June 15, 2015 Ali Furneaux

Explore the great indoors with these rainy day craft projects!

Rainy days during the summer are even more challenging than usual, since kids get used to having time outdoors to run around and burn off some energy. It’s tempting to let them default to the TV or video games (which is ok for some of the day), but craft kits give your child the opportunity to create something he can show off, and spend some time having fun with you. Here are a few of our favorites, divided up by age!

Ages 18 months and up
B. H2-Whoa Water Board, on sale for $22.49
Skip the mess and let your little artist experiment by drawing with water! This ink-free tablet lets kids draw with water-filled pens, and the lines erase themselves as the water dries. This introductory art project is perfect for car rides or sitting at the kitchen table. Want to join in? Take turns drawing pictures with your child and help him or her practice fine motor skills.

Ages 3 and up
Alex Little Hands Paper Bag Puppets, $12.99
This craft is perfect whether your little one is off-the-charts creative or needs a little inspiration and guidance. We actually put these puppets together in the Brookline store and it was so much fun! The kit comes with 5 paper bags and a variety of stickers and punch outs that help you create cows, birds, lions, frogs, and more. You and your child can collaborate on what eyes, nose, and arms or legs your animal will have. Then, it’s time for a puppet show, and afterwards, they’ll look adorable on your fridge!

Ages 6 and up
Creativity for Kids Grow N’ Glow Terrarium, $14.99
Can’t go outside? Bring a piece of nature indoors! Create a tiny landscape in this mason jar with potting mix, organic seeds for chia and wheatgrass, stickers, river stones, and more. Your child will love creating a terrarium that can live by their bedside or on the windowsill, and both of you will enjoy watching plants grow inside!
Ages 8 and up

Klutz Make Your Own Pom Pom Puppies, $19.99
This craft is one of my favorites hands down (and I’m not the only one)! I actually bought this and used it with my siblings ages 8 and 6, and it was awesome. This kit allows you to create Pomeranians, Poodles, Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, and Beagles out of pom poms that you brush out and glue together. There are enough materials to make four dogs, so you can create multiple breeds and keep them for creative playtime!

Ages 10 and up
Alex Toys My Embroidery Kit, $24.99
If your child has been doing crafts for a while and has some skills, most kits are now too simple for them. This sewing kit introduces a whole new challenge, defying the expectation that crafts are for little kids. With this set, they’ll learn 12 easy embroidery stitches, and can try out a huge range of included project ideas.

So many crafts and so little time! Call into one of our stores or chat with our wonderful toy whizzes to get new ideas about other rainy day crafts for your family to enjoy.