Rainy day and half-term activities for kids that are not screens

The best rainy day activities are ones that last more than ten minutes and can be picked up again later. Here are screen-free ideas by type of child and time available.

What can kids do on a rainy day?

• Run an experiment. See our STEM kits and the Gyroscope.
• Play a family game. Ghost Blitz or Sleeping Queens.
• Solve an escape game. See escape room games.
• Build something. Mathlink Cubes or SmartMax.

What are good half-term activities?

Spread things out: one project, one game and one outing a day. Our half-term science collection has ideas.

What can older children do?

Try a micro:bit project, a logic puzzle or a code-breaking game.

What can younger children do?

Bubbles from Dr Zigs, a cooperative game like Count Your Chickens, or building with magnets.

How do I keep a holiday going?

• Keep a box of games ready.
• Rotate toys so some feel new.
• Do one thing together every day.

FAQ

How can I cut screen time during holidays?

See how to cut screen time without a battle.