🌧 Rainy Day Craft Ideas That Keep Kids Busy (and You Sane)

Let’s be honest — rainy days with little ones can feel looooong. If you’re trying to avoid screens, tantrums, and yet another game of “what’s in the cupboard,” I’ve got you covered!

Here are my top 5 sensory-friendly crafts that are perfect for a soggy afternoon — most using things you already have at home

1. Rainbow Rice Sensory Tray

Coloured rice is like magic — calming, colourful, and mess-manageable.

🌀 Pour it into a tray with scoops, spoons, dinosaurs, or toy animals for hours of hands-on, screen-free fun.

Pro tip: Add a few drops of lavender oil to create a soothing sensory experience.

2. Make-Your-Own Crown

Got a cereal box? You’ve got royalty.

👑 Cut out a simple crown shape, tape or staple it together, and let the kids decorate with whatever you have — stickers, feathers, sequins, or felt tips. Perfect for little royals stuck indoors!

3. Sand Art Pictures

These are a total game-changer for rainy days.

🎨 My sand art kits come with pre-glued templates (no mess, no glitter explosions), colourful sand, and everything your child needs for a relaxing, creative activity.

Great for calm play, motor skills, and proud smiles at the finished masterpiece!

4. Make Your Own Play Dough

Soft, stretchy fun that takes minutes to make.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup salt

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tbsp oil

• A few drops of food colouring

Mix it all together, knead, and voilà! Add essential oils like lavender or orange for extra sensory calm.

5. Recycled Art Challenge

Turn the recycling bin into an imagination station.

♻️ Hand the kids some empty boxes, toilet rolls, lids, and tape, then challenge them to create a robot, a rocket, or a monster mansion.

✨ Bonus idea: Ask them to name their creation and tell you its backstory — perfect for creative thinking (and a cuppa while they play!).

Which one will you try today?
Tag me @sandartsandcrafts on Facebook or Insta — I love seeing what your little ones create! 💖

Pop to my website for sand art packs and sensory play bundles delivered to your door 🚚🌈