Some days, the rain just doesn’t stop - and suddenly everyone’s stir-crazy, the snacks are disappearing fast, and you’ve heard “I’m bored” at least five times before noon.
Rainy fall days can feel long, but they can also be full of connection and creativity - if you have a few go-to ideas ready. Here are some screen-free fall activities to keep your kids busy, inspired, and smiling (and to help you stay sane, too!).
There’s nothing cozier than baking on a rainy day. Try simple recipes like pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies, or apple crisp. Kids love measuring, mixing, and sneaking a taste of batter. Bonus: your house will smell amazing!
Set up a mini art corner with paper, glue, leaves, and markers. Try leaf rubbings, handprint trees, or painting mini pumpkins. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect - just fun and messy.
Pro tip: Keep a “craft bin” stocked with seasonal supplies so you’re always ready when the weather turns gray.
Turn off the lights, grab some blankets, and make a cozy fort. Hand everyone a flashlight and take turns reading fall-themed stories. Kids love the adventure of it, and it turns reading into an experience.
Hide a few fall-themed items around the house - a small pumpkin, an orange crayon, a leaf, a cozy sock - and make a checklist. Add a prize at the end, like choosing the next snack or a special treat.
Rainy days are perfect for reflection. Start a simple family journal where everyone writes (or draws) something they’re thankful for, or add new photos to a family scrapbook. It’s a sweet way to slow down and capture the season.
Declare it an official Cozy Day - everyone stays in pajamas, lights a candle, drinks cocoa, and helps make dinner together. Play music, dance in the kitchen, and just let the day feel easy and soft.
Sometimes the best memories happen when you let your kids take charge. Ask, “What should we do today if we can’t go outside?” You’ll be surprised at how creative they can be - and how much they just want your attention more than anything else.
You don’t need screens to make a rainy day fun. All it takes is a little imagination, some hot cocoa, and time spent together. So the next time the skies open up, lean into it - slow down, get cozy, and make it a day your kids will remember.
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Amber Bowie
Author