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Seven Fun Activities to Try on a Rainy Day - and some local outings

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Check out some DIY activities and local places to keep your kids busy!

By Isabel Jarosz May 26, 2024

Don’t let a little rain ruin your day! Find fun activities to try with your family on rainy days 

Try a new recipe

A rainy day is the perfect time to try a new recipe! Cooking together is a wonderful way to learn new skills and enjoy delicious food. There are plenty of kid-friendly recipes to make from gummy worm dirt cakes to a yogurt parfait.

Break out the board games

Board games are perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages! Whether you prefer a short and sweet game, like Uno, or a more complex game, like Catan, there is something for everyone! And check them out from a local spot with Madison, Middleton, or Sun Prairie locations, or in Fitchburg.

Build a pillow fort

A pillow fort is the best way to experience the “great indoors”. Gather blankets, sheets, chairs, and of course, pillows and start setting up camp! Stay cozy while watching a movie or reading a new book in your fort!

DIY crafts

Time to break out the glue sticks, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes! Use leftover craft supplies to make a new masterpiece! There are dozens of fun crafts for kids to try while stuck at home. You can also follow a drawing example, or just print out some coloring sheets.

Scavenger hunt

Parents can hide items around the house for their kids to find! Use a checklist for the kids to keep track of what they’ve found. For older kids, try writing riddles or leaving clues for them to find the hidden objects. My kids love looking for stuffed animals, especially when there's a prize (that is often another toy they had forgotten). There are plenty of free clue generators and templates to use and adapt.

Make slime or play-doh

Anyone can make these squishy toys using ingredients you likely already have at home! To make play-doh, all that's needed is water, flour, salt, cooking oil, and cream of tartar. Homemade slime only needs three ingredients: shaving cream, glue, and contact solution! Add food coloring to turn your slime colorful!

Stay Active

Screen time doesn't have to mean couch potato time - they can help stay active (without destroying your house) Video brain breaks (my kids love any with their favorite characters, Mario, for example), themed kids yoga, and plenty of dance videos


Get out locally. You can still get out, and stay dry - check out great drop-in local places