Screen-Free Entertainment Ideas for Rainy Days
Simple, Slow, and Joyful Ways to Keep Little Ones Engaged Indoors
When the rain pours, tempers can rise — especially with little ones full of energy and nowhere to run. But staying indoors doesn’t have to mean turning on the TV or scrolling for distractions.
At Neutral Nest, we believe in slowing down, tuning in, and embracing simple moments — even on the greyest of days. Here are some calm, creative, and screen-free ideas to keep your toddler or preschooler entertained when you’re stuck inside.
1. Create a Sensory Basket
Fill a tray or low basket with safe, interesting textures for your child to explore:
Dried pasta, rice, or lentils
Wooden spoons, scoops, silicone cups
Pom-poms, cotton wool, shells or pinecones
Lay down a towel or mat underneath, and let them dig, pour, sort, and scoop. It’s surprisingly soothing — for both of you.
2. Build a Reading Den
Grab blankets, cushions, and soft toys to build a cosy hideaway. Then fill it with:
Favourite board books or picture books
A basket of puppets or stuffed animals
A torch for “reading by firelight”
Add snacks and you’ve got an indoor camping moment.
3. Host a Teddy Bear Picnic
Lay out a rug, invite some soft toy guests, and serve imaginary food or real snacks. Bonus points if your child helps with “cooking” — think:
Sandwich-making
Slicing fruit with a toddler-safe knife
Pouring (or pretending to pour) tea
Simple, sweet, and full of gentle role play.
4. Paint with Water (Yes, Just Water!)
No mess required. Give your child:
A paintbrush
A bowl of water
Coloured paper, cardboard, or a chalkboard
They’ll love “painting” and watching it dry — just as satisfying as the real thing, without the cleanup.
5. Make a Rainy Day Soundtrack
Turn on calming nature sounds or gentle instrumental music. Then:
Dance with scarves or muslins
Play a rhythm game with wooden spoons and bowls
Make your own rainstorm with tapping, clapping, and stomping
Let your child lead — they’ll often invent their own game from the rhythm.
6. Open the ‘Loose Parts’ Drawer
Collect safe household items in a basket:
Pegs
Curtain rings
Bottle tops
Wooden napkin rings
Bits of string or fabric
Children love to sort, stack, and tinker — and you’ll be surprised by how long it lasts.
7. Create an Obstacle Course
Use cushions, tunnels, and furniture to build a safe course through your living space. Include:
A tunnel to crawl through
A pillow mountain to climb
A line of tape to balance on
Get involved and take turns — toddlers love it when you’re a playmate too.
8. Nature Play Indoors
Bring nature inside with a “mini nature table”:
A bowl of pebbles, sticks, or dried leaves
A magnifying glass or jar
A seasonal story or nature card
It turns a grey day into a moment of mindful wonder.
9. Play ‘Post Office’ or ‘Shop’
Create a little pretend shop or post office using:
Old envelopes, cardboard boxes, or pretend coins
Paper to draw “letters”
A bag or basket for deliveries
Great for role play, early maths, and connection.
10. Slow It All Down
Some days, the simplest activities work best:
Baking together
Sorting socks or folding muslins
Doing a puzzle
Sharing a quiet cuddle on the sofa
There’s no pressure to entertain — just to be present.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do it all. Even one or two of these simple ideas can turn a rainy day into a memory — one filled with connection, creativity, and calm.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here for the in-between moments — the slow mornings, the rainy afternoons, the peaceful pauses that shape childhood in quiet ways.