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    Home » Updates

    25 Bad Weather Activities

    Published: Aug 15, 2025 by Vicky · Leave a Comment · Post contains affiliate links

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    25 bad weather activities
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    Rainy days don't have to mean frowns and cabin fever! These Bad Weather Activities are a great way to keep kids busy, happy, and learning when going outside just isn't possible. These are some of our favorite kids activities that are easy to prepare and use simple materials.

    child staring out window at rain

    If you are looking for more ways to keep kids busy, check out these 10 Sick Day Activities and 10 Busy Toddler Activities.

    Jump to:
    • Best Supplies for Rainy Day Activities
    • Why Parents Love These Activities
    • Tips for Kids' Activities
    • FAQS for Bad Weather Activities
    • Bad Weather Activities

    Best Supplies for Rainy Day Activities

    You don't need anything fancy when the weather isn't cooperating, but a few smart picks can make indoor playtime smoother (and a lot more fun). I've gathered some of my favorite items below.

    From kid-safe scissors and colorful markers to easy-clean trays and storage bins, these are the must-haves you will reach for again and again when the bad weather hits.

    👉 Tap any image below to shop these rainy-day essentials on Amazon!

    Maitys 15 Pcs Flat Plastic Trays 16.1 x 11.8'' Sensory Storage Tray Paper Stackable Classroom Bins for Office Home Organizer Arts and Crafts Supplies(Classic Color)Maitys 15 Pcs Flat Plastic Trays 16.1 x 11.8'' Sensory Storage Tray Paper Stackable Classroom Bins for Office Home Organizer Arts and Crafts Supplies(Classic Color)Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space Theme - Art Kit for Kids, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Gift for Boys & Girls, Ages 5, 6, 7, 8 [Amazon Exclusive]Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space Theme - Art Kit for Kids, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Gift for Boys & Girls, Ages 5, 6, 7, 8 [Amazon Exclusive]Dan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault - Craft Supplies Kit in a Box for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 Year Old Girls & Boys - Crafting Set Kits - Gift Ideas for Kid Art Activity GiftsDan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault - Craft Supplies Kit in a Box for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 Year Old Girls & Boys - Crafting Set Kits - Gift Ideas for Kid Art Activity GiftsCrayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]DLUCKY 208 PCS Art Supplies, Drawing Art Kit for Kids Adults Art Set with Double Sided Trifold Easel, Oil Pastels, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pens Gift for Girls Boys Artist,PinkDLUCKY 208 PCS Art Supplies, Drawing Art Kit for Kids Adults Art Set with Double Sided Trifold Easel, Oil Pastels, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pens Gift for Girls Boys Artist,PinkMAHANCRIS Kids Bookshelf with Toy Organizer, Book Shelf for Kids Room, 5-Tier Sling Bookshelf, Toy and Book Storage for Kids, for Kids Room, Living Room, Playroom, Nursery, White KBWT8201MAHANCRIS Kids Bookshelf with Toy Organizer, Book Shelf for Kids Room, 5-Tier Sling Bookshelf, Toy and Book Storage for Kids, for Kids Room, Living Room, Playroom, Nursery, White KBWT8201

     

    Why Parents Love These Activities

    • You don't need anything fancy. You probably already have most things you need at home.
    • They're quick to set up, so you can start having fun right away. We all know patience is not a strong suit for most kids.
    • Perfect for all ages, so siblings (and even parents) can join in the fun.
    • Makes the day feel way less gloomy.

    Tips for Kids' Activities

    Tip 1: Set up your space before you start so you're not scrambling to find things halfway through.

    Tip 2: Keep a "mess kit" ready with things like paper towels, baby wipes, or an old sheet to catch spills.

    Tip 3: Don't stress if things don't turn out perfect. The goal is to have fun!

    FAQS for Bad Weather Activities

    What if I don't have all the supplies?

    Just swap in what you do have. Half the fun is being creative and making it work with what's on hand.

    How do I keep the mess under control?

    Select one "activity zone," such as a table or a mat on the floor, and keep all the necessary items there. Cleanup will be way easier.

    Can I make these work for a group of kids?

    Yep! Just set up a couple of stations so everyone has something to do without waiting too long for their turn.

    Bad Weather Activities

    Sometimes the weather just won't cooperate, but that doesn't mean the day is a total loss. Indoor time can still be exciting with the right activities and a little preparation.

    These ideas are designed to keep kids busy while thinking and having fun. They will be able to make the most of being indoors, and they'll have so much fun that they might not even want to go outside when the weather gets better!

