10 Preschool Rainy Day Activities to Bust Boredom

| Last Updated: May 24, 2023

Rainy days can often leave parents struggling to keep their preschoolers entertained. Fear not, we’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting indoor activities that are sure to keep your little ones engaged and boredom-free. 

From sensory play to crafts and games, these activities are perfect for those gloomy days when outdoor play is not an option.

Great Preschool Rainy Day Activities

Sensory Development | Fine Motor Skills | Observation

1. Rainy Sensory Bin

First on the list is the Rain Sensory Bin! It is an easy way to entertain your preschooler on a rainy day. It is also a great way to engage your child’s senses and spark their curiosity about the world around them. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Blue Glass Gems
  • Shaving Cream
  • Pool Noodles
  • Colander
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Measuring Cups
  • Straws
  • Large Bin

To set it up, cut up pool noodles into various shapes and colors and create a “storm cloud” by threading lightning bolt-shaped pipe cleaners through a colander. Toss in the dark blue glass gems and top them off with fluffy foam balls.

Fill a roomy bin with water and toss in the cloud and pool noodle pieces. Let your kiddos explore by pouring water through the noodles, using straws, and getting a feel for the cool gems. 

They can even create designs with the glass beads in the foam and experiment with dissolving it in the water. With endless possibilities for play, this sensory bin is sure to be a hit with the kids and keep them occupied for hours!

Visit sugarspiceandglitter.com for more information about this resource.

Singing | Gross Motor Skills | Creativity

2. Rainy Day Nursery Rhyme

Photo credit: letsplaykidsmusic.com

Rain is just a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a total buzzkill. As a parent or teacher, you can turn a rainy day into a groovy adventure with some sick rainy-day nursery rhymes. To get into the rainy vibe, grab some dope wet weather gear like wellies and waterproof suits, and head outside for a stroll or some splashin’ in the puddles. 

There are heaps of rainy day nursery rhymes to choose from, like “I Hear Thunder,” which is all about the sounds and beats of falling raindrops, and “Splashing in the Puddles,” a fave among kids. 

You can also get creative with percussion instruments like pots, tins, and pans to make your own indoor rainstorm or jam out to the rhythm of the nursery rhymes. If you’re feeling extra brave, try spitting a nursery rhyme while keeping time with a drum or biscuit tin, turning up the volume until everyone’s screaming.

Make sure to look at letsplaykidsmusic.com to learn more about this resource.

Fine Motor Skills | Creativity | Following Directions

3. Rainy Cloud Craft

Photo credit: giftofcuriosity.com

Get ready to take it up a notch and create a captivating rain cloud craft that mimics rainfall on paper. Kids can engage in the exciting process of crafting their very own mini-rainstorm, complete with a small lake forming at the bottom!

To bring this rain cloud craft to life, gather the following materials:

  • Plastic pipette
  • Books or boxes
  • Water
  • Watercolor paper
  • Blue liquid watercolor paint
  • White glue
  • Tray
  • Small container
  • Cotton balls

Mix the glue, water, and blue paint until you create a light blue, slightly runny glue combination. Draw the mixture into a plastic pipette and place a piece of watercolor paper on a tray. Carefully twist the pipette to make little drops of “rain” at the top of the paper. If the mixture is too thick, add more water. If it’s too runny, add more glue.

Once you’ve added enough “raindrops,” add cotton balls to the paper’s surface with glue to make clouds. Once the paper has dried, it’s done! Kids will enjoy seeing their own miniature downpour with a lake at the base. This indoor activity is not only fun but also a great way to teach kids about the weather. So, why not give it a try? 

To find out more about this resource, be sure to check it out at giftofcuriosity.com.

Problem-Solving | Counting | Taking Turns

4. Play Board Games

Photo credit: teachingexpertise.com

If you want to inspire your little one’s education through play on rainy days, consider trying board games. Not only are they entertaining, but they also support the growth of crucial skills like counting, matching, problem-solving, and taking turns.

There are plenty of great board games for preschoolers, such as traditional games like Snakes and Ladders, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders. These games feature vibrant colors, easy-to-follow rules, and exciting themes that capture young children’s imagination.

For kids who are a bit older and up for a challenge, games like Hi Ho! Cherry-O and Sequence for Kids can offer more complex gameplay involving strategy, counting, and planning.

Playing board games with your child is also an excellent opportunity to bond and spend quality time together. You can make it a regular family activity and take turns selecting which game to play each week.

Board games are a stimulating and effective way to encourage your preschooler’s learning and development while having a blast together.

Be sure to visit teachingexpertise.com to learn more about this resource.

Phonic Awareness | Letter Recognition | Gross Motor Skills

5. Puddle Jumping Alphabet Activity

Photo credit: funlearningforkids.com

This next rainy-day activity is perfect for keeping preschoolers entertained and learning at the same time! By creating puddle-like shapes out of blue paper and writing letters on each one, kids can practice their letter recognition and phonics while jumping and moving around.

Here are the materials needed to set up the activity:

  • Blue paper
  • Scissors
  • Black marker
  • Painter’s tape
  • Music

Once you have all the materials ready, it’s time to set up the activity! Use the painter’s tape to attach the paper puddles to the floor and create a jumping course for the kids. When the music starts playing, they can jump from puddle to puddle, trying not to touch the floor in between.

