Rainy summer days have a way of slowing everything down — and while the initial coziness can feel like a welcome break from the heat, cabin fever tends to creep in fast (especially when screens become the default solution).
But a little drizzle doesn’t have to derail the day!
Whether you’re entertaining stir-crazy kids, hosting a laid-back weekend at the lake, or just craving a low-tech reset, there’s something really awesome about getting creative without a glowing screen nearby!
Think hands-on, lightly nostalgic, and surprisingly calming.
Here are 15 screen-free summer activities perfect for rainy days — simple, satisfying, and just the right amount of unplugged.
PIN FOR LATER 😀
1. Indoor Picnic
Who says picnics need sun? Lay down a blanket, gather your favorite snacks, and turn the living room floor into a cozy spread. Add candles, finger foods, and maybe a soundtrack of light rain and acoustic guitar for a quietly charming little moment that feels like summer — minus the bugs and humidity.
RELATED: 8 Simple Picnic Food Ideas For Kids
2. Build a Blanket Fort
Some rainy days call for full-on escapism. Drag out the blankets, string up fairy lights, and build a little world within your living room. It’s nostalgic, yes — but also incredibly calming. Great with kids, but equally fun with a book, a playlist, and absolutely no to-do list.
3. DIY Friendship Bracelets
There’s something deeply satisfying about looping thread into tiny pieces of wearable art. Perfect for all ages, this throwback craft lets you slow down and focus — and the final result is a sweet, screen-free memento of the day.
RELATED: 8 DIY Jewelry Craft Ideas For Kids
4. Bake Something Just Because
Rainy afternoons are practically an open invitation to turn on the oven. Pick a recipe you love (or one you’ve been meaning to try), throw on your favorite playlist, and fill the kitchen with something warm and delicious. No pressure for perfection — just cozy vibes and edible results.
5. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Create a quick list of quirky items to find — a sock with a hole, something blue, an old photo — and let the search begin. This one’s especially good for younger kids who need to burn energy without bouncing off furniture (or each other).
Want FREE Scavenger Hunt Printables? CLICK HERE
6. Board Games or Card Games
Dust off those classics you haven’t played in a while or try something new from your game shelf. Whether it’s a competitive round of Uno or a slow-burn game of Clue, it’s a screen-free way to connect, laugh, and (let’s be honest) show off your game face.
7. Coloring Pages or Sketching
Rainy days are perfect for settling in with a set of colored pencils or markers and letting creativity take the lead. Coloring pages offer a soothing, no-pressure way to unwind, while sketching gives kids space to dream up their own little worlds. It’s a gentle, screen-free escape that feels just the right amount of magical.
Browse our full collection of FREE printable coloring pages HERE.
8. Read Aloud (Yes, Aloud)
Choose a story — a chapter book, a short story, a personal essay — and take turns reading out loud. There’s something uniquely soothing about shared storytelling, especially when paired with a warm drink and the sound of rain on the windows.
9. Try a New Craft
You don’t need to be “crafty” to enjoy the process. Think origami, air-dry clay, or even just cutting and pasting a vision board. It’s not about the outcome — it’s about using your hands, staying present, and letting yourself get a little messy.
Need DIY Craft ideas? CLICK HERE
10. Create a Mini Spa Moment
Transform your space with small, calming rituals: a face mask, a steamy shower, a slow foot soak. Throw on a robe, play some ambient music, and let the day slow down. It’s indulgent without being complicated — and honestly, your nervous system will thank you.
11. Write Real Letters
When was the last time you mailed an actual note? Pull out some paper, add a few personal touches, and send a little joy through the post. It’s thoughtful, rare, and surprisingly cathartic — like texting, but slower and more meaningful.
12. Play “Restaurant” at Home
Let everyone in the house take part — one person’s the chef, one’s the server, one makes menus with crayons and markers. Even if the main course is grilled cheese, the experience feels playful and elevated. Bonus points for dressing up and giving your table a fancy name.
13. Learn a Simple Magic Trick
A deck of cards or a few coins is all you need. Find a how-to in a book (or cheat just once with a printed page), then practice in secret before your big reveal. It’s surprisingly fun, especially if you lean into the theatrical side of things.
14. Puzzles
The ultimate rainy day classic. Pull out a 500- or 1,000-piece puzzle and make it a slow, satisfying group project. Add tea, ambient music, and plenty of elbow room — it’s meditative, collaborative, and totally screen-free.
15. Make a Rainy Day Playlist Together
Pull together songs that match the mood — soft acoustic, cozy jazz, gentle indie pop. Curating it as a group is part of the fun, and once it’s playing, it becomes the perfect backdrop for everything else you’re doing (or not doing) that day.