The summer is a great time to get outside and explore the surrounding area. Parks are a safe way to remain active, allow kids to play outside and interact with their peers. Unfortunately, it rains. Check out these activities that let kids remain creative and active...especially during a rainy day. Arts and Crafts When it rains, then arts and crafts are a nice indoor activity to stay creative. If you are looking for a few projects beyond regular drawing and coloring, then check out these activities. 1. Bubble Art - simply mix dishwasher soap, paint and imagination to create the next big thing in the art world. bubble_art To find out the bubble art recipe, check out Pop Sugar for specifics. 2. Mummify a Rubber Chicken or Barbie (or any toy) - If your child is interested in ancient times, then consider mummification. Mix some standard household ingredients vinegar, spices and an old toy to explore this ancient world. mummified_chicken Interested in the step by step instruction? Refer to Creekside Learning for the details. 3. Finger Paint the Bathtub - Looking for a cool way to start bath time? Let the kids paint the tub (with water soluble paint!). Take a quick picture and the new mural washes down the drain. hands in paint To find detailed steps to avoid a mess, check out Creative with Kids. 4. Negative Space Art - If you are looking for a way to add some variety to art time, then consider negative space art. Simply trace some (age appropriate) household items and encourage the kids to color the background to create unique pictures. negative_space_art For more information on negative space art, check out Highhill Education. 5. Paint with Yarn - Add some texture to art projects and include some yarn. To start, spread some glue on paper, then drop (or neatly arrange) some yarn on the page and let the kids paint (or color) in the lines for these colorful paintings. paint_with_yarn For more details and step-by-step instruction on yarn art, check out The Practical Mom. 6. Paper Mache - Depending on your child’s age, then this classic art form may not be great for toddlers. Mix water, flour and some old newspaper (or magazine) pages to create the paper mache. Have the kids lay the paper mache over a balloon or easily removable object to design a bunny mask or self portrait. Really surprise Mom or Dad with a portrait when they come home from work! paper_mache_pencil_toppers For more details on making paper mache bunnies, check out The Sensory Seeker or check out Tiny Rotten Peanuts for details on the paper mache pencil toppers. 7. Shaving Cream Sculptures - Let the kids explore the power of shaving cream by crafting sculptures in the sink (or drawing on the windows). shaving_cream_sculptures For more activities to explore fun with shaving cream, check out The Artful Parent. Activities for Active Kids The summer is a great time to let the kids run wild outside and burn off some energy after being inside all winter. For active kids, check out these activities to remain in motion during a rain storm. 8. Balloon Bouncing - Really an activity for kids of all ages, blowing up a few balloons and telling the kids not to let them hit the ground is a fun way to spend some time and build some eye hand coordination. baby_playing_with_balloons Via My Family Exercise. 9. Balloon Volleyball - A subtle variation on Balloon Bounce, in this activity, then the kids can hit the balloon over an obstacle or some painters tape (which is easily removable). balloon_volleyball For solo kids, then check out a variation via Understood. 10. Bean Bag Toss - Often, some backyard games can be easily converted into kid and house safe activities. The game “bags” is a BBQ favorite where players toss bean bags into a hole in a wood box. Keep the bean bags, but have the kids toss them into paper bags to make it a bit easier. If you don’t have bean bags laying around, then crumple up some newspaper or old magazines. bean_bag_toss Via My Family Exercise. 11. Simon Says - Some of the best activities stand the test of time. Simon Says might be the first game ever invented by a parent hoping to contain some of their children’s neverending energy supply. For a creative boost, try Funny Faces Simon Says. simon_says_funny_faces Simon Says, “Have some fun!” 12. Build a Fort or Playhouse - Another classic activity is Fort. If building and hands on activities really bring enjoyment to your children, then consider a playhouse kit to really bring out some creativity. indoor_play_houses For more indoor house building inspiration, check out Kids Activities Blog. 13. Indoor Snowball Fight - Although most of us are glad its summer, some of us miss those neighborhood snowball fights during the winter. A few creative hacks will let you reenact the family battle in the playroom. Simply crush up some old paper, newspapers and magazines to make the snowballs, then you are all set to let the kids let off some steam. indoor_snowball_fight Via Understood. 