Free Things To Do with Kids on a Rainy Day
Free Things to Do with Kids on a Rainy Day
Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom or screen time overload. Whether you’re stuck inside or willing to brave a little drizzle, there are plenty of free ways to keep kids entertained, active, and having fun.
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Get Out of the House
Sometimes the best rainy day cure is a change of scenery. These free destinations offer indoor entertainment without costing a dime.
Visit the Library
Libraries are the ultimate rainy day destination. Browse new books, join storytime if one’s happening, or let kids explore the children’s section at their own pace. Many libraries have puzzles, games, and comfortable reading nooks.
Visit a Local Aquarium/Fish Store
Pet stores and aquarium shops welcome browsers. Kids love watching the fish swim, checking out the hamsters, and observing the reptiles. It’s entertainment and a mini field trip rolled into one.
Explore Barnes & Noble’s Kids Section
Bookstores encourage browsing. Let kids flip through books, play with toys on display, and explore the children’s area. Many locations have activity tables or seating areas perfect for spending an hour.
Head to the Mall Play Area
Indoor mall play areas offer a safe space for kids to burn energy. Climb, slide, and run around while staying completely dry.
Grab a Hot Cocoa at In-N-Out
In-N-Out offers free hot cocoa for kids when it rains! Ask for a kids activity pack and a spiffy In-N-Out hat and sit and enjoy your freebies while you warm up.
Walk Around Costco for Samples
Turn grocery shopping into an adventure. Sample stations offer free snacks, and kids enjoy the warehouse atmosphere and spotting interesting items.
Visit a Free Museum
Many museums offer free admission days or are always free to the public. Check local museums for rainy day opportunities to explore exhibits indoors.
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Creative Indoor Activities
These hands-on activities keep kids busy and encourage creativity with items you already have at home.
Paper Plane Contest
Fold paper airplanes and see whose flies the farthest. Test different designs, adjust wing angles, and hold multiple rounds.
Scavenger Hunt Around the House
Create a list of items for kids to find: something blue, something soft, something that starts with “B.” Kids race to collect everything on the list.
Make Paper Chain Garlands
Cut strips of paper and show kids how to loop and glue/staple them into chains. Decorate the house or their bedroom with colorful garlands.
Learn How to Make Origami
Look up simple origami tutorials online. Start with easy shapes like boats, dogs, or fortune tellers. Kids develop fine motor skills while creating something new.
Put on a Talent Show
Give kids time to prepare an act: singing, dancing, jokes, magic tricks, or gymnastics. Perform for family members or stuffed animals.
Make an Amazon Wish List
Let kids browse online and create a wish list for birthdays or holidays. They practice decision-making and learn about planning ahead.
Plan a Pretend Trip or Vacation
Choose a destination together and plan an imaginary trip. Look up attractions, decide what to pack, and create an itinerary. Kids practice research and planning skills.
Film a Movie or Music Video on a Phone
Give kids a phone or tablet to direct and star in their own production. They write scripts, choose costumes, and create scenes.
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Active Indoor Play
Get the wiggles out without leaving home. These activities help kids burn energy when outdoor play isn’t an option.
Living Room Campout
Set up blankets and sleeping bags in the living room. Add flashlights, tell stories, and pretend you’re camping in the wilderness.
Host an Indoor Picnic
Spread a blanket on the floor and eat lunch or snacks picnic-style. Let kids help pack the “picnic basket.”
Indoor Bowling (Water Bottles & Ball)
Line up empty water bottles and use a ball to knock them down. Keep score and create tournaments.
Play Balloon Volleyball
Blow up a balloon and use hands to volley it back and forth. Set up a “net” with a couch cushion or tape line.
Build a Fort
Drape blankets over furniture to create forts and hideouts. Add pillows, books, and flashlights for a cozy space.
Indoor Hopscotch with Tape
Use painter’s tape or masking tape to create a hopscotch grid on the floor. Play the classic game without needing chalk or pavement.
Movie Marathon
Pick a theme or series and settle in for back-to-back movies. Make popcorn and create a cozy viewing area.
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Quiet Independent Activities
These low-key activities keep kids occupied while giving parents a bit of breathing room.
Play a Board or Card Game
Pull out classics like Uno, Monopoly, or Candy Land. Board games encourage turn-taking and strategy.
Solve a Puzzle
Work on jigsaw puzzles together or let kids tackle one independently. Start with age-appropriate piece counts.
Write Letters to Friends & Family, Then Drop Them Off at the Post Office
Kids practice writing while creating something meaningful. Walk or drive to the post office to mail the letters—it adds a small outing to the day.
FaceTime or Call Family Members
Connect with grandparents, cousins, or friends over video calls. Kids catch up with loved ones and practice conversation skills.
Look for Rainbows After the Rain
When the rain slows, head outside or look out windows for rainbows. Talk about how rainbows form and enjoy the view together.
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Embrace the Rain
Don’t let a little water keep you inside. These activities turn rainy weather into an adventure.
Put on Rain Gear & Jump in Puddles
Suit up in rain boots and jackets, then head outside for puddle jumping. Splash, stomp, and see who can make the biggest splash.
Make a Rain Gauge with a Jar
Place a clear jar or container outside and measure how much rain falls. Check it throughout the day and compare rainfall amounts.
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Why These Activities Work
Rainy days challenge families to get creative, but they also offer opportunities to slow down and spend quality time together. Many of these activities cost nothing and require minimal preparation, making them realistic options for busy parents.
Indoor activities like scavenger hunts, talent shows, and fort building encourage imagination and independent play. Visiting free destinations provides a change of scenery and keeps kids engaged without breaking the budget. Outdoor rain activities turn bad weather into a memorable experience.
The key is having options. Some days call for high-energy play, while others work better with quiet crafts or cozy movie marathons. Keep this list handy for the next rainy afternoon, and you’ll never hear “I’m bored” again.
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Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