When the music stops, the kids have to identify the letter they landed on and the sound it makes. This is a great way for them to practice their letter recognition and phonics skills while having fun and being active.

This activity is perfect for keeping kids entertained and learning on a rainy day when going outside to jump in puddles isn’t an option. So gather your materials, put on some music, and get ready for a fun and educational adventure with your little ones!

Visit funlearningforkids.com to find out more information about this resource.

Fine Motor Skills | Hand-Eye Coordination | Following Directions

6. Shape Lacing Cards

Next on this list is a nostalgic, fun, and educational activity for kids to do on rainy days. Do you recall playing with sewing cards or lacing cards when you were younger?

Well, these activities are still exciting for kids today, and they’re great for improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. What’s even better is that you can make your lacing cards right from the comfort of your home. All you need are:

  • Empty Cereal Boxes
  • Markers
  • Scissors
  • Single-Hole Puncher
  • Shoelaces Or Beading Laces

To create your lacing cards, first, flatten a cereal box and draw or trace fun shapes. Then, carefully cut out the shapes and punch holes around the edges.

Encourage your little ones to use stickers or markers to decorate their cards and make the activity even more enjoyable. So, let’s get lacing and have some fun while strengthening those fine motor skills!

Head over to Livewellplaytogether.com to find out more details about this resource.

Gross Motor Skills | Following Directions | Reading

7. Yoga for Kids

Photo credit: parentmap.com

Did you know that yoga isn’t just for grown-ups, but it’s also great for kids? That’s right! Incorporating yoga into your child’s daily routine can help them develop physical and mental wellness. While the conventional way of practicing yoga might not be the best option for kids, there are lots of exciting and engaging methods to introduce yoga to them.

To make yoga fun and enjoyable for kids, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they won’t be able to sit still and focus on their breath for long periods. Instead, make it interactive and amusing by using animal postures and creating songs to go along with them.

You can even make flashcards that have pictures and names of the poses to help with their reading skills.

It’s amazing to witness young children being able to say, “Yoga calms me down!” and learn valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Visit parentmap.com to learn more information about this source.

See more: Movement Activities for Preschool
Gross Motor Skills | Social Skills | Following Directions

8. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Are you curious about what a scavenger hunt entails? It’s a fun game where players search for specific items listed on a sheet. To create an indoor scavenger hunt for young children, the key is to use images, limit the list, and select a theme that piques their interest.

We suggest using a silhouette scavenger hunt list with outlines of various food toys placed alongside it on a clipboard. Since most toddlers can’t read, a typical written list is ineffective. Instead, incorporate pictures, such as clip art, photographs, or simple line drawings.

Keep the list brief and ensure that the items are easily discoverable. The best approach is to organize a scavenger hunt around a particular theme. Setting up can be a breeze or a bit more involved depending on how much time you have. If you have lots of time, you can get really creative and set up a scavenger hunt that spans the entire house.

For more information about this resource, be sure to check out entertainyourtoddler.com.

Imagination | Creativity| Fine Motor Skills

9. Painting with the Rain

Photo credit: nurturestore.co.uk

Rainy days don’t have to be dull and dreary. They can be an excellent opportunity for your little ones to explore the amazing world of art. Painting in the rain is a thrilling and enjoyable way to unleash their creativity and imagination. As a caregiver or educator, you can encourage children to use the rain as their canvas to create splendid works of art. All you need are some:

  • Non-Toxic Paints
  • Various Paintbrushes
  • A Rainy Day

You can set up an outdoor art station with an umbrella or canopy to keep it dry, or you can relocate the activity indoors to a covered space such as a porch or garage. Children can experiment with blending colors, mixing, and layering to produce a remarkable masterpiece. 

It’s also a fantastic way to introduce them to the different textures and patterns that the rain can make on paper. So, next time it’s pouring, let your kids enjoy the rainy weather and have a blast painting in the rain!

Check out nurturestore.co.uk for further information about this source.

Recycling | Listening | Creativity

10. Paper Towel Roll Domino Challenge

Last on this list ist perfect for keeping your little ones entertained and challenged, and it’s easy to set up. All you need are some cardboard tubes, so start saving them now! To make this activity, you can use paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls.

Start by lining up all your cardboard tubes in a straight line. It’s important to make sure that they’re all evenly spaced apart. After that, let your little ones experiment with different ways to create a full domino effect. They can try different configurations and see what works best.

For some added fun, you can even put Easter eggs on top of the tubes and see how that affects the domino effect. So, don’t let the rain get you down – get creative with some cardboard tubes and have some fun!

To know more about this resource you can visit happytoddlerplaytime.com.

Conclusion

We hope these 10 preschool rainy day activities have helped you and your little ones beat boredom and have some fun. 

Don’t forget to check out our website for more creative ideas and inspiration to keep your preschoolers engaged and learning, rain or shine! Stay tuned for more exciting activities to come.



Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to Education Outside! Im passionate about educating young minds and helping parents/teachers by providing easy and effective teaching resources. Check out all of my teaching resources on my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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