The rain is pouring, the playground is soaked, and your toddler is bouncing off the walls. Sound familiar?
Rainy days with young kids can be tough, especially when you're stuck inside and running out of ideas. But with a little creativity and the right activities, you can turn a dreary day into a delightful one—without relying on screens or exhausting your energy.
At Joy’s Sitters, our babysitters come prepared with playful ideas and calm confidence for even the stormiest of days. And we’re happy to share some of our favorite rainy day rescues with you, too!
🧺 1. Sensory Bins (Using What You Have at Home)
Sensory play is a go-to for toddlers. Fill a shallow bin with items like:
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Dry pasta or rice
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Cotton balls and plastic animals
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Water and toy boats
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Ice cubes and spoons
Let your child explore textures and tools. Just toss down a towel and supervise!
👉 Bonus tip: Add a few measuring cups or tongs for extra fine motor fun.
🎨 2. Mini Art Studio
Get crafty with low-mess art supplies:
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Washable markers
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Dot paints
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Stickers and construction paper
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Watercolor paints and cotton swabs
Set up a “creation station” and let their imagination run wild.
👉 Joy’s Sitters Pro Tip: We love guided crafts like “make a weather monster” or “draw what you see outside your window!”
🏰 3. Build a Fort (And Read Inside It)
Grab some blankets, cushions, and a few chairs to create a magical hideout.
Once it’s built, bring in a flashlight and read books inside—or turn it into a cozy movie nook.
👉 Try “campfire songs” or a pretend picnic to extend the playtime even longer.
🎭 4. Imagination Play: Dress-Up, Dance, and Drama
Let kids raid the costume bin, pretend to be animals, or act out their favorite story.
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Play freeze dance
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Put on a “show” for stuffed animals
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Try a toy parade or musical instruments made from pots & pans
This burns energy and boosts creativity!
🧩 5. Puzzle Time or Simple Games
Rainy days are great for working on puzzles, memory games, or toddler board games.
Keep it short and sweet with:
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Color matching
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“I Spy” from the window
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Hide and seek with toys
💡 Bonus: Let Them Be Bored (It’s Actually Good for Them!)
Sometimes, letting kids not have a plan sparks the best kind of play. Independent, child-led play builds resilience and problem-solving skills.
So if your little one is safe and has toys nearby—it’s okay to let them figure it out!
💛 Rainy Days Are No Problem with Joy’s Sitters
Our sitters are not only experienced—they’re prepared. Whether it’s a last-minute booking or a scheduled day indoors, they show up ready with age-appropriate ideas to keep your little one happy, engaged, and cared for.
🎒 Many of our sitters bring activity bags
🧠 We match families with sitters who align with your parenting style
🕓 We offer flexible, on-demand care—even when the weather changes your plans
☔ Ready for a Rainy Day Rescue?
Don’t stress the next time the skies open up. Book a sitter with Joy’s Sitters and let us bring the fun indoors while you focus, rest, or catch your breath.
👉 Apply Now
👉 View our Member Perks
Join The Conversation
What’s your go-to activity when your little one is stuck inside on a rainy day?
Share your favorites (or fails!) in the comments—we’re always looking for fun new ideas to try with our Joy’s Sitters kiddos!
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