These indoor activities can be done for free, as they require only common items found around the home. All that is needed for a full day of indoor fun is some paper, crayons or markers, books, a blanket, and some plastic cups or containers.
Toddler Art Activity
Get a piece of plain or construction paper and markers or crayons, and draw a sunny day scene. Talk about the shapes and objects in the picture and then let toddlers color it. When they are done coloring, or become tired of it, let them suggest other things to draw.
If they become stuck for ideas, draw some shapes or basic objects and see if they know what they are. Be sure to talk about the objects as they are being drawn. Give some facts about each one, like shape, color, and function.
Toddler Learning Activity
Try a story book dozen. Help toddlers pick out 12 of their favorite books, then curl up on the couch or another favorite spot and review them together. Read the stories, but don’t be in a rush. Point out objects in the pictures and talk about them. Also ask toddlers to point out objects and colors in the pictures. See how many new words they can learn.
Books with lots of pictures and not a lot of words are best. Toddlers will be more interested in what is going on in the pictures than in the actual words. Don’t worry if the toddler becomes bored before all the books are finished. Come back to them later or save some for another rainy day.
Toddler Imagination Activity
Lay a blanket over the top of a couple of chairs, or anywhere else that would make a safe little spot to crawl into. Pretend the makeshift fort is a castle, a cave, a secret passage way, or just a great hiding place. Let the toddler play in it, while preparing a healthy snack or delicious treat.
Retreat to the hideout with the snack or treat for an indoor picnic. Make it a party and invite some favorite toy friends to join. After the picnic is over, the toddler may be content to continue playing in the fort for some time.
Toddler Tub Activity & Matinee
When the rain won’t stop outside, get wet inside! Fill the tub for an afternoon water play session. Instead of the usual tub toys, grab some cups, strainers, containers, or other plastic household items that would be appropriate for tub use. Let toddlers pour water from one container to the other, or watch it rain out of a strainer.
When bath time is finished, the toddler will likely be in a mellower mood. Prepare some healthy snacks and take advantage by popping in a toddler friendly DVD. Enjoy some quiet cuddle time on the couch, or take the opportunity to play catch up with some housework.
Believe it or not, sometimes rainy days can be a good thing. They’re the perfect opportunity to bond with toddlers while challenging their memory and imagination.
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