Rainy Day Games

• 🎭   1. Charades
• 💎   2. Indoor Treasure Hunt
• 🎨   3. Arts and Crafts Party
• 🎬   4. Movie Marathon Night
• 🙊   5. Never Have I Ever
• 🍰   6. Cooking or Baking Challenge
• 🕵️‍♂️   7. Hide and Seek
• 🎙️   8. Simon Says
• 🎶   9. Musical Chairs
• 🔥   10. Hot Potato
• 📦   11. Dots and Boxes
• 📚   12. Trivia Night
• 🎱   13. Bingo Bonanza
• 🧁   14. Cupcake Wars
• 🎎   15. Shadow Puppet Theater
• 🪟   16. Window Painting
• 👯   17. Freeze Dance Game
• ❓   FAQs about Rainy Day Games

Rainy days can be a real downer, right? But before you spend the day just scrolling through social media and watching the rain, think about this: rainy days are a great reason to try some really fun indoor activities.

Because why settle for boredom when you can spice things up with these epic games? We’ve got 17 awesome games lined up for you.

From classic favorites like Charades and Hide and Seek to creative endeavors like an Arts and Crafts Party or a Cupcake Wars decorating contest—there’s something for everyone.

Get ready to turn that rainy day from blah to blast in no time!

1. Charades

Charades is a classic party game that’s been making families and friends laugh for ages. Want to see your Dad try to act out “Beyoncé” without saying a word? This is your chance.

How to Play Charades

1. Setup:

• Split into two teams.
• Write down phrases, movies, books, or anything else on slips of paper.
• Place them in a bowl.

2. Rules:

• A player from one team picks a slip and acts it out without speaking.
• Their team has to guess what it is within a set time limit (usually one minute).
• One point for each correct guess.

Looking for an easy way to play Charades? Look no further! Our online generator makes it quick and easy to generate new ideas for your game. Simply download our free app or play it on your browser and let the fun begin!

All you need is a group of friends, some willingness to be silly, and a reliable internet connection. So what are you waiting for? Give our Charades generator a try and add some playful competition to your next game night!

Play Charades online

Charades

Google Play App Store

Variations for Different Age Groups

• Kids: Use simple phrases like “jumping jack” or characters from popular cartoons.
• Teens: Mix in pop culture references, memes, or trends they’re obsessed with.
• Adults: Get creative with movie quotes, famous personalities, or even inside jokes.

So, grab that bowl of random phrases and let the miming madness begin!

2. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Ready to turn your living room into an adventure zone? Creating an indoor treasure hunt is easier than you think. Here’s how:

How to to Create an Indoor Treasure Hunt

1. Create Clues: Start with a series of clues that lead from one location to the next. Write them on pieces of paper or index cards.
2. Hide the Clues: Place each clue in strategic spots around the house. Make sure they’re not too easy but not impossible either.
3. Final Treasure: The last clue should lead to a hidden “treasure” – this could be anything from a box of chocolates to a small toy.

Tips for Making It Exciting

• Themes: Choose a theme like pirates, detectives, or superheroes to spice things up.
• Challenges: Incorporate mini-challenges or puzzles that players must solve before getting the next clue.

Ideas for Treasures

• Small Toys: Action figures, dolls, or puzzle pieces.
• Treats: Candy, cookies, or even small packs of crackers.
• Coupons: Handwritten coupons for extra screen time or staying up late.

Need more ideas? Check out this fun list of 8 Easter Egg Hunt Ideas For Your Next Event!

Who needs sunshine when you’ve got hidden treasures waiting around every corner?

3. Arts and Crafts Party

Feeling like Picasso trapped indoors? An arts and crafts party might just be your ticket to a colorful, glittery escape from the gloom.

Project Ideas

• Painting: Grab some canvases, brushes, and washable paints. Channel your inner Bob Ross with happy little trees.
• Scrapbooking: Gather old magazines, stickers, and family photos for a walk down memory lane that involves glue sticks.
• DIY Jewelry: Beads, strings, and charms can keep everyone busy making bracelets or necklaces.

Materials Needed

Stock up on:

• Paints (watercolors, acrylics)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Canvases or thick paper
• Glue sticks and hot glue guns
• Scissors
• Stickers, ribbons, and decorative papers

So next time it’s raining, turn your living room into an art studio. It’s messy but worth it.

