Screen-free rainy day activities

It’s important that children are tech-savvy but there is very little evidence that screentime contributes to a child’s cognitive ability. Screens are so appealing because of their continually changing content so any activities that we attempt at home with the kids need to be equally appealing to little hands, eyes and brains. Here are a few activities by Isabelle Fisher to entertain the kids that are easy to set up. You probably have most of what you need at home already.

Playdough

Immersive books

Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.

This is a versatile toy that’s so easy and cheap to make or buy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Just check that the playdough has been UKCA tested.

Treasure hunt

Choose something to be the treasure, hide it and create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. To make the map more ‘authentic,’ scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.

Baking

Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for young bakers to try and hopefully they will taste great! Baking bread is also surprisingly simple, and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven.

Art and craft

This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or create tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely family presents.

Easy science experiments

There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items. Encourage kids to ask questions & make predictions. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens!

Isabelle Fisher is co-founder of Little Hands Learning, an educational and eco-friendly subscription box for children ages 3 to 6. For more ideas, visit: littlehandslearning.co.uk/activities

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