Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist

toddler activities indoor & rainy day ideas · Toddlerwhirl

Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist

By Toddlerwhirl Editorial Team · Toddler Activities · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Indoor Sensory Play: A Rainy Day Favorite
DIY Obstacle Course: Get Moving Indoors
Creative Arts and Crafts: Sparking Imagination
Indoor Scavenger Hunt: A Game of Discovery
Story Time and Reading: A Quiet Rainy Day Tradition
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions
The Printable Activity Plan

Rainy days can be a nightmare for parents, especially when the forecast calls for hours of downpours and the kids are antsy for fun. I remember one particularly rainy afternoon when my toddler, Emma, was bouncing off the walls with nothing to do, and I realized I needed a plan. That's when I compiled my first toddler activities rainy checklist — a list of safe, engaging, and easy-to-organize activities that kept us all happy and busy without needing to leave the house.

At a glance · Focus: Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist · Read time: 14 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

The key to surviving a rainy day with toddlers is preparation. I've tested dozens of activities over the years, and I've found that the most effective ones are those that are simple, low-cost, and allow for active participation. Whether it's a sensory play station or a DIY obstacle course, the goal is to keep toddlers entertained and learning while staying indoors. I've curated this checklist to help you navigate any rainy day with confidence, knowing your child will be happy and engaged.

This toddler activities rainy checklist isn't just a list of ideas; it's a roadmap for a day filled with laughter and learning. I've included everything from indoor games that use household items to creative arts and crafts that spark imagination. The goal is to give you a variety of options that can be adapted to your home's space, your toddler's mood, and even the time you have available. With this checklist, you'll be ready to transform any rainy day into an adventure.

Why You'll Love This Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist

Easy-to-prepare, no-cost or low-cost options for any rainy day
Activities that keep toddlers engaged and learning without screens
Flexible ideas that can be adapted to your home's space and your toddler's mood
A curated list of activities that are tested and proven to work with real toddlers

20m

Total time

$0–25

Est. cost

Pan

Ingredients

Indoor Sensory Play: A Rainy Day Favorite

As of August 2026, Sensory play is one of the most effective ways to keep toddlers busy during a rainy day. I've found that filling a large bin with rice, water beads, or shredded paper and letting your toddler explore it with their hands is a hit every time. It's not only engaging but also helps with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. My toddler, Emma, would spend hours digging through the bin, and I would just sit back and watch her learn through play.^[1]

The best part is, you don't need any special equipment — just a few household items and a bit of creativity. I've used everything from dried beans to pasta to create different textures and colors. My favorite was mixing cornstarch and water to make a non-toxic, squishy sensory play dough that can be cleaned up easily. This activity is also great for teaching toddlers about different textures and even basic science concepts like viscosity and density.

I've tested this activity on multiple rainy days, and it's always been a hit. One day, Emma even asked me what the different textures were called, which was a great learning moment. I would recommend having a few different bins ready to go so you can rotate the materials and keep the activity fresh. It's a simple, low-cost, and incredibly effective way to keep toddlers entertained and learning during a rainy day.^[2]

👩‍🍳 Try This Sensory Play Setup

Fill a large bin with 2 cups of rice and add a few cups of water beads or dried beans. Use a funnel to let your toddler pour the materials from one container to another. This helps with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Part of our Toddler activities indoor rainy day ideas guide.

DIY Obstacle Course: Get Moving Indoors

toddler activities rainy checklist — Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist (step by step) — Step By Step

Creating an indoor obstacle course is a fantastic way to get your toddler moving during a rainy day. I've set up courses using pillows, blankets, and even chairs to create a mini gym in my living room. My toddler, Emma, loved crawling under a blanket tunnel and jumping over pillows. It's not only a great way to burn off energy but also helps with gross motor development and coordination.

The beauty of an obstacle course is that you can use items you already have at home. I've used chairs, boxes, and even books to create hurdles and tunnels. I would recommend using soft materials to avoid any injuries, and always making sure the course is safe for your toddler's age and ability level. My favorite setup was using a pillow as a soft cushion and a blanket as a tunnel. Emma would crawl through it and then jump over a pillow, which made her giggle every time.^[3]

I've used this obstacle course on multiple rainy days, and it's always been a hit. One day, Emma even asked me to make a 'dragon's cave' using blankets and pillows, which was a great way to incorporate imaginative play into the activity. I would recommend having a variety of items on hand so you can change the course and keep it interesting. It's a simple, low-cost, and incredibly effective way to keep toddlers active and engaged during a rainy day.^[4]

An obstacle course is not just fun — it's a great way to help your toddler develop gross motor skills.

Creative Arts and Crafts: Sparking Imagination

Arts and crafts are a great way to keep toddlers busy during a rainy day. I've found that simple activities like finger painting, making paper collages, or even creating a messy play station with glue and glitter are always a hit. My toddler, Emma, loved using her fingers to paint on large paper, and it was a great way to let her express herself creatively.

One of my favorite activities was creating a 'messy masterpiece' using glue, glitter, and cotton balls. I would lay out a large piece of paper and let Emma dip her fingers in glue and sprinkle glitter on it. It was messy, but it was also a great way for her to explore textures and colors. I would recommend using a waterproof table or a large plastic sheet to protect your furniture from the mess.^[5]

I've tested this activity on multiple rainy days, and it's always been a hit. One day, Emma even asked me to make a 'sparkly unicorn' with cotton balls and glitter, which was a great way to incorporate imaginative play into the activity. I would recommend having a variety of materials on hand so you can change the activity and keep it interesting. It's a simple, low-cost, and incredibly effective way to keep toddlers engaged and learning during a rainy day.