4. Movie Marathon Night

It’s raining heavily outside and you’re stuck indoors. Perfect time for a movie marathon night! Here’s how to turn it into the ultimate cozy indoor activity.

Selecting a Theme or Series

First things first: pick your poison. Are you in the mood for a Harry Potter binge or maybe some classic ’80s flicks? Themed nights are the way to go! You could even throw in some animated favorites for a mix.

If you’re looking for more movie night ideas and you’re playing with a bunch of adults, consider these list of movie drinking games.

Creating the Atmosphere

Now, onto the essentials:

• Blankets: Drape yourself in the fluffiest blankets you can find. Think cocoon-level comfort.
• Popcorn: No movie night is complete without popcorn. Go crazy with toppings like caramel, cheese, or even chocolate drizzle.
• Themed Snacks: If you’re watching Star Wars, why not have Yoda-shaped cookies? Get creative!

So grab your remote, dim the lights, and let the cinematic adventure begin!

5. Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever is a game that reveals a lot about everyone in the room, making it perfect for rainy days. Imagine this: it’s raining outside, you’re stuck indoors with friends or family, and you’ve already watched everything on Netflix.

That’s when Never Have I Ever comes in, the ultimate icebreaker that requires no equipment but guarantees lots of fun.

How to play Never Have I Ever

• Everyone sits in a circle. Player one makes a statement starting with “Never have I ever…”
• If you’ve done the thing mentioned, you lose a point (or take a sip of your drink if you want to spice things up).
• The game continues until everyone has had their share of embarrassing revelations.

Whether you’re a cozy group of three or hosting an impromptu indoor party of ten, this game scales beautifully. Adjust the rules slightly to fit the vibe—kids can use harmless prompts like “Never have I ever eaten broccoli,” while adults can… well, you know where that’s going.

Don’t have time to come up with your own statements? No problem! You can now play Never Have I Ever online with our handy generator that will provide you with over 3,000 unique statements to keep things interesting.

Just download our free app or visit our website to get started. With a wide range of categories, you can tailor the game to your preferences and have endless fun with your friends!

Never Have I Ever

Google Play App Store

Play Never Have I Ever online

So next time the weather decides to be a buzzkill, whip out “Never Have I Ever” and prepare for a night filled with laughter, bonding, and probably some blushing faces!

6. Cooking or Baking Challenge

Think you can cook? Time to put that to the test with a cooking or baking challenge! Rainy days are perfect for turning your kitchen into a battleground of flavors and creativity.

Simple Recipe Ideas

• Cookies: Classic chocolate chip or go wild with some oatmeal raisin.
• Cupcakes: Basic vanilla or chocolate, then let the decorating chaos begin.
• Mini Pizzas: Everyone gets their own dough and toppings—no sharing required!

How to Set Up a Bake-Off

1. Categories: Think “Best Decorated,” “Most Creative Flavor,” and “Tastiest Disaster.”
2. Judging Panel: Grab some friends, family, or even the neighbor’s dog if they’re down.
3. Time Limit: Keep it snappy—an hour should do it.

Cooking challenge party ideas and baking activities for kids make rainy days not just bearable but downright delicious. And hey, if it all goes wrong, there’s always takeout.

7. Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is the game that turns everyone into a mini Houdini. Perfect for those stuck inside on a rainy day, this classic never gets old.

How to play Hide and Seek

1. Basic Rules: One person is “it” and counts to a predetermined number while everyone else hides. After counting, “it” tries to find all the hiders.
2. Team Play: Split into teams and see which team can hide or seek better.
3. Reverse Hide and Seek: Only one person hides while everyone else seeks. The first person to find the hider joins them in their hiding spot until only one seeker is left.

Safe Hiding Spots Indoors

• Behind curtains (but not too close to anything breakable)
• Under beds (if you can fit without causing a minor earthquake)
• In closets (just make sure no one locks themselves in)
• Behind large furniture like sofas or bookshelves (just don’t get stuck)

And there you go, a recipe for hours of indoor fun without needing anything other than a bit of imagination—and some sneaky skills.

8. Simon Says

Simon Says is the ultimate game of “Do as I say, not as I do.” Here’s how to play:

1. Choose a Leader: One person becomes “Simon.”
2. Follow Commands: Players must only follow commands prefixed with “Simon says.”
3. You’re Out: If you follow a command without “Simon says,” you’re outta here.

