Toddler Rainy Day Schedule with No Screens!
Summer is officially over, which means we are spending more time inside now that the weather is starting to turn. Whether you're dealing with a few rainy days, snowy days, or just downright cold days, it can be hard not to reach for the screens when you're stuck inside. If you want some great ideas for keeping your toddler busy throughout the day without screens, we've got a full rainy day schedule you can try! Keep reading for our toddler rainy day schedule with no screens, including how soap dough and indoor bubbles are going to save you every time.
Morning Routine
- 7-8 am: Wake up and breakfast. When the day starts, plan for a long, cozy breakfast. Have your toddler help you make pancakes, toast, or oatmeal and draw it out.
- 8-8:30 am: Face the rain. Show your toddler that it is raining, and that you will not be spending much time outside today. Now is a good time to allow them to put on some boots and a jacket and splash around for a bit and get it out of their system.
- 8:30-9:30 am: High-energy burn. Once you've wrangled them back in and dried them off, play some Danny Go music and get moving! Toss some pillows on the floor to play Floor Is Lava, practice your animal walks and jumps, or set up a comfy area to practice front rolls. This is also a great time to run around and pop some indoor-friendly bubbles!
- 9:30-10 am: Morning snack. Prepare a snack together while you listen to music, read books, or talk more about how wet everything looks outside!
- 10-11 am: Sensory play. Set up a sensory station for your little one to enjoy. This can be something as simple as sink play or finding new ways to use their sensory fidget toys.
- 11-12 pm: Lunch and clean up. Work together to prepare and eat lunch, as well as clean up the messy dishes from the day. Put on the "Clean Up Song" and work together to pick up the living room, kitchen, playroom, and any other play areas from the morning.
- 12-2 pm: Nap time. Right around now is your little one's nap, and time for you to relax, too!
Afternoon Routine
- 2-3 pm: Post-nap snack and calm activity. As you are likely aware, most toddlers are a bit cranky when they wake up from their nap. Take this process slow today; give your toddler a snack or special treat to perk them up, and read a book, play with MagnaTiles, or play with your toddler-friendly bubble blower with indoor-friendly bubble solution for a good calm-down activity that destresses.
- 3-4 pm: Art ideas. Time to get crafty! Even if your little one doesn't love arts and crafts, introducing them to something new during this hour can buy you a bit of time; even 10-15 minutes counts. MagnaTiles, dough play, paint, crayons, or scissor practice are all great things to try. Innobaby's Soap Dough is a fun dough play activity that leaves you with real, usable soap instead of a dried-up clump of dough, and they will love to wash their hands with it!
- 4-4:30 pm: Revisit the weather. Is it still raining outside, or are you having a break in the weather? Now is a great time to head outside again to splash around, survey how the rain has affected your yard, or hang out in a covered area to get some fresh air.
- 4:30-5 pm: Clean up for dinner prep. Once inside, wash your hands and start talking about dinner prep. Now is also a good time to pick up the afternoon toy dump as well as any craft supplies.
Evening Routine
- 5-6 pm: Dinner prep and time to eat. Does your toddler enjoy helping you with meals? If so, let them help today! If not, hand them a book to enjoy or another independent play activity such as soap dough, indoor bubbles, MagnaTiles, or coloring. Then, enjoy dinner together as a family whether you cooked it, ordered it, or popped it in the oven!
- 6-7 pm: Bedtime routine. Once dinner is done, it's time for bath, book, and bed. Make bath time extra fun and long tonight by adding in some soap dough, bubbles, or sensory bath scrubs to enjoy.
- 7 pm and on: You time! Now is the time for Mom and Dad to high-five: You did it!