Toddlers are lively and full of fun. When it’s raining, it can be a struggle to keep them amused. But don’t worry – you don’t need sunshine to have a good time! The Elves have put together a brilliant list of ideas to keep toddlers amused in wet weather. We have the best indoor toys for creative and adventurous toddler girl and boys, and loads of fun activity suggestions. Why not:
- Arrange an indoor assault course
- Do a fun jigsaw together
- Enjoy some sensory play
- Get creative
- Have a teddy bear tea party
- Enjoy a cooperative board game
- Play pretend
Arrange an indoor assault course
When your toddler has energy to burn, it’s time to turn your living room into an epic obstacle course. Use pillows, chairs, blankets and more to create a course for crawling, jumping, balancing, and climbing. Throw in a tunnel made from a cardboard box or play ‘The Floor is Lava’. Not only is this a great way to tire them out (you’re welcome), it also helps develop gross motor skills and coordination.
Do a fun jigsaw together
Yes, the humble jigsaw puzzle is still a champion of indoor play. For toddlers, start with chunky wooden puzzles or large floor puzzles with familiar animals or characters. The act of matching pieces builds cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination. Make it a team effort and cheer them on with each successful connection. Pro tip: choose puzzles with just the right challenge level, so it’s fun without frustration.
Jumbo Fire Station Puzzle , £12.99 £12.99
Enjoy some sensory play
Sensory play is always loads of fun, rain or shine. Kinetic sand, water beads, rice bins, slime, or homemade playdough are all great options. Set it all up in a tray or on a wipeable mat, and let the squishing, pouring, and scooping begin! Just keep a few towels handy, as sensory play can get delightfully messy.
Get creative
Art projects don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be fun. Crayons, washable paints, stickers, markers – let your little one go wild! Tape a big sheet of paper to the floor or table and let them make a masterpiece. Art gives toddlers a creative outlet and a sense of achievement (even if it’s just a scribble with eyes). And hey, you might end up with some fridge-worthy masterpieces out of it.
Mini Paint Sticks – Art Made Easy! , £19.99 £19.99
Have a teddy bear tea party
Grab the plushies, set up a blanket, and let the tea party commence! This is imaginative play at its finest. You can use real cups or toy sets, and serve some snacks to make it extra special. This kind of pretend play helps toddlers develop empathy, storytelling, and social skills, all while staying warm and dry indoors. Party hats optional!
Enjoy a cooperative board game
Cooperative board games are a lifesaver on long, rainy afternoons. Instead of competing, players work together – perfect for toddlers who are still learning the ropes of turn-taking and sharing. Playing together teaches patience, teamwork, and problem-solving too.
Monkey Around – Wiggle and Giggle , £21.99 £21.99
Play pretend
Sometimes the best rainy day fun comes from your toddler’s wild and wonderful imagination. Encourage them to dress up as superheroes, chefs, doctors, dinosaurs… The possibilities are endless. Pretend play is crucial for language development, creativity, and emotional growth – plus, it’s endlessly entertaining. Guaranteed to win you enough time for a quite cuppa.
Pizza Puzzle – Imaginative Play , £19.99 £19.99
Rainy days don’t have to be dreary – in fact, they can be some of the most magical times for connection, creativity, and couch-jumping chaos. With these ideas up your sleeve, you’ll never fear the forecast again.
Check out our Best Rainy Day Toys blog post for rainy day toys!
I’m saving for a rainy day. So far, I have an anorak, a couple of macs, and a dinghy.
