Rainy days can be LONG and tedious when you have an active toddler or preschooler at home. Here are ten fun ideas to entertain your toddler at home on those wet and gloomy days when you're trying to avoid excessive screen time:
Build a Fort: Grab some blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy fort in your living room. Let your toddler's imagination run wild as they play and hide in their very own secret hideaway. Add some stuffed animals, books, or even a small picnic to make it extra special.
Indoor Treasure Hunt: Design a treasure hunt by hiding small toys or treats around the house. Create simple clues or pictures to guide your toddler from one hiding spot to another. This activity will keep them engaged, excited, and promote problem-solving skills.
Arts and Crafts: Rainy days are perfect for unleashing your toddler's inner artist. Set up a dedicated craft area with washable paints, crayons, colored pencils, and various types of paper. Encourage your little one to create their own masterpieces, whether it's finger painting, drawing, or making collages.
Dance Party: Put on some lively music and have a dance party right in your living room. Clear a space, and let your toddler shake, wiggle, and groove to their favorite tunes. This activity not only helps burn off energy but also enhances coordination and rhythm.
Sensory Bins: Create a sensory bin by filling a large container with rice, dried beans, sand, or even water. Add in small toys, spoons, cups, and measuring scoops for endless sensory play. Your toddler will love the tactile experience and exploration of different textures.
Cooking or Baking Together: Spend quality time with your little one by involving them in simple cooking or baking activities. Choose age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients, decorating cookies, or stirring pancake batter. Not only will they enjoy the process, but they'll also learn about food and develop fine motor skills.
Storytime and Puppet Shows: Create a cozy reading corner with soft cushions, blankets, and a collection of your toddler's favorite books. Engage them in storytelling, using different voices and expressions to bring the characters to life. You can also create simple puppets using socks or paper bags for interactive puppet shows.
Indoor Obstacle Course: Transform your living room into an exciting indoor obstacle course using cushions, pillows, and furniture. Set up challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over pillows, or balancing on a line of tape. This activity promotes physical development, balance, and coordination.
Sensory Play with Playdough: Make homemade or store-bought playdough available for your toddler to explore. Encourage them to squish, mold, and shape the dough using cookie cutters, rolling pins, or even their hands.
Bath Time: Bring your little one's favorite water-safe toys to the tub and let them play. It's a win-win as you put them down for afternoon naps afterwards all fresh and clean and worn out!
Puddle jumping, FaceTiming the grandparents and (it's okay) some screens can be fun too!