Now, let’s spice things up with some twists and engaging commands:

• Speed Round: Rapid-fire commands to trip everyone up.
• Opposite Day: Players do the opposite of what Simon says.
• Theme-based Commands: Use themes like animals (e.g., “Simon says hop like a bunny”) or superheroes (e.g., “Simon says fly like Superman”).

Tips for playing Simon Says

Want to challenge your friends’ coordination and listening skills? Throw in these tricky commands:

• “Simon says pat your head and rub your belly.”
• “Simon says bark like a dog while hopping on one foot.”
• “Touch your nose!” (without the “Simon says” part—gotcha!)

For an extra layer of fun, consider exploring different variations of this classic game such as those detailed in this Truth or Dare. So, gather everyone ‘round and let Simon dish out the chaos!

9. Musical Chairs

Got a bunch of people stuck indoors and need something to get everyone moving? Musical Chairs is the perfect solution for your rainy day blues.

How to Play Musical Chairs

1. Setup: Arrange chairs in a circle, facing outward. You need one less chair than the number of players.
2. Music: Choose some upbeat tracks—think party anthems or even “Baby Shark” if you want to make it hilarious.
3. Game On: Start the music and have players walk (or dance) around the chairs.
4. Quick Reflexes: When the music stops, everyone scrambles to sit down. The person left standing is out.
5. Keep it Rolling: Remove one chair and start the music again until only one player is left sitting.

Tips for playing Musical Chairs

• Themes: Use themed music playlists like ’90s hits, movie soundtracks, or spooky tunes for Halloween vibes.
• Double Trouble: Have two people share a single chair in some rounds for added chaos.
• Freeze Frame: Add in random freeze moments where everyone must strike a pose when the music stops.

Musical Chairs isn’t just about having a good laugh; it’s a sneaky way to sneak in some physical activity while being stuck inside. Running around trying to snag a seat gets the heart pumping and brings out everyone’s competitive spirit.

Who’s ready to battle it out for that last chair?

10. Hot Potato

So, it’s pouring outside, and you’re stuck indoors. Perfect time to throw a hot potato into the mix! This game is a classic, but let’s spice it up with some teamwork elements.

How to Play Hot Potato

1. Setup:

• Grab a soft object (stuffed toy, beanbag, or a rolled-up sock if you’re feeling adventurous).
• Form a circle with your group.

2. Music:

• Turn on the music! Choose someone to be the DJ who will start and stop the music at random times.

3. Objective:

• Pass the “potato” around as quickly as possible while the music plays.
• When the music stops, whoever’s holding the potato is out. But wait, there’s more…

Tips for playing Hot Potato

Relay Race Style

1. Split into teams of two or more.
2. Instead of sitting in a circle, create small circuits around your living room.
3. Each team has to pass the potato while moving through their circuit.

Timed Challenges

1. Set a timer for 2-minute rounds.
2. The team that completes the most circuits without dropping the potato wins bragging rights (and maybe an extra slice of pizza).

Hot Potato isn’t just about quick reflexes; it’s also about working together and laughing at each other’s fumbles. So go ahead, let those rainy-day blues melt away while you dodge that spicy spud!

11. Dots and Boxes

Here’s a game that requires more brainpower than pretending to be a mime or hiding behind the same couch for the twentieth time: Dots and Boxes.

How to Play Dots and Boxes

Ready to unleash your inner strategist? Here are the basics:

1. Set Up the Grid: Draw a grid of dots on a piece of paper. You can make it as big or small as you like, but remember, size does matter—bigger grids mean longer games.
2. Take Turns Drawing Lines: Players take turns drawing horizontal or vertical lines between two adjacent dots. The goal is to complete a box.
3. Claim Your Box: If you complete a box by drawing the fourth side, write your initial inside it to claim it as yours. Yes, this is where things get territorial.
4. Extra Turn: Completing a box grants you an extra turn. Use it wisely; it’s not just about quantity but also quality of moves.
5. End Game and Scoring: The game ends when all boxes are claimed. Count up the initials in the boxes to determine the winner.

Tips for Playing Dots and Boxes

• Think Ahead: Like chess, try to think a few moves ahead to avoid giving your opponent free boxes.
• Control the Board: Aim to create two lines in multiple squares without completing any boxes too early.
• Force Mistakes: Encourage your opponent to make moves that benefit you in the long run.

So there you have it—the art of turning simple dots into fierce battlegrounds! Pull out that pen and paper, and let the tournament begin!

