Rainy Day Activities for Elementary Students: Learn About Weather

I always keep my list of rainy day activities for elementary students handy. If you’re anything like me, a rainy day can feel like a setback, especially when you have energetic kids at home. I’m sharing a simple list of activities to turn to when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

There’s also a super helpful Weather Activities for Kids list packed with extra ideas. I’ve found plenty of inspiration there when I needed something quick and educational.

So, if you want to keep your kids engaged while learning something worthwhile, you’re in the right place. Below, you can find practical ideas, trusted resources, and fun activities to make rainy days more productive.

collage of Rainy Day Activities for Elementary Students

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Fascinating Rain Facts Kids Love

Rainy days give us the perfect reason to explore how weather works. Here are a few interesting nuggets your kids will enjoy:

Some raindrops fall at speeds of up to 20 mph.
The smell after rain is called “petrichor.”
Raindrops aren’t actually teardrop-shaped—they’re more like hamburger buns.

Recommended Weather Books

Weather-themed books can make even the gloomiest day feel like an adventure. I always keep a few on hand for read-alouds or quiet time, and they’re great for sparking questions.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Weatherpedia: The most complete weather reference ever National Geographic Readers: Weather What’s the Weather?: Clouds, Climate, and Global Warming Explore My World Clouds When The Sky Roars Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)

Why Should Kids Learn About Rainy Weather?

Understanding rainy weather helps kids connect what they experience with science. My kids ask tons of questions when storms roll through, and having a few facts ready makes me feel less caught off guard. It all starts to click when they see how water cycles through clouds, rain, and puddles.

It also makes weather safety conversations easier. Knowing how storms work gives them confidence, and they’re less likely to be scared when thunder rumbles or the lights flicker. It’s practical knowledge that applies beyond the textbook.

Weather Printable Packs for Rainy Days

When I need something structured and straightforward, printable packs are my go-to. These weather-themed sets cover enough science to feel productive without overwhelming my kids.

What Kids Learn from Rainy Day Activities

Activities like these help kids build observation skills, test theories, and experiment with cause and effect. They’re doing hands-on science without realizing it—and I love that. When we tried the rain cloud in a jar project, my youngest asked how real clouds form.

They’re also building patience, fine motor skills, and even teamwork if siblings work together. It’s a chance to slow down and learn in a more relaxed, creative setting.

Recommended Weather Toys

Toys that explore rain, storms, and clouds can be surprisingly educational. I look for options that tie into the weather concepts we’re covering—whether it’s building clouds, tracking rain, or simulating storms.

My First Daily Magnetic Calendar Be Amazing! Toys Weather Science Lab 4M Weather Station Kit – Climate Change, Global Warming Lab SmartLab Toys Storm Watcher Weather Lab Unique Kids STEAM Powered Weather Station NUOBESTY Wind Vane

More Rainy Day Activities To Try

Here are more weather-themed ideas worth exploring on wet days. Depending on your time and energy, you can add your own twist or keep things simple.

Rainy Day Activities for Preschoolers
Rainy Day Toddler Activities
Spring Preschool Activities
Rainy Day Printables on Homeschool Preschool
Water Cycle Coloring Page on Homeschool of 1

Fun Rain Cloud in Jar Science Experiment

This one is always a hit in our house. It’s a visual way to show how clouds hold water until it rains. Even my older kids thought watching the “rain” fall through the shaving cream was cool.

Water Cycle Bag Experiment

This was like a mini science lab right in our kitchen. Great for explaining evaporation and condensation.

Hovercraft Science Experiment

My son couldn’t stop giggling as his hovercraft zoomed across the floor. It’s a fun break from the usual rainy-day pace. Definitely worth saving your balloon stash for this one.

Lego Boat Race

Rainy days meet friendly competition with this one. We set up a kitchen “canal” using foil and water, and raced our DIY Lego boats. The kids made multiple versions, trying to beat each other’s designs.

Recycled Soda Bottle Flower Craft

Great for using up old bottles and getting creative. My daughter painted her flower with all different colors. It’s also a good tie-in to talking about how rain helps flowers grow.

How To Build An Epic Indoor Fort

We’ve built forts out of chairs, tables, and even the couch. Add some books and flashlights, and it becomes an instant quiet time nook. It's my favorite solution when the energy level starts climbing.

Balloon Races For A Rainy Day

This one’s all about motion and laughter. It takes only a few supplies and gets everyone moving. Perfect for a quick energy reset.

I Spy A Rainy Day

Print it once and reuse it in a sheet protector. My kids treat it like a treasure hunt. It’s also a quiet-time winner.

Painting with the Rain

Let the rain be part of the artwork. We used pipettes and coffee filters and watched how the drops spread. It was messy—but in a good way.

How To Make Raindrop Suncatchers Art Activity

It's a good one for fine motor skills and color play. We hung ours on the windows and watched the light come through. It was an instant mood-lifter.

Blossoming Spring Craft

This one brings a bit of spring indoors. Easy materials and just enough mess to feel creative. Plus, it opens up conversations about seasons.

LEGO Duplo Ring Toss

It’s an easy indoor game that can be tweaked depending on age. My daughter loves it, and even the older kids play along. Great for coordination and counting.

Plastic Cup Boredom Buster

You probably already have what you need for this one. Stack, build, and knock 'em over. We’ve even turned it into a family tournament.

Making a Splash with Origami Boats

Folding the boats is half the fun. We floated ours in a baking pan and added blue food coloring for effect. It's a fun mix of art and science.

Homemade Rain Gauge

A classic weather project that keeps kids checking the forecast. We compared our gauge with the local news report. It turned into a mini math lesson without any complaints.

Rainy days don’t have to feel like a timeout. The right mix of outdoor and indoor rainy day ideas can become your child’s favorite part of the week. Keep this list handy and make the most of the next downpour.

Rainy Day Activities for Elementary Students