Fun Activities To Do With Your Toddler At Home

Rainy Day Magic: Fun Activities to Do with Your Toddler at Home

There’s something so cozy about a rainy day — the soft rhythm of the drops tapping against the windows, the world outside slowing down. But if you’re at home with a busy toddler, that cozy feeling can quickly turn into a scramble to keep little hands (and minds) happily occupied. And as we all know Melbourne's weather, it can turn from sunny to wet in a flash!

As a professional baby and family photographer — and a mum of two, one who is still a toddler — I’ve learned that some of the most beautiful memories are made during these quieter, slower days. And the best part? You don’t need anything fancy. Just a little creativity, a sprinkle of patience, and a willingness to join in the fun.

Here are some of my favourite toddler-friendly activities to turn a rainy day into a joyful one:

1. Indoor Obstacle Course

Move the coffee table aside, pile up pillows, lay down a few blankets, and suddenly you have the ultimate adventure zone. Crawling under chairs, hopping over stuffed animals, or balancing along a line of tape on the floor — it’s amazing how much fun a "homemade gym" can be. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off all that boundless toddler energy!

2. Bake Together

Sure, it’ll be messy — but that’s half the fun! Let your little one help pour, stir, and taste-test along the way. Even simple recipes like banana bread or homemade cookies become special when little hands are involved. And don’t forget the camera — flour-dusted noses and proud smiles make for some of the sweetest candid photos.

3. DIY Art Time

Pull out crayons, watercolors, stickers, and a big roll of butcher paper. Let your toddler create a masterpiece that’s bigger than the kitchen table! If you're feeling adventurous, set up a "finger painting station" with washable paints. The key is to embrace the mess and capture the magic of their imagination running wild.

4. Storytime Forts

There’s something universally enchanting about building a fort — it doesn’t matter if you’re two or forty-two. Gather some blankets and chairs, pile in with a stack of favourite books, and spend the afternoon reading stories by flashlight. It’s like having a private little world where anything is possible.

5. Dance Party

Turn up the music and dance like nobody’s watching (because, really, nobody is — and toddlers are the best dance partners). Whether it’s silly wiggles, spins, or just bouncing up and down, a spontaneous dance party is guaranteed to lift everyone's spirits.

6. Sensory Bins

Fill a big plastic container with dried pasta, rice, or even water with floating toys. Add measuring cups, spoons, and little containers for scooping and pouring. Sensory play is not only fun but also fantastic for your toddler’s development. And yes — another golden opportunity to capture those moments of pure concentration and joy through your lens!

Rainy Days Are Made for Memory-Making

It's easy to feel trapped when the rain keeps you indoors, but these slow, playful moments often become the ones we treasure most.

If you can, take a few photos along the way — the concentration on their little face as they stir cookie batter, the joy as they dive into a mountain of pillows, the sweetness of snuggling up inside a fort. These are the real, unscripted memories that tell the story of your life together.

And if you ever want help capturing more of these beautiful, everyday moments — whether it’s a laughter filled outdoor family photography session or a cozy studio photography session at my Vermont photography studio on the next rainy day — I’d be honoured to document your family's magic. Simply click here and ill send you all the deets!

Stay warm, stay playful — and remember, the rainy days often make the brightest memories.

Stace x