Oregon summers may bring sunshine, but they can also deliver unexpected, drizzly days that leave kids bouncing off the walls. When the weather keeps everyone stuck inside, it helps to have a few go-to activities ready to keep energy levels in check. These seven creative ways to get kids moving indoors for rainy day play are a mix of low-effort games, imaginative challenges, and a few ideas that let you reimagine your space.
Living Room Obstacle Course
Use what you have to turn your living room into an indoor adventure zone. Think cushions to crawl over, painter’s tape as a balance beam, or chairs for weaving through.
This activity can be changed daily to keep it exciting, and it encourages kids to build problem-solving skills and coordination while getting their wiggles out.
Dance Party Sessions
Rainy days are perfect for impromptu dance-offs. Turn on a playlist, let kids take turns picking songs, and let loose.
Freeze dance, copycat moves, or just letting everyone go wild for ten minutes straight are all great ways to elevate moods while keeping everyone active indoors.
Indoor Balloon Volleyball
A blown-up balloon and a hallway or living room are all you need. Set up a “net” using furniture or a line of painter’s tape and volley the balloon back and forth.
The lightness of the balloon makes it safe for all ages, and the slower pace helps build focus and hand-eye coordination without requiring any major setup.
DIY Climbing Wall
If you’ve got a little extra space and love a bigger project, an indoor climbing wall can become a year-round favorite. Whether in a garage, on basement wall, or in spare room, kids can get active without stepping outdoors.
Just remember these dos and don’ts of designing a home climbing wall, including considering wall stability, flooring for falls, and overall layout to ensure safe and effective climbing at home.
Yoga and Animal Moves
Some kids need high energy. Others benefit from movement with a calming twist. Yoga offers both.
You can play a video, make up a flow, or invent animal-themed moves such as frog hops, snake slithers, or bear crawls. Parents can join in or let kids lead the session themselves.
Parent-Child Fitness Games
Inclement weather offers the perfect excuse to join your kids in a little movement. Try Simon Says with jumping jacks or set up a mini circuit of squats, stretches, and silly walks. You’ll share laughs and sneak in activity for everyone.
One More for Good Measure
Turn cleanup into a moving game. Set a timer and race to pick up toys, or challenge kids to find and return specific items in a scavenger hunt-style activity. The activity is simple, fun, and gets everyone moving with a purpose, wrapping up these seven creative ways to get kids moving indoors for rainy day play on a productive note.
Sam Hopes is a 37-year-old mom of two living in Portland, Oregon. She works as a freelance graphic designer and part-time yoga instructor, juggling creative projects with playdates and PTA emails. Known for her warm personality and dry humor, Sam loves hiking in Forest Park, thrifting on Mississippi Avenue, and weekend visits to OMSI with her kids, Ella and Milo. She’s the kind of parent who forgets sunscreen but always remembers snacks—and a good laugh.