It’s raining, it’s pouring! Time to get creative! You don’t need expensive toys to keep toddlers entertained. There are endless ways to have fun at home with items you already have in your house. These activities are tried and tested by many many little people that I’ve spent rainy days with and never fail to entertain. Enjoy!
Make a sensory tub by using odd bits of kitchen staples like half used packets of rice, pasta, lentils, polenta or whatever else you have in your pantry. Dump them into a large container with a bunch of measuring cups and spoons, straws and any other interesting items from your kitchen drawers. Pro tip: keep your dustpan and brush handy to clean up the mess but remember it’s all about having fun and not about staying tidy. Your toddler might also enjoy sweeping up the mess.
Go outside and play in the rain. Jump in puddles, drive toy cars through the mud, get messy! You can always come back inside for a bath afterwards.
Bake a cake. Yes, even toddlers can help in the kitchen. Let them measure, stir and grease the cake tin.
Dance. Toddlers love to move. Get silly and have fun. Play Follow The Leader, Freeze or practice your shimmy and twist.
Colour Sort. I use an old egg carton and colored pom poms but you can use anything you have. Pegs, Christmas baubles, blocks, and even lollies can be sorted into colours. If you have some mini tongs that’s even more fun!
Playdough. Need I say more? There are tons of recipes online and it’s super easy to make! When you’re done you can store it in an airtight container and use it again.
Macaroni necklaces. Thread pasta onto string or a shoe lace and make a necklace. You can even colour the pasta using food colouring. Younger toddlers may find penne easier to use than macaroni.
Oobleck. Oobleck is so easy to make and will keep your toddler entertained for ages. Add some toy animals or cars to the mix for an added level of fun.
Music parade. Use your imagination. You can use instruments that you already have in your home or find some pots or pans to bang. Practice banging on the beat to a fun song or write one of your own!
Read a book….or five. It will come as no shock to those who know me that reading is on this list. Reading and being read to has so many benefits including supporting cognitive development and improving language skills as well and providing bonding opportunities and many more. My boys are older now but they still love making a cubby and snuggling up together with a book on a rainy day.