Every parent needs a few rainy day ideas to keep their toddlers entertained. Being balls of pure energy, toddlers are notorious for needing to climb, run, jump, and move at an almost nonstop pace. When the weather turns bad, and they can’t be outside to burn off energy, having a collection of indoor activities is a must-have for any parent’s toolbox.
Have a Dance Party
Dance parties are not just for teenagers! Toddlers love to dance and groove as much as the next person, even if their moves are hilarious to watch. Hit the dress up trunk for matching tutus, twirly dresses or whatever fits the dancing mood. Turn on the stereo or play a couple good Cd’s and let your toddler dance it up through the living room. No matter what style of music, dancing is a wonderful choice for play time with toddlers on rainy days. Your toddler may be too young to understand dancing games like musical chairs, but you can still add a twist to a basic dance party. Try freeze dancing, having your toddler freeze like a statue when the music stops.
Don’t be shy about joining in, either. Dancing is great entertainment for your toddler, and a great workout for you, making it perfect for play time with toddlers on rainy days.
Have A Performance In Your Very Own Living Room
Pull out the old Halloween costumes and plan a performance of the best kind. Starring your favorite actor/actress – Your Toddler! Put them center stage and let their imagination go wild. They will love being the focus of your attention. Act out their favorite nursery rhyme or princess fairy tale. You can set up sheets on a curtain rod to set the stage. Even designated a throw rug can serve as a stage. Use your many stuffed animals as props. Feel free to join in and help them along. Maybe sing a song together that goes with the story.
Make an Obstacle Course
This can get a little chaotic, but sometimes that is a good thing when planning play time with toddlers on rainy days. Use couch cushions, pillows, chairs, boxes, and anything else you have on hand. Create a toddler sized obstacle course in the middle of your living room and you can entertain your toddler for hours. Have him climb over chairs, crawl under a tunnel of cushions, and try to run across a path of floppy pillows. The endless giggles will only add to the fun.
Of course, play time with toddlers on rainy days should be safe. Use caution when creating the obstacle course, keeping mind that little bodies can become trapped and tangled much easier. Be sure to stay in the room with your toddler while he plays, just in case he becomes trapped or tangled.
Bring the Outdoors In
There are so many fun things about playing outside that toddlers miss when they are stuck inside. With a little creativity though, you can bring some of the outside fun in for play time with toddlers on rainy days. Fill the bathtub with warm water and let your toddler splash around in a bathing suit and a few toys. Use a small plastic storage tub, filled with rice, as an indoor sandbox.
What ever games and toys your toddler loves the most outside, there may be a way to bring the fun inside. Play time with toddlers on rainy days does not have to mean giving up a favorite fun activity, it just means you need a little forethought and creativity.
“Singing In The Rain”
Nothing is wrong with playing in the rain either. Take it from Gene Kelly, singing in the rain can be a joyous feeling! Don your best 
raincoat, rain boots, and umbrella optional – head outside. Toddlers love wearing fun rain gear. Don’t believe me, take a look around. How many toddlers do you see wearing their favorite rain boots around town, rain or shine? Splashing around singing with you, will burn energy for your toddler and calories for you. Celebrate nature and the benefits of rain! It will teach your toddler the importance and wonders of nature.
When the rain is coming down outside, and your toddler is bouncing off the walls with energy, it may be time to pull out a fun activity that will let your little one burn some energy. Making play time with toddlers on rainy days something that involves running, jumping, climbing, and moving can be so important for your toddler’s well being. And when he sleeps better at night for all the energy burned, it can be better for yours as well.
By Summer Minor a writer for a baby clothes boutique.
