40+ Free Things to Do With Kids in the Summer When It Rains

Updated on June 26, 2018 at 12:10 PM

Although summertime is built for outdoor adventures like biking, swimming, and having picnics, Mother Nature can sometimes have plans of her own. There is nothing that will dampen a kid's Summer spirits faster than the arrival of a rainy day, and as a parent, we aren't all that fond of them either since they require last-minute activities to entertain our kiddos that don't break the bank. But, if you plan ahead and have a backup in place for days when the weather goes awry, you all may have such a great time that you'll start looking forward to the next rainy day! Keep reading for 40+ creative and fun rainy day activities for all ages.

Ages 2-4

Toddlers are natural explorers, so if you have to keep them cooped up indoors all day, be prepared to have some interactive adventures planned.

Finger-paint masterpieces
Have a puppet show with socks
Go to the library for story time
Have your own story time with pillows and twinkly lights
Play together with blocks
Put together a puzzle
Have a dance party
Play Simon Says
Sing songs together

Ages 5-8

This is a great age because children have better motor skills and impulse control by now. Take advantage of that, and dive into more complex activities.

Play hide-and-seek
Create a collage with paint
Make an obstacle course throughout the house
Make a fort with all the blankets you can find
Have an indoor beach party with towels and snacks
Do an at-home facial together
Listen to an audiobook
Make a music playlist for the whole family

Ages 9-12

Older kids might be more willing to try something new, so urge them to think outside the box!

Have a scavenger hunt with prizes
Make your own scary movie
Discover sudoku together
Create a slideshow of your last family vacation
Try guided meditation with an app
Play musical instruments with makeshift items
Play dress-up with costumes
Write letters to family members far away

Ages 13+

Teenagers can be a challenge to keep engaged and off devices, but zoom in on whatever is of most interest to them, and you'll have a captive audience in no time.

Watch a horror film together
Have an all-day movie marathon
Have a pillow fight
Help reorganize their room
Cook a new recipe together
Introduce them to your '90s playlists
Teach them to play poker
Learn how to make origami
Make s'mores by roasting marshmallows over the stove
Read the Harry Potter books aloud

All Ages

Sometimes kids have such a large age gap that it becomes challenging (but not impossible!) to come up with activities that the whole family can enjoy. Try some of the following for a crowd-pleasing good time.

Play "The Floor Is Lava"
Create an art wall with everyone's artwork
Experiment with silly hairstyles
Have a fashion show
Bake sweet treats together
Partake in charades
Play a board game
Take turns telling each other your favorite memories from family vacations