Ah, the British weather strikes again, and you find yourself faced with the challenge of keeping your child with additional needs entertained indoors. Fear not! We've created a list of 10 inclusive indoor games and activities specially designed to make rainy days a blast for kids with additional needs such as ADHD and/or Autism. These activities often use a variety of sensory toys designed to support children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing needs. Let's dive into a world of laughter, creativity, and celebration of each child's unique abilities.
Why Rainy Days Can Be Challenging for Children with Additional Needs
Changes to routine, limited outdoor opportunities and reduced movement can sometimes make rainy days more challenging for children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing differences. Having a selection of simple indoor activities available can help children stay engaged, active and regulated throughout the day.
The best rainy day activities combine fun, movement, creativity and sensory experiences while allowing children to participate at their own pace.
Ten Fun Activities on a Rainy Day!
1. Sensory Bin Exploration
Get ready for a tactile adventure! Fill a bin with rice, beans, or soft fabrics and let the sensory exploration begin. Watch as children uncover hidden treasures like fidget toys, promoting imaginative play and tactile stimulation.
If you're looking for more sensory play inspiration, read our guide to fun sensory play activities for kids.
2. Adapted Board Games
Transform family game night into an inclusive extravaganza! Seek out adapted versions of classic board games like Monopoly or Connect Four, where larger pieces, tactile elements, and simplified rules create an environment where everyone can join in on the fun.
3. Balloon Volleyball
Turn your living room into a volleyball arena! String up a makeshift net or just put some masking tape across the floor and let the balloon fly. This low-impact game enhances hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills, with the added bonus of a slow-moving balloon for easier tracking.
4. Obstacle Course
Unleash the inner adventurer with a customisable obstacle course. Pillows, cushions, and tunnels become the tools for promoting spatial awareness and balance, allowing children to navigate at their own pace.
5. Dance Party with Sensory Lights
Dim the lights, turn up the music, and bring out the sensory lights! Many children also benefit from sensory lights that create a calming or stimulating environment depending on their needs. Create a dance party that caters to individual sensory needs, providing a stimulating yet comfortable space for kids to let loose and groove to the beat. Enhance the fun by incorporating dance scarves—challenge the children to toss them into the air, adding an exciting twist where they freeze like statues when the music comes to a halt!
6. Interactive Storytime
Combine the magic of storytelling with interactive elements. Props, puppets, and sensory items transform tales into captivating experiences. Encourage participation through gestures, vocalisations, and interaction with story-related objects.
7. DIY Craft Stations
Unleash creativity with DIY craft stations. Playdough, beads, coloured paper—the possibilities are endless. Not only do these stations promote fine motor skills, but they also offer a canvas for self-expression and artistic exploration.
8. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling
Who says bowling is only for alleys? Transform your hallway into a glow-in-the-dark bowling alley by placing glow sticks in plastic bottles as pins and soft, lightweight balls to knock them down. This activity enhances coordination, spatial perception, and visual tracking in a fun and imaginative setting.
9. Musical Instruments Jam Session
Encourage a love for music by hosting a jam session with various musical toys. Drums, shakers, and bells become tools of expression in a supportive and accepting environment where kids can explore sounds and rhythms at their own pace. These can form part of wider sensory toys used to support engagement and regulation.
10. Yoga for Relaxation
Wrap up the day with a calming yoga session. Introduce simple poses and stretches to promote relaxation and body awareness. Use visuals or a soothing voice to guide children through the poses, fostering a sense of calm and well-being. For more structured support strategies, see our Autism Support Guide.
Embrace the rainy days with joy and inclusivity! These 10 games and activities are just the beginning. Feel free to adapt and modify based on the unique needs and preferences of your children. Let laughter and joy be the guiding lights, creating memorable moments for every child, rain or shine!
Our Experience with Rainy Day Activities
As Zac's mum, I've learned that rainy days can sometimes feel longer when you're caring for a child with additional needs. Over the years we've tried all sorts of indoor activities, and what works best is usually keeping things simple, flexible and low-pressure.
Some of Zac's favourite activities have involved sensory play, movement breaks and simple games that can be adapted to his mood and energy levels. I've found that having a few sensory activities ready to go can make rainy days feel much less stressful and much more enjoyable for everyone.
Every child is different, so the key is to focus on activities that match your child's interests, sensory preferences and developmental stage rather than trying to follow a rigid plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainy Day Activities
What are good rainy day activities for autistic children?
Sensory bins, obstacle courses, sensory crafts, music activities and simple movement games are popular rainy day activities because they can be adapted to different sensory preferences and ability levels.
How can I keep my autistic child entertained indoors?
Many families find success with sensory play, creative activities, movement breaks and interactive games that match their child's interests and sensory needs.
Why is sensory play helpful on rainy days?
Sensory play can provide structured sensory input, encourage engagement and help children stay active and occupied when outdoor play isn't possible.
These rainy day activities are just a starting point for creating engaging sensory experiences at home.