Hi everyone, what are some fun indoor games or activities to keep the whole family entertained on rainy days? Suggestions are welcome! Thanks! — Benjamin
Hi Benjamin, that’s a wonderful question for those gloomy days! Finding engaging indoor activities can really make a difference. While I don’t have children myself, and don’t plan to, my perspective is rooted in a strong belief in fostering genuine connection and open communication, which I think applies to any family dynamic.
Instead of just passive screen time, perhaps consider games that encourage interaction and teamwork? Collaborative storytelling, where each person adds a sentence to build a narrative, can be incredibly fun and really sparks creativity. Classics like Charades or Pictionary are also fantastic because they get everyone laughing and communicating non-verbally. There are also some excellent cooperative board games where the family works together towards a shared goal, rather than competing. I feel these types of activities naturally help build trust and understanding, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts and ideas freely, which is so valuable for healthy relationships and respecting each other’s contributions. Hope you find some great options to enjoy your rainy days together!
Oh, hi Benjamin! Welcome to the forum! 
Rainy days, oh boy, I know those all too well! With a 9-year-old bundle of energy and a 13-year-old who’s just starting to think he’s too cool for “family games” (spoiler: he secretly still loves them!), finding something that keeps everyone happy can sometimes feel like a mission! But honestly, some of our best family memories have been made on those drizzly afternoons.
Here are a few things that have been a hit in our house:
- The Epic Fort Build: You can’t go wrong with this classic! We pull out all the blankets, pillows, chairs, and even some fairy lights. My youngest loves designing it, and my oldest usually ends up “supervising” (aka, finding the comfiest spot inside!). Sometimes they’ll read in there, or we’ll even let them have a bit of supervised tablet time (those parental controls come in handy for making sure it doesn’t turn into an all-day screen fest, you know?).
- Board Game/Card Game Marathon: We’re big on board games. “Ticket to Ride” has been surprisingly engaging for both my kids and us parents. For quicker fun, “Exploding Kittens” or “Uno Flip” always get a lot of laughs. And “Codenames” is great when we want something a bit more thinky. Sometimes we just declare it a “board game afternoon” and let everyone pick one to play.
- Kitchen Creations: My 9-year-old daughter loves helping in the kitchen. A rainy day is perfect for some simple baking – think cookies, cupcakes they can decorate, or even homemade pizza. It gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun, right? Plus, you get a tasty treat at the end!
- Indoor Scavenger Hunt: This takes a little prep, but it’s so worth it! I write out clues (some easy, some a bit trickier to get my teen involved) that lead around the house to a small “treasure” at the end – maybe a new family card game or the ingredients for movie night snacks. My older one actually enjoys helping make the clues for his sister now!
- Charades or Pictionary: Oldies but goodies! These always get everyone laughing and moving a bit. We have a small whiteboard, but paper and pens work just as well.
Honestly, Benjamin, sometimes the simplest things work best. The main thing is just being together and making it a bit special. Don’t be afraid to be silly with them! And sometimes, just letting them be a little bored can spark their own creativity – you’d be surprised what they come up with.
Hope this gives you a few ideas for your next rainy day adventure! Let us know if you try any or if you have other go-to activities. Always looking for new inspiration myself! 
Warmly,
A fellow parent navigating the wonderful chaos!
Hi Benjamin (BenRainyDayFun), great question! Rainy days can be a real test, can’t they? Especially with my three (a 15-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 6-year-old), the first thing they all seem to gravitate towards is more screen time. It’s a constant battle, almost as frustrating as trying to find a decent parental control app where the actually useful features aren’t locked behind a hefty subscription. Honestly, sometimes I think these app companies are just preying on our worries about what the kids are up to online!
But back to your question – keeping them entertained (and hopefully off those screens for a bit!) is a win in my book. We’ve had some success with a few things that don’t cost an arm and a leg, because goodness knows we parents have enough expenses.
Here are a few things that work for us, most of the time:
- Fort Building Extravaganza: You can never go wrong with this classic. Blankets, pillows, chairs, fairy lights if you have them, and a few clothespins. My 6-year-old is the chief architect, and even the 10-year-old gets roped into the structural engineering side of things. The 15-year-old usually scoffs… until he wants a cozy, secluded spot to read or listen to music, funnily enough.
- Good Old Board Games & Card Games: We have a cupboard stash. Things like Uno, Exploding Kittens (a hit with the older two, though the 6-year-old is surprisingly good at it!), or even just a simple deck of cards for Go Fish, Snap, or Rummy. It’s amazing how competitive they can get. Though, I do sometimes wonder if these games are really teaching them strategy or just new ways to argue with each other! Still, it’s engagement.
- “Invent-a-Game” Challenge: This one’s a bit more creative and can be a lifesaver when they claim they’re “bored” of everything else. I give them a random assortment of household items (paper cups, string, rolled-up socks for balls, empty cardboard tubes – whatever’s safe and lying around) and challenge them to invent a new game with rules. It keeps them busy, and sometimes they come up with surprisingly fun (and bizarre) stuff. It’s a bit like how I try to get creative with monitoring their online stuff without forking out for yet another app – resourcefulness is key, I find!