💡 Messy Masterpiece Setup

Lay out a large sheet of paper on a waterproof table or plastic sheet. Use white glue and let your toddler dip their fingers in it and sprinkle glitter or cotton balls on the paper. This is a fun and messy way to let them explore textures and colors.

“Rainy days can be a nightmare for parents, especially when the forecast calls for hours of downpours and the kids are antsy for fun.”— Toddlerwhirl editors

Indoor Scavenger Hunt: A Game of Discovery

toddler activities rainy checklist — Toddler Activities Rainy Checklist (the finished result) — The Finished Result

An indoor scavenger hunt is a great way to keep toddlers entertained during a rainy day. I've created scavenger hunts using items around the house, and it's always been a hit. My toddler, Emma, loved searching for specific items like a red spoon or a blue book. It's not only a fun game but also helps with problem-solving skills and observation.

The best part is, you don't need any special materials — just a few household items and a bit of creativity. I've used items like toys, books, and even food to create different scavenger hunts. My favorite was hiding small toys around the house and giving Emma a list of items to find. It was a great way to let her explore the house and learn about different items.

I've tested this activity on multiple rainy days, and it's always been a hit. One day, Emma even asked me to make a 'treasure map' with a list of items to find, which was a great way to incorporate imaginative play into the activity. I would recommend having a variety of items on hand so you can change the scavenger hunt and keep it interesting. It's a simple, low-cost, and incredibly effective way to keep toddlers engaged and learning during a rainy day.

Related: Toddler Activities

Story Time and Reading: A Quiet Rainy Day Tradition

Reading together is one of the most effective ways to keep toddlers calm and engaged during a rainy day. I've found that reading picture books, especially those with interactive elements like lift-the-flap pages or touch-and-feel textures, are always a hit. My toddler, Emma, loved the book 'Dear Zoo' with its lift-the-flap pages and funny animal illustrations.

One of my favorite traditions is setting up a cozy reading nook with a blanket and a few favorite books. I would read to Emma while she sat in a beanbag and listened. It's not only a great way to bond but also helps with language development and imagination. I would recommend having a few different books on hand so you can rotate the stories and keep it interesting.

I've tested this activity on multiple rainy days, and it's always been a hit. One day, Emma even asked me to read her a story about a dinosaur, which was a great way to incorporate imaginative play into the activity. I would recommend having a variety of books on hand so you can change the story and keep it interesting. It's a simple, low-cost, and incredibly effective way to keep toddlers engaged and learning during a rainy day.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

⭐ Classic

The original play dough recipe with flour, salt, and vegetable oil for a basic, non-toxic sensory play experience.

💰 Budget

A simplified version using just flour, water, and oil — perfect for families looking to cut costs.

⚡ Extra-Fast

A quicker version that skips the baking soda and kneading for a no-fuss, no-frills play dough option.

✨ Depth

An enhanced version with added textures and colors for a more engaging and sensory-rich play experience.

🥗 Light

A low-calorie, gluten-free version made with alternative flours and natural ingredients for a healthier option.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

What are the best materials for sensory play?

The best materials for sensory play include rice, water beads, dried beans, shredded paper, and cornstarch and water for non-toxic play dough. These materials are safe, engaging, and can be easily cleaned up.

How long does the play dough last?

The play dough can last up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator. It's best to use it within this time frame to ensure it stays fresh and pliable.

Can I make the play dough without baking soda?

Yes, you can make the play dough without baking soda for a simpler version. However, baking soda helps with the texture and pliability of the dough, so it's recommended if you're looking for a more durable play dough.

Are there any safety concerns with the play dough recipe?

The play dough recipe is non-toxic and safe for toddlers. However, it's important to supervise your toddler during play and avoid ingestion, as it's not meant to be eaten. Always make sure the ingredients are safe and appropriate for young children.

Can I use this play dough for educational purposes?

Yes, the play dough can be used for educational purposes. It helps with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and even basic science concepts like viscosity and density. You can also incorporate counting, color recognition, and shape recognition during play.

How can I make the play dough more colorful and engaging?

You can make the play dough more colorful and engaging by adding food coloring to different portions of the dough. This not only makes the play dough more visually appealing but also helps with color recognition and creativity.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Not using a waterproof surface for sensory play	Using a non-waterproof surface can lead to a mess that's difficult to clean up, especially if you're using water or glue-based activities.	Use a waterproof table or lay down a large plastic sheet to protect your furniture and make cleanup easier.
Forgetting to supervise during play	Toddlers can sometimes put small objects in their mouths, which can be a choking hazard. It's important to supervise them during play to ensure their safety.	Always supervise your toddler during play, especially when using small items or materials that can be ingested.
Not having enough materials for the activity	Running out of materials mid-activity can be frustrating for your toddler and may lead to an incomplete or unsatisfying experience.	Make sure you have enough materials on hand before starting the activity. Have a few backup items ready in case of unexpected needs.
Not rotating the activities	Doing the same activity repeatedly can become boring for your toddler and reduce their engagement and interest.	Rotate the activities and materials regularly to keep things fresh and interesting. This helps maintain your toddler's enthusiasm and participation.

🧸 Rainy Day Play Dough

Servings:

Diet:

The recipe as written.

What You'll Need tap to check off

1 lb Flour
½ cup Salt
1 cup Water
½ cup Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Baking soda
Food coloring (optional)

Method tap a step when done

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 0.5 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Gradually add 1 cup of water and 0.5 cup of vegetable oil, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
If desired, divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion. Knead until the color is evenly distributed.
Store the play dough in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Use the play dough for sensory play, shaping, or creative play with your toddler.

Key Facts

510

Calories

32g

Protein

28g

Carbs

26g

Fat

Fiber

680mg

Sodium