We've all been there. It's raining (again), you've already read every book twice, and your toddler is climbing the walls. Before you give in and put on Bluey for the fourth time today, try these easy activities that require minimal setup and—bonus—might actually tire them out.

1. Indoor Obstacle Course

This is my go-to when my kids have too much energy and not enough space to burn it.

What you need:

  • Couch cushions
  • Pillows
  • Painter's tape for "balance beams" on the floor
  • Laundry basket to crawl through

    • Set up stations: jump over pillows, walk on the tape line, crawl under the table, throw stuffed animals into a basket. Time them with a phone timer and let them try to beat their "record."

    My 3-year-old calls this "the game" and will happily do it for 30+ minutes. I call it "naptime insurance."

    2. Sensory Bin

    I was skeptical about this Pinterest trend, but it really works.

    Easy setups:

  • Dry pasta + plastic cups and spoons
  • Rice + small toys hidden inside (add food coloring if you're feeling fancy)
  • Water + dish soap + plastic dishes for "washing"

    • Put a towel down, give them a big plastic container, and let them go to town. Yes, there will be mess. But 20 minutes of independent play is worth sweeping up some rice.

    3. Painter's Tape Roads

    This activity is chef's kiss because it's SO easy and toddlers LOVE it.

    Grab painter's tape and make roads all over your floor. Add intersections, parking lots, bridges (tape over a rolled towel). Then bring out all the toy cars and trucks.

    My kids have literally played with this for hours. When they're done, the tape peels right up without damaging floors.

    4. Puzzle Time

    Quality puzzles are worth the investment. I love wooden puzzles from Melissa & Doug because they're durable and have chunky pieces perfect for little hands.

    Start with simple 4-6 piece puzzles and work up. I rotate our puzzles every few weeks so they feel "new" again.

    Pro tip: Do the puzzle together the first time, then let them try independently. The pride on their face when they finish alone is everything.

    5. Kitchen Helper Activities

    Toddlers LOVE feeling like they're helping. Even if it takes three times longer and makes twice the mess.

    Easy "cooking" activities:

  • Washing vegetables in a bowl of water
  • Stirring pancake batter (pre-measured ingredients)
  • Spreading soft butter on bread with a plastic knife
  • Arranging fruit on a plate

My daughter thinks she's a master chef when I let her "help" make lunch. Meanwhile, I'm just trying to get through the day without losing my mind.

6. Dance Party

When in doubt, blast some music and dance it out.

We have a "dance party" playlist with all the hits: Encanto soundtrack, Moana, random pop songs with clean lyrics. Five minutes of jumping around can reset everyone's mood.

Bonus: It counts as exercise for you too. Win-win.

7. Box Fort

Amazon boxes aren't just for recycling. They're blank canvases for imagination.

Give your toddler a big box, some crayons, and maybe some tape. It becomes a house, a car, a spaceship, a cave—whatever they decide.

We've gotten weeks of play out of a single appliance box. When it starts falling apart, we recycle it and wait for the next delivery.

The Real Secret

Want to know the actual secret to surviving rainy days with toddlers?

Lower your expectations.

Your house will be messy. Your toddler might watch more TV than usual. You might not accomplish anything on your to-do list. And that's okay.

Some days, survival is success.

What Works for Your Family?

Every kid is different. My oldest loved puzzles; my youngest wants to be outside 24/7 and barely tolerates indoor activities.

Try different things and see what sticks. And remember: screen time isn't the enemy on those really tough days. We're all doing our best.

What are your go-to rainy day activities? I'm always looking for new ideas!