15 Fun Art Projects for Rainy Days Your Kids Will Love

The pitter-patter of raindrops doesn’t have to mean a day of boredom! When outdoor activities are off the table, it’s the perfect time to unleash creativity with engaging art projects for rainy days. Whether you’re working with toddlers or teens, these indoor art activities will keep everyone entertained while fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

Quick and Easy Projects Using Household Items

1. Paper Plate Dream Catchers

Transform simple paper plates into stunning dream catchers! Cut out the center of the plate, leaving a 2-inch rim. Punch holes around the edge and weave colorful yarn through them. Add feathers, beads, and ribbons for a magical touch that catches both dreams and eyes!

2. Coffee Filter Butterflies

Who knew coffee filters could be so beautiful? Grab some washable markers, coffee filters, and pipe cleaners. Let kids color the filters with markers, then spritz them with water to watch the colors blend and spread. Once dry, pinch the middle and secure with a pipe cleaner to create butterfly wings.

3. Tin Foil Sculptures

Here’s an unconventional medium that’s sure to spark imagination! Start with a ball of aluminum foil and shape it into anything – animals, buildings, abstract forms. The reflective surface creates interesting light effects, and the material is forgiving enough for endless reshaping.

Painting Projects That Pop

4. Bubble Wrap Printing

Turn packing material into art! Paint one side of bubble wrap with bright colors, press it onto paper, and lift to reveal a fascinating dotted pattern. Mix colors and create layers for added depth. It’s mesmerizing to watch the pattern emerge!

5. Rain Cloud Art

How fitting for a rainy day! Draw a cloud at the top of the paper, then use blue paint diluted with water to create drips that stream down the page. Add glitter while the paint is wet for a magical sparkle effect.

6. Marble Rolling Paintings

Place paper in a shallow box, add drops of paint, and drop in a marble. Tilt the box gently to roll the marble through the paint, creating unique abstract patterns. It’s like a maze game and art project rolled into one!

Creative Crafts for Longer Projects

7. Sock Puppets

Those lonely single socks finally have a purpose! Gather buttons, yarn, felt, and glue to transform them into charming puppet characters. Create a whole cast and put on a rainy day puppet show.

8. Paper Mache Bowls

Mix equal parts flour and water to create paper mache paste. Layer strips of newspaper over an inverted bowl, let it dry completely, then paint and decorate. These make wonderful gifts or catchalls for treasures.

9. Tissue Paper Stained Glass

Create stunning window decorations using tissue paper and contact paper. Cut shapes from colored tissue paper and arrange them between two sheets of contact paper. The light shining through on rainy days creates a gorgeous effect!

Nature-Inspired Indoor Art

10. Pressed Flower Cards

Collect flowers before the rain (or use dried ones), press them between heavy books, and once dried, arrange them on cardstock to create beautiful botanical greeting cards. Add pressed leaves for extra natural beauty.

11. Rock Painting Pets

Gather smooth rocks from your garden and transform them into pet rock families! Use acrylic paint to create faces and personalities. Add googly eyes, small pom-poms, or felt pieces for extra character.

12. Leaf Printing

If you gathered leaves before the rain, put them to artistic use! Paint one side of the leaves and press them onto paper to create detailed impressions. Mix colors and leaf types for interesting compositions.

Recyclable Art Adventures

13. Cardboard City

Don’t recycle those boxes just yet! Cut windows and doors in various sizes of cardboard boxes, then paint and decorate to create a miniature city. Add paper towel roll towers and bottle cap wheels for vehicles.

14. Magazine Mosaic

Put old magazines to creative use by tearing pages into small pieces and creating colorful mosaic pictures. Sort the pieces by color first, then arrange them to form images or abstract patterns.

15. Bottle Cap Stamping

Clean used bottle caps make perfect stamping tools! Dip them in paint and press onto paper to create circles, patterns, and designs. Different cap sizes create interesting variations.

Rainy Day Art Tips for Success

1. Protect surfaces with newspaper or disposable tablecloths
2. Keep paper towels handy for quick cleanups
3. Use washable materials when working with young children
4. Set up activities before announcing them to maintain excitement
5. Create a dedicated art space that can handle spills and messes

Feeling Creative? Explore our full collection of DIY projects for more inspiring ideas! Browse Projects →

Remember, art projects for rainy days aren’t just about keeping busy – they’re opportunities for learning, self-expression, and family bonding.

The best part? Many of these projects use materials you already have at home, so you’re ready to start creating as soon as the rain begins falling. Keep a special “rainy day art box” stocked with basic supplies, and you’ll never be caught unprepared when outdoor plans get washed away!

More of What You Love: Check Out These Recommended Posts!

• DIY Art for Beginners: Simple Stunning Projects
• Must-Have Best Art Supplies for DIY Creative Projects
• Nature Crafting: Beautiful DIY Projects from the Outdoors
• Easy Paper Mache Without Glue: Fun DIY Crafting Guide
• Amazing Paper Crafts Without Glue That Will Blow Your Mind
• 15 Magical Recycled Crafts for Kids: From Trash to Treasure