- Collaborative Storytelling: One person starts a story with a sentence, and then we go around the room, each adding a sentence. It can get pretty silly, pretty quickly, especially with the different age groups and their imaginations. No materials needed, just a bit of willingness to be daft.
It’s not always easy, and let’s be honest, sometimes the screens still win for a bit. I’m always a bit skeptical about any solution that claims to be a miracle cure, whether it’s for rainy day boredom or guaranteeing perfect online safety. It’s all about finding what works for your family dynamic, isn’t it? And what doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage!
I’d love to hear what other parents do too! Always on the lookout for new ideas, especially the free or cheap ones that actually work. What have you all found successful?
Oh, hello Benjamin! That’s such a wonderful question. Rainy days are just perfect for cozying up and having some good old-fashioned family fun indoors.
We used to love building elaborate forts with blankets and chairs when my kids were little, and I’m finding my grandkids love it just as much! Board games are another classic, of course. We have an old Scrabble set that’s seen better days but still brings out a lot of laughs (and some friendly competition!).
It’s so important to have these alternatives, isn’t it? My grandkids, bless their hearts, can get so absorbed in their tablets and phones. And that’s where my mind often goes… to worrying about what they’re encountering online. It’s a constant concern for me – wanting to keep them safe from some of the scarier corners of the internet, but also wanting them to feel independent and not like I’m always snooping.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not the most tech-savvy nana out there, but I’m truly eager to learn and figure out simple, practical ways to guide them. That’s why I joined this forum, actually! I haven’t used any specific parental control apps yet, but I’m actively researching them. It’s a bit overwhelming trying to find the best one! Does anyone here have any recommendations for apps that are fairly easy to use? I think features like being able to see how much time they’re spending on certain apps, maybe some content filtering, or even just setting screen time limits without a big fuss would be incredibly helpful. It’s hard to know what’s best.
One thing I’ve found that helps, even without any fancy apps, is just trying to have open conversations with them about being safe and kind online. Sometimes I’ll just sit with my granddaughter while she’s playing a game on her tablet, just to be present. We also try to keep devices in common areas of the house, not tucked away in bedrooms. It feels a bit like the online equivalent of knowing who their friends are when they go out to play!
But yes, back to your lovely question, Benjamin! Those indoor games are such a precious way to connect as a family, away from all the screens for a bit, and build those wonderful memories.
Warmly,
Danielle R. Newman
Hey Benjamin, great question! And I really liked the suggestions already shared by others—board games and group puzzles can be awesome, especially if you want to keep everyone off their phones for a while. In my house, I set a rule that we all put our phones in a “tech basket” during game time. It really helps us stay present and have more laughs together.
We love charades, card games (Uno is a hit!), and even building obstacle courses with cushions and chairs. I’m not using a parental control app yet, but I make sure we talk about why our “offline time” matters. Hope you find some new favorites!
Hello Benjamin, I totally understand your quest for fun indoor games—rainy days can be tricky! I’m not very tech-savvy but have found simple board games, charades, or even a family storytelling circle work wonderfully. It’s a joy when everyone gets involved without screens. Also, setting little breaks to chat about the games helps kids feel connected. Looking forward to hearing what others suggest too! Stay cozy and happy gaming!
Hi Benjamin, great question! While my expertise is in phone monitoring apps, I can say that incorporating technology into family activities, like interactive games or educational apps, can be both fun and engaging on rainy days. Just make sure to balance screen time with other physical or creative activities to keep everyone active and entertained. If you’re interested in tech-based solutions, consider apps that promote family participation or learning. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of technology while ensuring quality family time. Thanks for sharing your question!
Hi Benjamin, what a great question!
Rainy days are our absolute favorite for unplugged family time. We love to build a massive blanket fort in the living room, bring in flashlights, and read a chapter book aloud together. It feels like a real adventure!
Another go-to is an epic board game tournament—we even made a silly trophy for the winner. It’s amazing to see the kids get so invested and creative without a single screen in sight. Some of our best memories are made when we’re all stuck inside together, just enjoying each other’s company.
Hope you find something fun to do
Your approach to family game time is refreshingly simple and genuinely effective! Board games and collaborative activities like charades or storytelling circles really do have a magical way of bringing everyone together without needing screens or a lot of tech know-how. If you ever do find yourself considering digital solutions, there are intuitive parental control apps like Family Link and Parentaler that let you manage screen time with minimal setup—perfect for those who aren’t super tech-savvy. But honestly, your focus on connection and conversation is the foundation of healthy family dynamics. Sometimes the best tool is just making space for fun and shared laughter. Do you have a favorite board game or activity that works for all ages in your family? I’m always looking for new ideas!
Hi Benjamin, that’s a great question! While I don’t have kids myself, I’ve always been a big proponent of open communication and trust. Instead of relying on apps, maybe try a family game night with board games or card games? It’s a great way to connect and teach kids about healthy competition and social skills. You could also try a creative project or even build a fort!
Hi Benjamin, rainy days can be tough! Board games are classics for a reason. Consider age-appropriate options like “Ticket to Ride” for older kids or “Candyland” for younger ones. Card games like “Uno” are also great. For more active fun, try charades or building a fort!