Keeping a toddler entertained can take a lot out of parents and caregivers at the best of times, but especially when the rain hits and activities all have to be done indoors. So when rainy weather forces the fun indoors, try one of these creative ways to let toddlers and preschoolers have a blast! Keep in mind that with any of these activities, constant adult supervision is a must!
Playdough for Toddlers
A tried and true indoor activity, playdough is fun for kids of all ages and adults too! Modeling clay can be purchased pre-made as well as various sculpting and play things to go along with it. Or make homemade playdough. No need to shell out for playdough toys – use empty jars and lids, tupperware containers, plastic bottle caps, plastic combs, etc.
Entertain Kids With Cornstarch Goop
This is a great way to entertain kids without spending a lot and keeping them busy for hours! Simply place 1 cup of cornstarch in a large flat dish (a metal baking pan works well) and add water a little bit at a time until "goop" is formed. It should not be too watery and not at all powdery – the consistency of clay. The goop will feel hard when the child picks it up and then will turn to liquid in their hands. The activity works best when the dish is a different colour from the goop. Try adding food colouring to the goop for even more fun!
Homemade Finger Paint
Get a large piece of bristol board or other paper out and get painting! Make homemade finger paint using the following recipe:
Ingredients: 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups cold water, food colouring
Directions: In a medium saucepan, mix all ingredients together. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly until it is smooth and thick. After it has thickened, remove from the stove and let it cool. Once cool, transfer the paint to a storage jar and stir in food colouring. Store with a tight-fitting lid.
Thrill Children With Water Play
Fill the sink to stage water play! Place a chair at the sink for the child to stand on – having a tea towel under his feet will help to avoid slipping. Fill the sink with water and give the child sponges, spoons, measuring cups, plastic bowls, etc, to splash around in the water with. Add soap for bubbles, too!
Alternatively, sit the child in an empty bathtub with a baby bathtub or basin of water in front of them. Fill the basin with water and give the child bath toys and sponges. Be sure to watch the child closely during all water play.
Build a Fort in the House for Toddlers
Gather up all of the blankets in the house and build a fort! Throw blankets over chairs and couches or one big blanket over the dining table to create a hiding place. Crawl underneath and read books, tell stories or have a snack! Alternatively, pitch a tent in the house and pretend to be camping.
Toddlers and preschoolers can have very short attention spans and when they are stuck indoors on a rainy day, it's great to have an armload of activities to keep them busy. Get a toddler involved using one of these homemade activities – playdough, cornstarch goop, finger painting or water play – or have them help make lunch or bake muffins. Rainy days don't have to bring on frowns anymore!
Mary-Kate Christopher - Mary-Kate is a freelance writer, blogger, mother, partner, baseball fan and aspiring holistic nutritionist living in Kingston, Canada. She ...
