Rainy weekends don’t have to mean boredom indoors! They’re a great chance to have some cozy, family-friendly fun. Here are 10 ideas that the whole family can enjoy, making the most of those rainy autumn days.

1. Build a Blanket Fort

Kids love forts, and adults can have just as much fun building them! Gather all the pillows, blankets, and sheets you can find, and create the ultimate indoor fort. Add some twinkling fairy lights or battery-powered lanterns to make it extra cozy. Once the fort is ready, it can double as a reading nook or a movie-watching spot.

2. Autumn Cookie Decorating

Bake a batch of simple cookies (like sugar or gingerbread) and set up a decorating station with colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Let the kids get creative by making their own autumn-themed cookies shaped like leaves, acorns, or pumpkins. It’s a fun way to keep them engaged, and you get a tasty treat at the end!

3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt around the house! Make a list of items to find or challenges to complete, like “find something red” or “find a stuffed animal.” You can add a seasonal twist by including autumn-themed items, like a pinecone or a cozy scarf. This is a great way to get kids moving and exploring without needing to go outside.

4. DIY Slime or Craft Day

Rainy days are perfect for craft time. Set up a DIY craft station with items like colored paper, glue, scissors, and markers, or try making homemade slime together. Autumn-themed crafts like leaf rubbings, paper pumpkins, or painted rocks are easy and fun projects that can also be used to decorate the house.

5. Family Puzzle or Board Game Marathon

Gather around the table with a family-friendly puzzle or board game. Choose games that everyone can enjoy, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer favorites. For younger kids, try simple games like Memory or Jenga. If you’re working on a big puzzle, it can be a fun ongoing project for the weekend.

6. Story Time and Puppet Show

Pick out some favorite books, or make up your own stories together. You could even create a puppet show using old socks, paper bags, or homemade puppets. Let the kids take turns being the storyteller or puppeteer. It’s a great way to build their creativity and confidence, and it’s sure to result in lots of laughs!

7. Indoor Obstacle Course

If the kids have too much energy to sit still, create an indoor obstacle course. Use cushions, chairs, and toys to set up a safe path to crawl under, climb over, or balance on. You can make it a timed challenge or simply let them go through it at their own pace. This will keep them active, even if they can’t go outside.

8. Movie and Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up an at-home movie theater with comfy blankets, popcorn, and a hot chocolate bar! Let everyone create their own hot cocoa with fun add-ins like marshmallows, whipped cream, or sprinkles. Then, choose a family-friendly movie or cartoon that everyone can enjoy together.

9. Bake Your Own Pizzas

Turn dinner into an activity by making homemade pizzas. Prepare some dough (or use store-bought), set out toppings like cheese, tomato sauce, veggies, and pepperoni, and let everyone create their own mini pizzas. It’s a fun way for kids to get involved in cooking, and they’ll love eating their own creations!

10. Rainy-Day Nature Crafts

If the rain is light or stops for a bit, head outside to collect leaves, pine cones, and sticks. Then bring them back inside and make nature-inspired crafts, like leaf rubbings, pine cone animals, or a fall wreath. It’s a fun way to connect with nature, even if you can’t be outdoors for long.

Rainy autumn weekends don’t have to be dull. With these family-friendly activities, you can keep everyone entertained and make some wonderful memories, rain or shine!