Rainy Day Crafts for Kids: 9 Fun Activities to Beat the Boredom
Rainy days can be a challenge, for my kids April is especially hard, the weather is changing constantly and a day full of sunshine warmth, and outside activities is followed by rain, gloom, and being stuck inside.
So finding fun ways to entertain your kids is the best way to brighten the mood.
This is especially important as we are strict with screen time, so that isn’t an option for distraction. Crafting is a great option for a rainy day, offering a fun and educational way for kids to spend their time indoors. Each project is easy to do for 3-8 year olds and many of them can be adapted for other ages as well. So, let’s get started with 9 fun craft projects perfect for a rainy day.
What Are Suitable Crafts for Kids?
The level of skills varies considerably from child to child, so you will need to see for yourself what your child is comfortable with and what they would enjoy doing. In general with art and crafts everything is allowed that is safe and fun. Here are 9 different ideas for fun crafting projects at home.
1. Weaving: A Classic Craft for Kids
Weaving is an excellent craft for kids because it’s easy to learn and provides a sense of accomplishment when the finished product is complete. To get started, you’ll need some cardboard, scissors, yarn, and a tapestry needle. Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangular shape, then cut evenly spaced notches along the top and bottom edges. Tie a piece of yarn to one of the notches at the top and weave it over and under each notch until you reach the end. Tie off the end of the yarn and repeat the process with different colors until you have a woven piece of art!
2. Seed Mosaic Flowers: A Colorful Project for All Ages
Seed mosaic flowers are a fun and simple craft that kids of all ages can enjoy. All you need is some glue, paper, and a variety of seeds (such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and lentils). Start by drawing a flower shape onto a piece of paper, then fill in the shape with glue. Next, place the seeds on top of the glue, using different colors and shapes to create a mosaic effect. Let the glue dry completely before displaying the finished flower.
3. Rainbow Poem: A Creative Writing Activity
A rainy day is the perfect time to get creative with words. Many kids love rhymes. Take the time to make up funny or beautiful rhymes and compose a poem. For little kids, you can write it out for them and they can color around it or paint a matching picture below it.
A rainbow poem is a fitting theme on a rainy day, but this rhyming or writing activity can also be adapted to suit all different themes, ages, and skill levels.
Start by brainstorming a list of words and phrases that relate to your theme, i.e. rainbows (such as colors, weather, and nature). Then, use those words to create a simple poem around your theme. You can use a template to guide your writing or go freestyle and let your imagination run wild!
4. Stitching: An Introduction to Embroidery
Embroidery is a classic craft that’s been around for centuries. It’s a great way to teach kids basic sewing skills while creating a unique piece of art.
You’ll need some fabric, (colorful) embroidery thread, a needle, and a hoop to get started. Depending on the fabric you choose you can also use a needle with a blunt tip, which is great for kids that haven’t used a needle before.
Draw a simple design onto the fabric, then stitch over the lines with the needle and thread. You can experiment with different stitches and colors to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
For little kids, you can start with cardboard with pre-made holes instead of fabric, the thread can then be used to create colorful shapes and patterns. The cardboard can be any shape you want even an animal form and can i.e. be used as a bookmark.
5. Origami: The Art of Folding Paper
Origami is a Japanese art form that involves folding paper into intricate shapes and figures. For kids, origami is a great way to develop hand-eye coordination and concentration skills. There are many different origami designs to choose from, ranging from simple to complex. You can find step-by-step instructions online or in books, or watch video tutorials to guide your folding.
You can use white paper to get started or your child can color it beforehand. Once they get better at it you can also look into colorful and patterned paper designed for origami.
6. Sock Puppets: A Fun DIY Project
Sock puppets are a classic DIY project kids love making and playing with. All you need is a sock, some felt, googly eyes or buttons, and glue.
Cut out pieces of felt to create a mouth, nose, and ears for your puppet, then glue them onto the sock. Add googly eyes or button eyes and other decorations, such as a hat or bow tie. Once the glue is dry, you’re ready to put on a puppet show! If the fabric of the socks is light you can also use waterproof markers for decoration or for the eyes.
7. Clay Creations: Sculpting Fun for All Ages
Clay is a versatile material that kids can use to create all kinds of sculptures and figures. You can buy clay at most craft stores or make your own sculpting dough using flour, salt, and water. Today you can also get clay that doesn’t need a kiln. This is especially helpful if you want to create longer-lasting sculptures or art, that could come in contact with water.
Once you have your clay, encourage your kids to experiment with different shapes and textures. You can even paint your finished creations to add some color and personality.
8. Paper Bead Jewelry: A Stylish DIY Project
Paper bead jewelry is a fun and stylish DIY project that kids can make for themselves or as gifts for friends and family. To make paper beads, you’ll need some strips of paper (you can use magazine pages or scrapbook paper), a toothpick, and some glue. Roll the paper tightly around the toothpick, gluing it as you go, until you have a bead shape. Once the glue is dry, you can string the beads together to make a necklace or bracelet.
9. Painting: Let Your Creativity Flow
Painting is a classic rainy-day activity that never gets old. Set up a painting station with some paper, paintbrushes, and washable paint, and let your kids express their creativity. You can encourage them to experiment with different colors, brushstrokes, and techniques, or let them paint whatever they like. And in the end, you have some colorful artwork to brighten up the day.
Conclusion
Crafting is a fun and educational way to keep kids entertained on a rainy day. From weaving and stitching to painting and paper bead jewelry, there are countless projects that kids of all ages can enjoy. These nine activities are easy to make and use simple materials, so you can get started right away. Whether your kids are looking for a new hobby or just need something to do on a rainy day, crafting is a great way to spark their creativity, increase their dexterity and keep them engaged. So, why not try one of these crafts today and see where their imagination takes you?
