up after, too!)
8 oz Slime Kit by Tiny Tales Boutique
Get puzzled
Puzzles are a classic way to have fun inside, and this one—designed for toddlers—is perfect for more than one type of play. Once your little one has solved the puzzle by placing the pieces in their spots, they can also use the animals as characters for some imaginative playtime. Did we mention it's also gorgeous?
Wee Gallery Second Edition Wooden Tray Puzzle
Learn and play at the same time
We love this cute learning toy. Help your children work on number sense, addition, and subtraction with this wooden hands-on children's game. It includes a calculator tray, number tiles, and marker chips; it's made of natural premium hardwood painted in bright colors and lightweight and easy for little hands to manipulate—such a fun way to encourage learning with playtime.
Lily and River Little Numbers Wooden Math Toy
Explore a playground (yes, really!)
This wood activity center makes it easy to enjoy hours of indoor play. With beads, spinners, and colorful illustrations, there are lots for your children to see and do. And with things to grasp, pull and move, it also encourages cause and effect learning. Perfect for little ones aged 12 months or older.
Playground Adventure Wooden Play Activity Center
Mix and match
Who doesn't love a good memory game? This one includes bright, beautiful colorful wooden pieces and a canvas string-tied pouch for simple storage. It's easy to keep them occupied while encouraging concentration and focus.
Lily and River Little Matchables Wooden Toy
Get snappy
Unleash your child's inner photographer! Taking pictures can be just the beginning of hours of indoor fun. After they snap some shots, they can arrange them into art—make a collage, put them on colorful backgrounds, and hang them around the house to create their own gallery showing. The opportunities are endless with this little toy.
