Rainy days can make toddlers restless, but they’re also the perfect opportunity to spark creativity indoors. Art activities keep little hands busy, stimulate imagination, and help develop fine motor skills—all while creating fun memories.
Here are eight simple, safe, and engaging indoor art activities perfect for toddlers when the weather keeps you inside.
1. Finger Painting Fun
Finger painting is a sensory-rich activity that toddlers love. Use non-toxic, washable paints and large sheets of paper. Let them explore mixing colours and making shapes with their hands.
Tip: Tape the paper to the table or floor to keep it from sliding, and have a damp cloth nearby for quick clean-ups.
2. Sponge Stamping
Cut sponges into simple shapes like stars, circles, or animals, then let toddlers dip them into paint and stamp them onto paper. This activity is easy to set up and helps toddlers learn about shapes and patterns.
Bonus: Use different textures like bubble wrap or leaves for interesting prints.
3. Collage Creations
Provide toddlers with pre-cut coloured paper, magazine scraps, and safe glue sticks. Encourage them to create pictures by sticking different pieces onto a large sheet. Collage work boosts creativity and improves hand-eye coordination.
Tip: For younger toddlers, use larger paper pieces to make handling easier.
4. Playdough Sculpting
Playdough is a classic indoor art material. Toddlers can roll, flatten, and shape it into animals, food, or abstract creations. Use homemade playdough for a budget-friendly option.
Idea: Add natural items like pasta, buttons, or small sticks for extra textures and decoration.
5. Watercolour & Crayon Resist
Draw simple shapes or patterns on paper with white crayons, then let toddlers paint over them with watercolours. The crayon marks will “resist” the paint, revealing the hidden designs.
Bonus: This activity feels magical for toddlers and can be repeated with different shapes each time.
6. Paper Plate Masks
Give toddlers paper plates, markers, stickers, and yarn to decorate their own masks. Once done, cut out eye holes and attach a stick or string so they can wear them.
Tip: Themes like animals or superheroes make the activity even more exciting.
7. Recycled Art Projects
Turn everyday recyclables—like cardboard boxes, egg cartons, and bottle caps—into art supplies. Toddlers can paint or glue them into sculptures, vehicles, or pretend play items.
Idea: Have a “show and tell” at the end where toddlers present their creations.
8. Indoor Chalkboard or Whiteboard Drawing
If you have a small chalkboard or whiteboard, let toddlers doodle freely with chalk or markers. This low-mess activity can be done again and again without wasting paper.
Bonus: Introduce simple drawing prompts like “Draw the sun” or “Make a happy face” to guide them.
Keeping It Fun and Stress-Free
When doing art activities with toddlers on rainy days:
- Use non-toxic, washable materials for safety and easy clean-up.
- Keep sessions short (15–30 minutes) to match their attention span.
- Focus on the process, not the final product—let them explore freely.
- Praise effort and creativity, no matter the outcome.
Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom. With these eight indoor art activities, you can keep toddlers happy, creative, and engaged—while building skills that last far beyond the storm.