Rainy Day? Fun, Cheap Indoor Ideas to keep the Kids Entertained - for Every Age!
Keeping the kids entertained when the weather isn’t playing ball doesn’t have to mean splashing out on expensive activities. With a bit of creativity and some inexpensive materials, you can make staying indoors just as exciting as a day out. Here are some brilliant budget-friendly activities broken down by age group to keep everyone happy, rain or shine.
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Sensory Play
Fill a plastic tub with rice, pasta, or water and add toys, spoons, and cups for exploration. Simple and captivating!Homemade Playdough
Whip up playdough with flour, salt, and water. Let them squish and shape to their hearts’ content.Indoor Treasure Hunt
Hide toys or household items around the room and let them 'discover' treasures.Bubble Fun
Blow bubbles indoors—watching your toddler giggle as they pop them is pure magic.Mini Dance Party
Pop on a playlist and let them bop around—great fun and good for burning energy!
Young Children (Ages 4-7)
Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items for your child to find indoors. Add a timer for extra excitement!Creative Crafts
Recycled materials like toilet rolls and cereal boxes can turn into robots, animals, or whatever their imagination dreams up.Kitchen Science
Try simple experiments like making slime or fizzing volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar.Indoor Camping
Grab blankets, cushions, and a torch to create a 'tent.' Serve snacks and tell stories for that campout vibe.DIY Puzzle Games
Draw or print pictures, cut them into puzzle pieces, and have fun putting them back together.
Pre-Teens (Ages 8-12)
Cook or Bake Together
Let them choose a recipe and get hands-on in the kitchen. Bonus points if it’s a treat they can eat afterwards!Photography Fun
Set them up with a phone or camera and create a photo scavenger hunt around the house.Mini Indoor Garden
Start a windowsill garden with herbs or flowers. Watching something grow is rewarding and educational.DIY Board Games
Challenge them to create their own board game with rules, pieces, and a board. Then play it together!Learn Something New
Explore origami, knitting, or basic coding with free online tutorials.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18)
Room Makeover
Encourage them to rearrange or redecorate their room using what they already have—instant refresh!Write or Create
Journaling, writing a short story, or even vlogging can be great creative outlets.Fitness Challenge
Set up an at-home workout or yoga session. There are loads of free routines online.DIY Projects
Teach them to upcycle old furniture or create wall art for their room.Watch and Discuss
Have a movie night or TV series marathon and then chat about it together—it’s like a book club but for films!
Rainy days or cold weather don’t have to put a damper on family fun. These age-appropriate ideas prove you can make the most of staying indoors without spending a fortune. Have a go, and if you’ve got more tips to share, join our Money Saving Parents UK Facebook Group to swap ideas with like-minded families!
Don’t forget to check out our Deals & Discounts page for even more budget-friendly finds to keep your family entertained.