14. Dance Party - Quick and cost effective way to let the kids move and groove. Simply turn on the radio and have a dance party to entertain everyone for a while. Check out Songs ‘n Singles for some ideas to create your own dance party playlist. kids_dance_party Don’t forget to get in on the action and save a trip to the gym! 15. Water-Bottle Bowling - If you have some bottles laying around (primarily, water or soda bottles), then simply line them up in the hallway and use an indoor safe ball to take the kids to the “bowling alley” for the day. water_bottle_bowling To learn a few tips to keep the bottles sturdy (add a little grit like sugar, sand or kitty litter to the bottle) check out Understood for more tricks. 16. Hallway Hopscotch - The classic playground can come alive in your hallway with some painter’s tape. Kids can design the course by taping some squares, triangles and circles in a designated place. hallway_hopscotch Via Understood. 17. Activity Cards - Playing cards is usually a good rainy day activity, but activity cards is a great way to learn about the five senses and burn some energy. To prep the game, then write one activity with each letter of the alphabet. Kids draw a card and complete the activity when it is their turn. activity_cards If you are interested in the details, then check out Training Happy Hearts. 18. Blowing with Straws - If you have some cotton balls and a few straws laying around, then you have all of the ingredients for a cotton ball race! The kids can race blowing the cotton across the floor with the straws or set up a little obstacle course with some cups and silverware. The kids can time themselves blowing the cotton across the course. striped_straws For other creative fun with straw ideas, check out Creative with Kids. Educational Fun Over the summer, then it is important to keep children learning and engage their curiosity. These are creative activities that aim to entertain and educate kids. 19. Smell Test - The kitchen is filled with fun aromas. Simply pull out some spices, fruits and anything with a scent and have the kids close their eyes (or blindfold) and guess the substance. smell_test For details on how to perfect the smell test, check out The Inspired Treehouse. 20. Kids Yoga - A growing movement that helps people understand their body and improve overall health, yoga is a great activity for children. Yoga not only improves core body strength, but it helps teach breathing exercise to improve patience. kids_yoga The Inspired Treehouse has more kid friendly yoga information. 21. Puzzles - Fun for all ages, puzzles are a nice way to keep kids engaged and thinking about shapes and spaces. puzzles For some extra parent and child bonding, then check out Get Your Mess On and learn how to make your own jigsaw puzzle. 22. Blindfold Play - An extension of the birthday party favorite, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, blindfolding play (might not be suitable for all ages) helps teach cooperation and listening skills. Design a safe (and soft) obstacle course and have one child give instructions for the blindfolded child to navigate the course (supervision recommended). The kids can trade positions and try to improve their times. Listening and providing clear directions are crucial at all ages. blindfold_play To learn more about the setup, check out The Inspired Treehouse. 23. Make your own Musical Instruments - Music teaches kids valuable lessons about teamwork and expression. If you have some paper towel or toilet paper tubes around the house, then you can make your own instrument! DIY_xylophone_for_kids For more detailed instructions on the DIY xylophone, check out The Inspired Treehouse. 24. Homemade Rain Gauge - If the kids are stuck inside looking for rainy day activities, then let’s measure the rain! Take an old (and clear) plastic bottle and you are on your way to building a rain gauge that teaches measurement and collection techniques. homemade_rain_guage The Imagination Tree provides the detailed instructions. And finally… 25. Play with your Imagination kids_playing_with_imagination Kids have limitless imagination, creativity and energy, simply provide a few suggestions and they have the ability to explore their minds for hours. Some suggestions…

  • play kitchen
  • play school
  • play TV host
  • play astronaut
  • play fireman
  • play policeman
  • play hair dresser
  • play doctor
  • play tea party
  • play restaurant

We hope this helps keep the kids active and away from some excessive screen time during the next rain storms. For more activities with some video instructions, then check out My Kids Adventures to stay active during the next storm. What are your favorite rainy day activities? Please join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook to find out more creative rainy day kids activities!