School holidays are a time for fun and relaxation, but rainy days can quickly put a damper on outdoor plans. Don’t worry—you can still make the most of gloomy days with our creative at home rainy day activities!
Here are our top 10 at-home rainy day ideas
These are sure to keep kids entertained indoors when the weather isn’t cooperating!
1. DIY Craft Projects
Set up a craft station with paper, markers, glue, scissors, and recycled materials. Encourage kids to make cards, jewelry, decorations, or even mini sculptures. For added excitement, set a theme like “Under the Sea” or “Outer Space.”
2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of common household items or hide clues around the house leading to a fun treasure. Add some riddles or challenges for older kids to make it more engaging. You can even turn it into a timed race with small prizes for extra motivation.
3. Baking or Cooking Together
Get your kids involved in the kitchen by making cookies, cupcakes, or a simple lunch. Let them measure ingredients, mix batter, and decorate the final product. For a twist, create themed treats like animal-shaped cookies or colourful cupcakes.
Want to head out for a bite to eat?
4. Build a Fort
Transform your living room into a cosy hideaway using blankets, pillows, and chairs. Add fairy lights for ambiance, and stock the fort with books, snacks, or a tablet for watching movies. Have kids come up with their own “fort rules” or turn it into a storytelling den.
5. Board Games and Puzzles
Dust off classic board games or pull out some age-appropriate puzzles. If you want to go high-tech, try interactive online games that encourage teamwork. For variety, consider making up your own board game as a family project.
6. Movie Marathon
Turn your living room into a home cinema. Choose a movie series or theme, prepare popcorn, and let kids take turns acting as “ushers” and “ticket sellers.” Enhance the experience with blankets, beanbags, or even a projector if you have one.
7. Science Experiments at Home
Bring science to life with hands-on experiments. Create a baking soda volcano, make slime, or explore density with oil-and-water experiments. For older kids, explore topics like electricity using safe DIY kits or simple circuits.
If your kids like puzzles, you can venture out and do some in real life at Hijinx Hotel in Surfers Paradise!
8. Dance Party
Turn up your family’s favorite playlist and have a dance-off. Create mini routines, have a freeze-dance competition, or let kids choreograph their own performances. You could even record the fun and make a home music video.
9. Story Time or Book Club
Dive into a new story or start a family book club. Challenge kids to draw scenes from the book or guess what happens next.
10. Play Dress-Up and Role-Play
Use old clothes, props, or costumes to let kids become their favorite characters or invent new ones. Turn it into a full production by writing a short play or creating a mini movie using your phone.
More at-home rainy day ideas:
- Create a Home Art Gallery: Display kids’ drawings and crafts around the house. Turn the living room into an art exhibit and invite family members to “visit” the gallery.
- DIY Obstacle Course: Use furniture, tape, and household items to create a fun indoor obstacle course. Time each participant and see who can finish the fastest.
- Lego Building Challenge: Set a theme or challenge, like building a spaceship or a castle, and see who can create the most imaginative design.
- Mini Yoga or Stretch Class: Put on a yoga video for kids or guide them through basic stretches. It’s a great way to keep them active and calm during the day.
- Make Your Own Board Game: Let kids create their own game with paper, markers, and dice. They can come up with rules and a unique game board.
Rainy days don’t have to be a drag! These activities keep the kids entertained while sneaking in a bit of learning, too. Whether it’s getting creative with crafts or teaming up for games, there’s plenty here to keep them busy and happy while building some cool skills along the way.
If you’ve got cabin fever and keen to head out despite the rain, check out our article: Indoor Activities on the Gold Coast!
For even more inspiration and to stay updated on kids’ activities around Gold Coast, visit schoolholidaysgoldcoast.com.au. Your next rainy day adventure is just a click away!