When it’s pouring outside and your baby is full of wiggles, finding safe, fun ways to entertain them indoors can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry — we’ve rounded up 20 easy indoor activities for babies that are developmentally helpful, low-stress for you, and perfect for rainy-day bonding.
Whether your baby is just a few weeks old or approaching their first birthday, these ideas are great for supporting sensory play, motor skills, and emotional connection — all without needing sunshine!
1. Tummy Time Adventure
Lay down a colourful blanket with textured toys or household objects nearby. Switch up positions and let baby explore from a fresh angle each time.
2. Baby Disco
Turn on your favourite feel-good playlist and have a gentle dance party. Hold baby in your arms or let them bounce to the beat in a jumper or on your lap.
3. Sensory Box
Fill a shallow box with safe textures like soft cloths, crinkly paper, silicone kitchen tools, and plush toys. Let baby explore under supervision.
4. Toy Rotation Time
Reintroduce forgotten toys or set up a “toy of the day” station. Keep it fresh with new textures and colours — explore our selection of toys for six month old.
5. Read with Expression
Even tiny babies love being read to! Use different voices and facial expressions — books with textures or flaps are great for interaction.
6. Mirror Play
Babies are fascinated by their reflection. Place an unbreakable mirror at tummy level and let them explore their expressions and movements.
7. Mess-Free Painting
Put blobs of paint inside a zipped plastic bag and tape it to a highchair tray. Baby can squish and swirl colours around without the cleanup!
8. DIY Instrument Time
Use pots and wooden spoons, sealed rice jars, or a shoebox with rubber bands to make simple instruments together. Bang, shake, and laugh!
9. Scent Exploration
Introduce mild scents like vanilla, lavender, or orange on cotton pads for baby to sniff while you name them. A gentle sensory experience.
10. Blanket Fort + Fairy Lights
Create a soft baby-safe den using cushions and lightweight blankets. Add soft lights or a projector for magical sensory wonder.
11. Flashcard Fun
Black-and-white cards for young babies or animal/colour cards for older ones help with focus and recognition. Make your own or print some out.
12. Texture Crawl
Lay down fabric squares — like fleece, silk, or corduroy — and let baby crawl or roll across the mini obstacle course.
13. Bathtime (Even If It’s Not Bath Time)
A warm midday bath with bubbles and plastic toys can reset a grumpy baby and give you a change of scene.
14. Balloon Time
Supervised balloon play can be magical. Gently bop it back and forth or tie it loosely to baby’s wrist (always closely monitored).
15. Unwrap-a-Toy Game
Wrap soft toys in thin scarves or muslins and let baby discover what’s hidden. Great for fine motor skills!
16. Baby Massage
A calming bonding activity after nappy time. Use gentle strokes and talk softly to soothe and connect.
17. Teddy Bear Picnic
Set up a circle of soft toys and “invite” baby to a snack or milk break with their plush friends.
18. Light Play
Use a soft torch or LED lights under a blanket to create shapes, shadows, and movement.
19. Sing-Along Session
Nursery rhymes, silly songs, or made-up jingles — your baby doesn’t care about your voice, just your joy!
20. Gift-Time Surprise
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to treat your little one (or another new parent) to one of our best baby gifts. Whether it’s sensory toys, keepsakes, or something cosy, a thoughtful gift can make a grey day brighter.
Final Thoughts
Rainy days don’t need to be boring — they can be full of connection, discovery, and smiles. With a little imagination (and maybe a warm cup of tea for you), you’ll turn cabin fever into precious playtime.
Pro tip: Bookmark this list for those rainy days when inspiration runs dry.