Keeping the kids entertained during the colder and wetter half of the year can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a lot of fun!
When it’s cold and wet outside, the last thing many parents want to do is go outside with their kids. And that’s understandable. Who wants to play out when it’s raining and cold? You’re much better off staying in where it’s warm, cozy, and dry.
The problem with this line of logic is that when you stay in for too long, your kids will get bored. And boredom can lead to trouble. The solution? Stock up on some new rainy day activities to keep the little ones entertained and engaged.
I chose the above toys and games from Very which were a huge hit with my 4 year old daughter N, and each one kept her busy playing for ages.
Check out the wide range of toys and games available at Very to help keep kids of all ages occupied and happy indoors during the colder weather and dark after school evenings of Autumn and Winter.
New craft activities, puzzles, board games or toys don’t have to be expensive, and can offer hours of entertainment.
Let me take you through the activities that we chose.
Easy Sensory Play Activity – Kinect Sand
Kinect Sand is a brilliant sensory toy, enabling kids to build sand castles indoors, explore new textures, squish and mold into different shapes. This sand doesn’t dry out so you can use it over and over again. N and her friends love playing with this and it provides hours of fun.
This shimmer Kinect Sand is available at Very for 12.99 for a 2lb bag, with various colours available. The added sparkle makes this Kinect sand even more special.
Rainy Day Toy – Children’s LEGO sets
LEGO is an absolute classic for rainy day play. Very have many LEGO sets available for older children and younger children. I chose this Minnie Mouse set for N which is suitable for ages 4 and up, and is a great set for kids just getting into LEGO sets, moving up from DUPLO.
The LEGO Disney Mickey Mouse Minnie Ice Cream Shop set is available from Very for 17.99 and comes with a Minnie and a Daisy minifigure, along with the ice cream shop, car and beach area.
Craft Activity – Melissa & Doug Paw Patrol Stamp Set
Stamping is a brilliant craft activity with very little mess. N will spend ages creating designs on paper with wooden stamps and ink, and this Paw Patrol set even comes with an activity book which can be filled in using the stamps included in the box.
This Melissa and Doug Paw Patrol Stamp set is available from Very for 21.99 and includes all of your child’s favourite Paw Patrol characters, along with their vehicles. The quality is great!
Board Game – Disney Princess Tea Party
Board games are an ideal way to spend time together on a rainy afternoon. This Disney Princess Tea Party game is ideal for children of N’s age (4+) and using the tea pot and cups as part of the game keeps it really fun and engaging, especially for little ones who love the Disney princesses!
The Disney Princess Tea Party game is available at Very for 14.99
Puzzles
Puzzles are one of my favourite ways to pass the time with the kids on a cold or wet day. There are lots of great options on Very, and we chose the 100 piece Disney princess puzzle which features all of the favourite princesses including Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Tiana, Mulan, Ariel, Merida, Rapunzel, Aurora and Snow White.
Ravensburger Disney Princess 100 piece XL puzzle is available on Very for 9.99
I hope this gave you a few ideas to help you out on those rainy days. Sometimes staying in with the kids for a chilled day of indoor play and activities can be just as fun!
Pin these ideas for later, or send to your friends & family
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
What great ideas for little one’s although I think my two would still like the Kinect Sand, it’s great fun. x