12. Trivia Night

Ready to turn your brain into a powerhouse of useless knowledge? Set up a Trivia Night! Here’s how you can set up an unforgettable event that caters to all ages:

How to play Trivia Night

1. Choose Your Categories: Pick topics that will engage everyone. Think pop culture, history, science, and maybe even some niche categories like obscure movie quotes or ’90s cartoons.
2. Age-Appropriate Questions:

• For kids: What’s the capital of France? (Spoiler: It’s not Disneyland)
• For teens: Name three Harry Potter spells.
• For adults: Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993?

3. Divide Into Teams: Get everyone involved by dividing into teams. Bonus points for creative team names!

Can’t think of questions for your next game of Trivia? No problem! Check out our online “Trivia” game and play with friends or family from the comfort of your own home.

With a variety of categories to choose from and over 1,000 questions, you’ll never run out of fun and challenging rounds to play. Just download our app for free and get ready to show off your music knowledge!

Party Trivia

Google Play App Store

13. Bingo Bonanza

Time to crank up the excitement with a Bingo Bonanza! Yes, I know, Bingo screams “retirement home,” but trust me, it can be a riot when you add your personal twist.

Creating Your Bingo Cards:

1. Pick a Theme: Go wild with themes – think movies, animals, food, or even inside jokes. You could also consider incorporating themes related to language learning, like Hebrew, which can make the game both fun and educational.
2. Design Your Cards: Use an online bingo card generator (because who has time to make them by hand?) or just draw a quick 5x5 grid on paper.
3. Fill in the Boxes: Pop in words or images related to your theme. For example:

• Movie Night: Titles like “Star Wars,” “Mean Girls,” or “The Godfather.”
• Food Fest: Items like “Pizza,” “Sushi,” or “Tacos.”

Game Setup:

• Hand out your custom cards and some markers (or random objects to cover the squares).
• As the caller, prepare a list of your selected theme items.
• Mix and match how you call out items – shout them, act them out charades-style, or give hints.

If you’re looking for more party game ideas for a milestone birthday celebration or team meetings, explore these adult birthday party ideas or 25th birthday party ideas.

14. Cupcake Wars

Ready to channel your inner pastry chef? Here’s how to turn your kitchen into the ultimate battleground with Cupcake Wars. It’s not just a competition, it’s an edible art showdown.

Steps to Organize Your Cupcake Decorating Contest:

1. Form Teams: Divide your crew into teams of two or three. The more competitive, the better.
2. Set the Rules: Establish your cupcake wars competition rules. Maybe each team gets 30 minutes and access to specific ingredients. Or perhaps there’s a secret ingredient twist—Chopped style!
3. Gather Supplies:

• Pre-baked cupcakes (because who has time to wait for them to cool?)
• Frosting in every color of the rainbow
• Sprinkles, candy, fruit, and any other toppings that spark creativity

4. Theme It Up: Pick a theme. It could be anything from “Under the Sea” to “Space Adventure.” This keeps things interesting and provides some direction.
5. Judging Criteria:

• Creativity: How wild and unique are those cupcake designs?
• Presentation: Does it look Instagram-worthy?
• Taste: Yes, you still have to eat them.

6. Announce Winners: Crown your Master Bakers with silly homemade trophies or just bask in the sugary glory.

Expect kitchen chaos, lots of laughter, and maybe a sugar crash or two—but hey, it’s all part of the fun!

15. Shadow Puppet Theater

Want to put on a show without all the unnecessary drama? Try shadow puppetry, the easy way to look artsy. Here’s how you set it up:

What You Need:

• A flashlight (or two if you’re feeling fancy)
• A blank wall or a white sheet
• Your hands (or paper cutouts if you’re extra)

Steps to Get Started:

1. Set Up Your Stage: Hang the sheet or clear off a wall space. The less clutter, the more your shadows will pop.
2. Position the Flashlight: Place the flashlight behind you so it casts your shadow onto the wall or sheet.
3. Create Characters: Use your hands to form shadow animals and figures. If you’re artistically inclined, cut out some detailed shapes from paper and attach them to sticks for easy maneuvering.
4. Craft a Story: This is where you channel your inner playwright. Create a simple storyline that can be acted out with your shadow puppets.

Pro Tip:

Get everyone involved by assigning different characters or parts of the story to different people. It’s bound to be chaotic but hey, chaos is fun, right?

