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Spring break can get stressful. The kids are all home for a week. The weather is getting warmer, so you want them outside, but then it rains.
So what can you do with a toddler on a rainy day? It seems like toddlers and preschoolers get bored within minutes of the same thing and need constant attention.
Here are 30 spring break ideas for a rainy day to make that week at home much more memorable and entertaining. These are activities for preschoolers that will keep them occupied and engaged.
These ideas can be used for any rainy day or rainy weekend at home to keep your toddler or preschooler entertained!
30 Spring Break Ideas for a Rainy Day
1. Have a movie day
Yes, I’m sure they’ve all sat down and watched movies, but did you engage with your toddler and watch one with them?
Have your toddler pick out their favorite movie snack, make popcorn, and watch a movie they’ve dying to see together. They will love the attention and it’s 2 hours to relax on a couch.
2. Make your own ice cream sundaes
Buy an assortment of sundae toppings, put them in a line, and let your child build their own sundae.
*bonus points if you let them eat it during movie day.
3. Have a picnic
Props to you if you live in a place warm enough to eat outside during spring break. I’m not one of those people.
Get out a blanket and “pack” a picnic to eat in the living room or another room in the house.
4. Make a craft
Crafts are always a way to bring out the creative side of your child and they are easy to make! Check out these easy spring crafts to make with your child!
*Tip: Set up a few crafts at once while the kids are sleeping to make things easier and smoother.
5. Transform your living room into a fort
I’m not talking about a little fort. While the kids are sleeping, set up a bunch of blankets to make the entire living room a fort and bring some toys in to play.
This can entertain your toddler for hours!
6. Have a scavenger hunt
Write out a list of common things at home and challenge your kids to find them!
7. Make slime!
What kid doesn’t love making and playing with slime. Here are a few types of slime to try out using simple ingredients.
8. Have a treasure hunt
Write out different clues and place them around your house. Have the kids work together to find the treasure. Make it something good, like candy or toys.
9. Bake!
Have your preschoolers pick out a dessert recipe, like these Strawberry Ladybug Cupcakes and help out while making it.
Here are some tips on how to include toddlers in the baking process without losing your mind.
10. Go to the library
Libraries are more than just books. They have programs for children of all ages, starting as young as 1 years old on weekdays and weekends.
Check out you local library’s online calendar and look to see what programs they offer.
11. Play a board game
Get the whole family together and play a favorite game!
Here are some great games to play with toddlers that even includes board games!
12. Go swimming
Search your local schools and recreation centers. Most places offer open swim for a small cost. This is great to get the kids excited about summer.
13. Go to Five Below or the Dollar Store
Let them pick out 1-2 things. This is a simple way to make them feel spoiled without breaking the bank.
Related Posts:
101 Fun Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers
How to Stop Overspending on Easter
The Best 2 Year Old Games (includes Board Games!)
14. Have a silly string fight
We did this recently at my mom’s house who hates messes. I was surprised how easy it was to clean up, but it was so fun for the kids.
You can typically find silly string at the Dollar Store as well!
15. Make Rice Krispies Treats together
The kids can help with stirring, pouring ingredients, and patting them flat. They will be so proud of what they made and will enjoy them twice as much!
16. Paint rocks
Even if it’s a rainy day, it’s still almost time to get the landscaping ready. Have your kids paint a rock to make your garden unique this year.
17. Camp out (or in)
You can use a fort or if you have a small tent. If it’s nice, camp out in the backyard, otherwise camp out right in the living room.
Get flashlights, sing songs, and make campfire food. Make it realistic and let them sleep there overnight. This will entertain your toddler for hours or even a full night!
18. Play hopscotch
Outside is always a bonus, but these are rainy day activities, so use painters or masking tape to make your own.
19. Make a lava volcano
Spring break doesn’t mean stop learning. Experiments are always a blast to watch your kids’ reactions as well as teach some science.
Just make sure to put some newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to help pick up the mess!
20. Have a pajama day
Nothing is more fun (and easy) than letting your kids stay in their pajamas all day!
21. Have a Dance Party
We do this almost daily in our house and my daughter absolutely loves it. Turn on Pandora (or Spotify) and let the dance session begin!
22. Check out kidsoutandabout.com
It is the perfect website that combines all the fun local events happening that week in your area. If your city is not listed, check your local paper for events.
23. Color a paper house
Let your kids color or paint it. They can play in it afterward!
24. Play charades
This one can get fun if you get the whole family involved!
25. Have a pillow fight
This can be a lot of fun when you use fluffy pillows. Make sure to get your breakables out of the way before you start!
26. Go to the zoo
It’s great to get your kids out of the house and even it’s a little colder and raining. Everyone will still have fun!
27. Have a family game night
Think Minute To Win It style. Here are some ideas for games.
15 More Minute to Win It Games
28. Plant a seed
Have your kids watch them grow in the window all spring long.
29. Go bowling
Bowling is an underrated activity for children. Bumpers are great for teaching children how to bowl without getting discouraged.
30. Make popsicles
It might be raining, but that doesn’t mean you can’r enjoy a popsicle! I love making our own popsicles because you can create your own flavors and they’re much healthier. Plus the preschoolers can get in on some fun too!
Molds are inexpensive and you can just freeze your favorite fruit juices or purée some fruit and you’re set to go!
I personally love the Zoku Pop Maker. You can make popsicles within minutes!
Mallory
Monday 25th of March 2019
Today officially marks our first, first day of spring break. Our oldest is in Kindergarten. I work, but get off at lunch three days a week. These are great ideas. There are several we like to do on rainy days anyways, like crafts and board games. Chinese Checkers is currently our fave. I absolutely love the idea of painting rocks! Yesterday we planted flowers and worked in our little garden together. Painting rocks for the garden will be the perfect activity for this spring break! (We are expecting some rain!)
Another one of favorite rainy day crafts has been painting with cars and a DIY Drop Cloth curtain. The curtain is still hanging in their room! It turned out super cute.
Thank you for the awesome post of ideas. We love trying new things and you listed tons of great ones!
Elizabeth | Tiredmom Supermom
Friday 22nd of February 2019
Spring break is so long! And I hate how it's still snowy out so we are still cooped up inside until school starts again. These are amazing activities. I would say the one we don't do often enough is made our living room furniture into forts. That is such a fun activity for the kids! Thanks for sharing this great post.
Linda
Thursday 15th of March 2018
These are wonderful ideas! Five Below would definitely be a hit but I’m sure building that fort could possibly beat them all with my kiddo!
Samantha
Thursday 15th of March 2018
I’m glad you like the ideas Linda! Yes a fort is always a great way for them to think we’re cool moms!
Erin Haugerud
Wednesday 14th of March 2018
This is a huge list!! I’ll be diving into some of these for sure!
Katie
Wednesday 14th of March 2018
Love these ideas! My sons spring break is coming up in two weeks and we will definitely be trying some of these. Thanks!