How to Make a Rainy Day a Fun Day with Toddlers

Unless you want to see your little ones turn into Thing One and Thing Two -- just like on that cold, wet day in Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat" -- having a rainy day plan for toddlers is a must. When the weather's too wet to play at the park or go to the pool, creating an indoor schedule that packs a punch with fun-filled activities can turn frowns upside down and keep curious toddlers busy. If your tot simply won't stay inside you can even consider extending the fun and games to an outdoor setting, provided she has the appropriate rain gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppets
  • Cardboard box
  • Tempera or finger paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Crayons or markers
  • Paper
  • Rain coat
  • Rain boots
  • Plastic bin
  • Dress up clothes

Instructions

    • 1

      Entertain your toddler with something other than the TV or a DVD. Put on a puppet show that you read from her favorite storybook or make up your own drama featuring animals and other pretend friends. Turn this entertaining idea into a double-duty activity, inviting your tot to help you color a cardboard box puppet theater or dress up paper bag puppets with glue and glitter.

    • 2

      Dress up as a super hero, animal, community helper or a fantastical character with your toddler. Build a dress up box out of a plastic tub, and fill it with old clothes, costumes and fun-filled accessories such as cowboy hats and tiaras.

    • 3

      Get artsy. Cover the kitchen table with newspapers and place a piece of poster board or drawing paper on top. Let your child loose with markers, crayons, finger paints or tempera and brushes.

    • 4

      Set out balls of soft modeling clay or play dough for making sculptures or simply playing with. Give your toddler tools to shape the clay with such as rolling pins, craft sticks or stampers. Allow your toddler to explore the clay, and don't expect her to necessarily make a finished product.

    • 5

      Turn up the tunes. Pick recordings -- or sing songs with your child -- that feature movement, such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Encourage your child to move, dance and twirl to the beat. Give your tot a drum or pots and pans and let him play his own music.

    • 6

      Find an indoor play area. Most malls have a play area meant specifically for toddlers and young kids, and they are inevitably packed on rainy days. Take off your toddler's rain boots and let her join the fray.

    • 7

      Take the fun outdoors. Dress your toddler in her rain-gear, and go outside to splash in the puddles or do a rain dance. Build dams in the gutters and watch the water as it gets diverted by your efforts. Let your toddler throw small sticks or leaves in the rushing water and watch them float on the current. Toddlers love simple things like throwing pebbles into puddles to make a splash or stomping in mud.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Plastic Easter Eggs & Ideas for Toddlers
      When youve got toddlers, simple things like plastic Easter eggs can keep them occupied for hours. If you purchase these eggs after Easter, you can easily find a good bargain with a large assortment of colors. A budget-friendly toy, plastic Easter egg
    • Sand Play as an Indoor Activity for Toddlers
      Sand tables are a favorite sensory play activity for toddlers. Sensory play encourages childrens natural curiosity and love of exploring. You can purchase a sensory table specifically for sand play or create your own sand table using a simple plastic
    • Fun at Home Activities for Kids Ages 2-4
      Playgroups, gym time, art classes and park days are all fun activities for children aged 2 to 4 years, but, if done too frequently, can be overstimulating and lead to tantrums. Creative activities around the home as part of a predictable schedule giv