4 Screen-Free Indoor Activities for Toddlers on Rainy or Cold Days

From an Indoor Playspace Owner

As an indoor playspace owner, rainy and cold days are some of our busiest—and most exciting—days! When families walk through our doors, toddlers don’t come in asking for screens. They come in ready to explore, move, and play.

Over these last few months of being open for our community, watching hundreds of toddlers play every week, we’ve seen firsthand which screen-free indoor activities truly work. Here are five of the most effective, toddler-approved activities we rely on every week.

1. Directed Pretend Play Games (Market, Store, Café)

Directed pretend play is one of the most engaging forms of toddler play we offer—especially on long indoor days.

In our playspace, we usually have some form of the following set up:

• A pretend market or grocery store

• A café or bakery with play food

• Simple props like baskets, carts, and cash registers

Adults can gently guide toddlers with prompts like, “Can you find the apples?” or “Who’s working at the store today?” and then let them take it from there.

From what we see every day:
Directed pretend play encourages language development, turn-taking, and early social skills—while still leaving plenty of room for imagination.

2. Sensory Play Stations

Sensory play is especially valuable on rainy or colder days when toddlers need grounding activities.

Our most-loved sensory setups include:

• Texture bins with scoops and containers

• Play dough and tactile materials

• Simple water play with supervision

Toddlers often return to these stations again and again throughout their visit on enrichment days.

What we notice as playspace staff:
Sensory play helps toddlers calm their bodies, focus their attention, and explore at their own pace.

3. Art & Creative Time

Art activities in our playspace are intentionally open-ended.

We offer some combination of:

• Large crayons and washable markers

• Stickers, stamps, and paper

• Simple painting and stamping activities

Some toddlers make a few marks and move on, while others stay deeply engaged—and both are perfect outcomes.

From watching toddlers create:
Creative play builds fine motor strength and gives toddlers a way to express themselves without needing words.

4. Music & Movement Play

When energy starts to build indoors, music is one of our favorite tools.

Our instructors regularly use:

• Repetitive songs with simple motions

• Scarves, ribbons, and rhythm instruments

• Free movement and dance time

Even toddlers who are hesitant at first often join once the music begins.

From our daily routines:
Music and movement support coordination, listening skills, and emotional expression—all while helping toddlers release energy.

Final Thoughts

Rainy days and cold weather don’t have to mean less play. With the right activities and environment, indoor days can be just as rich, active, and meaningful as outdoor ones.

As an indoor playspace owner, one thing is clear: toddlers don’t need screens to stay engaged—they need opportunities to move, imagine, and connect through play. If you’re looking to expand your toys at home, check out Bella Luna’s open-ended toy selection here!