Who knew a flashlight and some hand movements could turn into prime-time entertainment?

16. Window Painting

Want to turn that rainy window into a canvas for your wildest artistic dreams? Try window painting, the perfect rainy day activity that lets you unleash your inner artist without leaving the house.

How to Set up a Window Painting

1. Gather Supplies:

• Washable paints (because no one wants a permanent reminder of your artistic endeavors)
• Paintbrushes of various sizes
• Cups for water and mixing colors
• Old newspapers or towels (to catch those inevitable drips)

2. Prep Your Space:

• Lay down newspapers or towels to protect floors and furniture.
• Ensure everyone is wearing old clothes or aprons because, let’s be real, paint gets everywhere.

3. Pick Your Design:

• Simple shapes, abstract designs, or even themed scenes like underwater worlds or outer space.
• If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, go freehand and see where your imagination takes you.

4. Paint Away:

• Dip your brushes in the washable paint and start creating on the windows.
• Encourage different techniques like dabbing with sponges or using cotton swabs for fine details.

5. Safety First:

• Make sure younger kids are supervised to avoid any mishaps.
• Washable paints are key here—not only do they clean off easily, but they’re also non-toxic.

When the rain stops, you’ll have a masterpiece that looks even better with sunlight streaming through it. A great way to brighten up the gloom and make for some hilarious memories when you realize just how terrible an artist Uncle Bob really is.

17. Freeze Dance Game

Put on your dancing shoes (or cozy socks) because it’s time to get moving with the Freeze Dance Challenge! This classic game is perfect for shaking off those rainy day blues and getting everyone up and active.

How to Play Freeze Dance Game

1. Pick a DJ: Someone needs to control the music. Choose wisely, as their job is to catch dancers off guard.
2. Crank Up the Tunes: Select some upbeat tracks that make everyone want to boogie.
3. Dance Like No One’s Watching: When the music starts, everyone dances their heart out.
4. Freeze!: As soon as the DJ stops the music, everyone must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving is out (or just gets teased mercilessly).

Tips on playing Freeze Dance Game

• Themed Dancing: Make it fun by incorporating themed dance moves like disco fever, robot style, or even interpretive dance.
• Obstacle Course: Add some obstacles around the room to navigate while dancing—just make sure they’re safe!
• Spotlight Freeze: Use a flashlight as a spotlight and whoever it lands on when the music stops has to strike a pose.

Ready to dance your face off? Try Friday Night Funkin’ and let’s see who can hold that awkward pose the longest!

FAQs about Rainy Day Games

1. What types of games are best for a rainy day?

Pretty much anything that keeps you from doom-scrolling on your phone. Think board games, puzzles, or even an epic indoor treasure hunt. The goal? Keep everyone entertained and off their screens.

2. How can I make rainy day games more engaging for kids?

Jazz things up with:

• Themes: Pirate treasure hunts, superhero charades, or princess tea parties.
• Rewards: Who doesn’t love a little bribery? Stickers, small toys, or extra screen time work wonders.
• Challenges: Spice up traditional games with timed challenges or special rules.

3. Are there any classic board games that are perfect for indoor play?

Oh, absolutely! Here are some all-time favorites:

• Monopoly: A game so long it might just outlast the rain.
• Scrabble: Because who doesn’t like arguing over whether “qat” is a word?
• Clue: Perfect for those who fancy themselves amateur detectives.

4. How can I adapt outdoor games for indoor play during rainy weather?

Transform your living room into an adventure zone:

• Hide and Seek: With some creativity, your couch becomes a fortress.
• Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, tables, and chairs to create a mini Ninja Warrior course.
• Balloon Volleyball: Use a balloon instead of a ball to avoid broken lamps. Your mom will thank you.

5. What are some creative DIY games that require minimal materials?

When you’re short on supplies but long on creativity:

• Sock Toss: Roll up socks and aim them at laundry baskets. Extra points if you actually put away the laundry afterward.
• Paper Airplane Contest: Design, build, and race paper airplanes. Bonus points for hitting unsuspecting siblings.
• DIY Bingo Cards: Customize bingo cards with fun categories like “Mom Says No” or “Dad Dozes Off.”

6. Are there any online games or apps that can be enjoyed indoors on a rainy day?

Yes, there are many online games and apps suitable for indoor fun on a rainy day. Games like Pictionary online or trivia apps allow families to engage together virtually while staying entertained indoors.