    1
    Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
    https://www.messforless.net
    Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
    Bubble wrap stomp painting lets kids jump, stomp, and make art all at once. It's messy fun that lets kids burn energy while creating something colorful.
    Click here for activity
    2
    Make a Balloon Zip Line
    messforless.net
    Make a Balloon Zip Line
    As kids make their own zip line, they will learn about gravity and science and be amazed as a simple balloon into a mini science project at home.
    Click here for this activity
    3
    Painting Popcorn
    messforless.net
    Painting Popcorn
    This hands-on snack lets kids dip popcorn (and even mini marshmallows!) into brightly colored edible "paint" so they get to make art they can munch on. It's a totally creative twist on snack time that's quick to set up.
    Click here for this activity
    4
    Fruit Loop Towers
    messforless.net
    Fruit Loop Towers
    This fun fine motor activity lets kids build colorful rainbow towers using play dough, uncooked pasta, and Fruit Loops. The best part? Once the towers are done, they get to eat their creations!
    Click here for this activity
    5
    Fine Motor Skills Activity With Tongs pin
    messforless.net
    Fine Motor Skills Activity with Tongs
    Kids will use tongs and colorful pom‑poms to scoop and sort while strengthening their hand muscles. It's a smart way to sneak in dexterity work disguised as a game!
    Click here for this activity
    6
    messforless.net
    Colorful Dancing Milk
    This cool activity lets kids make swirling, dancing bursts of color, all using items you already have in your kitchen. It's like watching a mini rainbow come to life right before your eyes!
    Click here for this activity
    7
    messforless.net
    Bubble Wrap Art Prints
    This creative idea turns ordinary bubble wrap into a super fun painting tool. It's hands-on art and sensory play rolled into one awesome activity.
    Click here for this activity
    8
    messforless.net
    Tape Resist Art with Watercolors
    This project uses tape and watercolor paint to create a surprise design! It's like uncovering hidden art shapes, turning painting into a mystery.
    Click here for this activity
    9
    messforless.net
    Homemade Harmonica
    This fun craft turns simple items like popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and paper into a real, playable harmonica. It's a fun mix of crafting and music!
    Click here for this activity
    10
    messforless.net
    2 Ingredient Shaving Cream Paint
    Painting with shaving cream is a great sensory activty. Kids get to squish, swirl, and smear all the colors together, and the patterns come out looking super cool. Plus, cleaning it up is weirdly satisfying.
    Click here for this activity
    11
    Fun with Pipe Cleaners Fine Motor Skills
    messforless.net
    Fun with Pipe Cleaners Fine Motor Skills
    Playing with pipe cleaners is a sneaky way to work on fine motor skills while kids think they're just having fun. They can bend, twist, and loop them into all sorts of shapes, and the bright colors make it even more exciting.
    Click here for this activity
    12
    Counting Game with Buttons and Muffin Cups
    messforless.net
    Counting Game with Buttons and Muffin Cups
    This counting game turns buttons and a muffin tin into a super simple math activity. Kids get to sort, count, and match while playing, and the hands-on part makes it way more fun than just using a worksheet
    Click here for this activity
    13
    messforless.net
    Dripping Salt Painting
    Kids sprinkle salt on their designs, then drop paint and watch it spread in the coolest way. It's a fun art activity that is super easy to set up.
    Click here for this activity
    14
    messforless.net
    Make Your Own Scratch Art Paper
    Kids color a bright background, cover it up, then scratch designs to reveal the surprise underneath. It's colorful, creative, and makes for eye catching art!
    Click here for this activity
    15
    messforless.net
    Birthday Party Playdough
    This fun activity turns playdough into a pretend birthday party. Kids decorate "cupcakes," add candles and jewels, then blow them out. It's like the real thing, but without the mess.
    Click here for this activity
    16
    Exploding Milk Experiment
    messforless.net
    Exploding Milk Experiment
    The exploding milk experiment is a quick, colorful science trick that feels like magic. A drop of soap makes the colors in the milk swirl and burst apart, and kids will want to watch it over and over.
    Click here for this activity
    17
    messforless.net
    Glitter Oobleck Recipe
    This cool mix of cornstarch, water, food coloring, and glitter becomes a goo that's sometimes solid and sometimes liquid. Kids will love squishing and poking it while watching the sparkles.
    Click here for this activity
    18
    Art Activity: Square Collage
    messforless.net
    Art Activity: Square Collage
    This open-ended art activity has kids cutting out colorful paper squares and gluing them onto black paper to create anything from abstract patterns to cute pictures. It's a perfect mix of creativity and learning.
    Click here for this activity
    19
    messforless.net
    Erupting Play Dough
    This bubbly experiment turns lotion play dough made with baking soda into mini volcanoes when you drop it into a cup of vinegar. Kids will love to watch the fizz erupt!
    Click here for this activity
    20
    messforless.net
    Simple Science Rising Raisins
    This super cool experiment has you drop raisins into a mix of water, baking soda, and vinegar then watch them magically rise and sink like they're doing a dance.It only needs stuff you probably already have at home!
    Click here for this activity
    21
    Calming Bottles and Sensory Bottles
    messforless.net
    Calming Bottles and Sensory Bottles
    Calming bottles are like little jars of magic. Just swirl them and watch glitter and colors slowly drift down. They're soothing to look at and a fun, easy project for kids to make.
    Click here for this activity
    22
    No Cook Lotion Dough
    messforless.net
    No Cook Lotion Dough
    This super soft sensory dough uses just four easy ingredients for a sweet‑scented, pastel play experience that needs zero stove time. It's a squishy delight that smells great and comes together in minutes!
    Click here for this activity
    23
    messforless.net
    Baking Soda Experiments
    Baking soda experiments are fizzy, bubbly fun that double as a little science lesson. Just add vinegar and watch the colorful eruptions happen. It's simple, messy, and kids love it.
    Click here for this activity
    24
    Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    messforless.net
    Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    This crafty activity uses q‑tips to stamp and paint your very own snowman! Kids get to practice fine-motor skills while turning simple supplies into a winter wonderland.
    Click here for this activity
    25
    Snow Gak Sensory Play
    messforless.net
    Snow Gak Sensory Play
    This snow slime is super stretchy, gooey fun! Kids will make foam "snowballs" they can squish and stretch. Kids can play with it for hours!
    Click here for this activity

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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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