The weather in the UK can be unpredictable but don’t let it ruin your holidays! Check out our ideas for entertaining kids when the weather isn't at its best!
DIY Craft Station
Set up a simple craft zone using whatever you have at home, paper, glue, scissors, cereal boxes, and crayons.
Fun ideas:
- Make sock puppets and put on a puppet show
- Design paper plate animals
- Build a cardboard robot
- Try simple origami shapes
Top tip: Give them a challenge like “create your own zoo” or “invent a superhero” to inspire creativity.
Home Theatre Time
Let the kids take centre stage with a DIY talent show or play. Encourage them to write a short script, pick costumes, and rehearse a performance.
Try:
- Lip sync battles
- Puppet shows
- Comedy sketches
- Magic tricks
Why not go all in and create paper tickets and let siblings, parents, grandparents or other family/friends be the audience!
Create your own Treasure Hunt
Check out our blog all about creating your own treasure hunt with learning clues!
- Choose a Theme
- Pick your hiding spots
- Write your clues
- Hide the clues
- Let the fun begin!
If you know in advance the weather is looking bad a treasure hunt is a great activity to plan beforehand!
STEM Fun: Learn While They Play
Sneak in some learning with these fun, hands-on STEM activities.
- Build a Lego marble run
- Make a baking soda & vinegar volcano
- Design a spaghetti-and-marshmallow tower
- Create a domino chain reaction
- Sort objects by weight, size, or texture
These simple challenges promote problem-solving and creativity in a totally playful way. Why not check out our blog all about educational holiday activities that feel like play!
Book + Activity Combo
Pair a short story with a related creative activity.
Examples:
- The Gruffalo → Draw your own imaginary monster
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory → Design a new sweet or candy
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar → Create a paper chain of foods
This adds depth to story time and makes reading feel even more magical. For older children, why not make them pitch a new idea to an interviewing panel (you!), Dragons Den style!
Indoor Yoga & Mindfulness
Rainy days are a great time to slow down and connect.
- Try kid-friendly yoga videos online
- Play “Mindful Minute” — sit silently and count sounds
- Do “blow the feather” breathing (use cotton balls)
- Try a short guided relaxation or gratitude chat
Have a look at these Yoga & Pilates videos from the BBC. Great for calming busy minds and bodies after a full-on activity session.
Get Crafty In The Kitchen
Turn snack time into a hands-on experience with simple cooking projects.
No-bake or easy recipes:
- Decorate biscuits or cupcakes
- Build-your-own mini pizzas
- Make fruity kebabs or trail mix
- Create a smoothie bar
Kids love being part of the process - and they’ll be proud of what they make!
Screen-Free Challenges
Ditch the screens, raid the games cupboard and go ‘old school’!
Try:
- Printable puzzle books (mazes, crosswords, word searches)
- Card games like Snap or Go Fish
- Board games like Uno, Guess Who, or Monopoly
- Audio stories or kid-friendly podcasts
It’s a great way to rest their eyes while keeping their brains active.
Invent a Game
Encourage your kids to design their own game from scratch! All you need is paper, dice, and a bit of imagination.
- Create a board game
- Invent a quiz show
- Build an obstacle course with indoor items
- Make a card game with custom rules
You might be surprised at how inventive they get - and it could be a game they’ll want to play over and over again!
Bonus Idea: Rainy Day Activity Jar
Living in the UK you know at some point the weather will be bad. Before the holidays why not write down a bunch of activity ideas on slips of paper and pop them in a jar. On rainy days, let the kids take turns picking one out at random for instant inspiration!
Rainy days don’t need to feel like a drag. With a little preparation and a dose of creativity, they can become some of the most memorable, laughter-filled days of the school holidays. Whether it's building, baking, performing, or puzzling, there’s something magical about turning a grey day into something bright and joyful indoors.
Need more activity ideas for school holidays?
Check out our other blog posts such as where kids can eat out cheap or free this summer or our summer holiday room cleaning checklist for kids!