26 Screen-Free Rainy Day Activities for Spring
Here are some engaging, screen-free rainy day activities to keep your kids entertained and thriving when it's too rainy to play outside.
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Springtime brings blooming flowers, chirping birds, and, unfortunately, plenty of rainy days that can leave kids feeling restless indoors. But rainy days don’t have to mean more screen time! Instead, they offer the perfect opportunity for creativity, hands-on learning, and quality family connection.
Before we dive in, here’s a little about me so you know you’re getting advice from someone who’s been in the trenches! I’m Alanna Gallo, a former teacher with a master’s in education who saw firsthand how kids were losing confidence, independence, and their natural love of learning. I left the classroom to help parents raise curious, capable, and screen-conscious kids in a world that doesn’t make it easy. My work has been featured in major media outlets, and I’m here to give you real, research-backed advice—without the guilt trips or unrealistic expectations.
Without further ado, here are some fantastic rainy day activities for you to choose from… and the best part? They are all screen-free!
26 Screen-Free Rainy Day Activities
1. Indoor Nature Exploration
Who says you need to be outside to explore nature? Gather leaves, flowers, or small branches from a previous walk and set up a nature investigation station. Kids can use magnifying glasses to observe details, create nature rubbings with crayons, or even start a spring-themed nature journal.
2. Rainy Day Art Studio
Turn your living room into an art studio by setting up different stations for painting, collage-making, or DIY nature-inspired crafts. Try making rain paintings by letting kids draw with watercolor pencils and then spraying their artwork lightly with water to create a unique effect!
3. Build a Cozy Reading Nook
There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day. Set up a cozy reading corner with blankets, pillows, and a warm drink. Let your child pick their favorite books or introduce them to a spring-themed story.
4. Kitchen Science Experiments
Rainy days are great for kitchen-based science! Try making homemade rain clouds by filling a jar with water, adding a layer of shaving cream, and using food coloring to create ‘rain’ as the colors drip down. Or bake together and explore the science of rising dough!
If your kids love science, I urge you to take a look at MEL Science and their monthly hands-on kits and educational digital experiences!
5. Puddle Jumping Adventure (If You’re Up for Some Mess!)
Sometimes, embracing the rain is the best activity! Dress your kids in rain boots and waterproof gear, then head outside for some good old-fashioned puddle jumping. Let them explore how water moves and splashes—it’s an instant mood booster.
6. Indoor Obstacle Course
Set up a fun obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and blankets. Encourage kids to crawl under tables, balance on a ‘tightrope’ (a strip of tape on the floor), and jump from pillow to pillow like stepping stones.
7. Sensory Play with Homemade Playdough
Engage little hands with homemade playdough! Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup warm water, and a tablespoon of oil for a simple dough. Add natural food coloring or essential oils for a fun sensory experience.
8. Spring-Themed Storytelling & Puppet Show
Encourage creativity by helping kids put on a puppet show or create a story together. Use stuffed animals or make simple sock puppets, and let kids invent their own spring adventure tales.
9. Boredom Jar Challenge
Keep a ‘boredom jar’ filled with simple activity ideas written on slips of paper. When kids complain about being bored, have them pull a paper from the jar. Ideas can include ‘build a tower as tall as you,’ ‘write a silly song,’ or ‘make a pretend restaurant and serve snacks.’
10. Spring-Themed Indoor Picnic
Who says picnics are only for sunny days? Lay out a blanket in the living room, prepare some fresh fruit and sandwiches, and enjoy a cozy indoor picnic while listening to nature sounds or rain-themed music.
11. DIY Bird Feeders
Make homemade bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Once the rain stops, hang them outside and observe the birds that come to visit.
12. Cardboard Box Creations
Use old cardboard boxes to build forts, castles, or even a pretend store. Provide markers, stickers, and scissors to decorate and customize their creations.
13. DIY Indoor Garden
Start a mini indoor herb or vegetable garden using small pots or recycled containers. Teach kids about plant growth and let them be responsible for watering and caring for their plants.
14. Yoga and Mindfulness Exercises
Help kids stretch and relax with some simple yoga poses and breathing exercises. This is a great way to channel their energy in a calm and focused manner.
15. Make Your Own Board Game
Encourage creativity by designing a board game together. Use a large sheet of paper to draw a game board, create rules, and make game pieces using small toys or household items.
16. Spring-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of spring-related items kids can find inside the house, like something green, something shaped like a flower, or something soft like a bunny.
17. Sock Skating Rink
Clear a space on a hardwood floor, have kids wear socks, and let them “skate” around. Turn on some music for added fun.
18. Handmade Greeting Cards
Have kids create greeting cards for family members, teachers, or friends. Use scrap paper, stickers, and drawings to decorate them.
19. Mini Indoor Camping
Set up a small tent or make a fort with blankets. Bring in flashlights, stuffed animals, and snacks for an indoor ‘camping’ experience.
20. DIY Musical Instruments
Create simple instruments using household items—rubber band guitars, rice-filled shakers, or paper towel roll trumpets—and have a family music session.
21. Shadow Puppet Play
Use a flashlight and hands or cut-out paper shapes to create shadow puppet stories on the wall.
22. Lego or Block Building Challenge
Challenge kids to build specific things, like a bridge, a house, or a tall tower using Legos or other building materials.
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23. Sensory Bins
Create a sensory bin with rice, dried beans, or kinetic sand. Hide small toys inside for kids to find.
24. Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
Make ice cream with just a few ingredients—milk, sugar, vanilla, ice, and salt—by shaking it in a sealed bag until it thickens.
25. Puzzle Time
Pull out a few puzzles and work on them together as a family. For an added challenge, create a puzzle race.
26. Make Your Own Comic Book
Encourage kids to draw and write their own comic book with characters, speech bubbles, and a storyline.
The Benefits of Screen-Free Play on Rainy Days
Beyond keeping kids entertained, these activities foster creativity, independence, and hands-on learning. Free play encourages problem-solving, strengthens family bonds, and allows kids to experience the joy of discovery—without relying on screens to fill the time.
Looking for even more hands-on learning fun? Check out my 50 Hands-On Learning Activities for Curious Kids! This resource is packed with engaging, screen-free activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Grab your copy today and make screen-free play and learning even easier!
50 Simple Screen-Free Learning Activities for Curious Kids
These 50 hands-on activities help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and real-world knowledge—without needing a screen. Designed to encourage self-directed play, hands-on discovery, and deep learning, this guide gives you a simple way to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities.
So next time the rain starts pouring, lean into the moment. With a little creativity, those gray and gloomy days can transform into some of the most magical, memory-filled ones yet.
Inspired by this post? Be sure to subscribe download my free Screen-Free Starter Kit! For more insights and resources on raising confident, lifelong learners, be sure to follow me on Instagram – can't wait for you to join me!
