Rain, rain, go away, come again another day… My 4 year old and I (ok mostly him) go a little stir crazy on rainy days, and while I know how to dress for the weather (local here!) I also know, sometimes, it’s just not worth it. (I know you know those days – the ones where you’d like to melt into the couch and become one with the cushions.) Here are some of the best indoor playground options in Seattle where your little ones can explore, climb, and play while staying warm and dry.
1. Seattle Children’s Museum
đź“Ť 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
This 18,000-square-foot “museum” at Seattle Center is one of my favorite indoor playground in Seattle to visit offers hands-on exhibits designed for kids 6 months to 8 years old. With imaginative play zones, a water area, and a miniature city, it’s a fantastic place for little explorers. Bring earplugs if you’re noise sensitive like me. In fact, for all of these locations go ahead and pack them in your purse.
2. KidsQuest Children’s Museum
đź“Ť 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Located in Bellevue, this STEAM-focused museum features interactive exhibits like a water gallery, an art studio, and an indoor climbing structure. Perfect for curious kids who love hands-on play!
3. Imagine Children’s Museum
đź“Ť 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201
This museum is packed with engaging, interactive exhibits for kids 1-12, including a pretend grocery store, a train exhibit, and an indoor water play area. It’s well worth the drive to Everett!
4. Woodland Park Zoo Indoor Playground in Seattle
đź“Ť 601 N 59th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Yes, the zoo has an indoor play area! This indoor playground in Seattle encourages exploration and movement while teaching kids about nature and animals. A great option for when outdoor animal viewing isn’t ideal.
5. Pacific Science Center
đź“Ť 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
The Pacific Science Center is full of interactive exhibits that spark curiosity in young children, from the toddler-friendly Tinker Tank to the mesmerizing Butterfly House. It’s a fantastic mix of play and learning, making science fun for all ages! While it’s not a “play space in Seattle” – it certainly is a space for play and learning!
Learn more about Lilac & Ivy Photography for your family…
Need more ideas of what to do on a rainy day? Say less…
Can’t leave the house? No sweat!
Seattle’s rainy days don’t have to mean boredom at home! While the city offers fantastic indoor play spaces for little ones to run, climb, and explore, sometimes you just need fun activities right at home. Whether you’re looking for creative crafts, hands-on sensory play, or energy-burning games, these engaging indoor activities will keep your toddler entertained—no screens required!
1. Oobleck Sensory Play (Cornstarch Slime)
This magical slime-like substance is both a solid and a liquid!
What You Need:
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Make It:
- Pour cornstarch into a large bowl.
- Slowly add water, mixing with your hands until it feels solid when pressed but melts when you let go.
- Add a few drops of food coloring for extra fun.
- Let your toddler explore the strange, gooey texture!
2. Indoor Hopscotch
A great way to burn energy without jumping on the couch!
What You Need:
- Painter’s tape
- A soft beanbag or small stuffed animal
How to Play:
- Use painter’s tape to create hopscotch squares on the floor.
- Number the squares with tape or paper.
- Toss the beanbag onto a square and hop to it on one foot!
3. Ice Rescue Mission
A simple science experiment and fun fine motor activity!
What You Need:
- Small plastic toys (dinosaurs, cars, animals)
- Ice cube tray or small plastic container
- Water
- Salt
- Warm water & a dropper
How to Set It Up:
- Place small toys in an ice cube tray or container.
- Fill with water and freeze overnight.
- Once frozen, pop out the ice and give your child salt and warm water to “rescue” the toys!
4. DIY Window Clings
Make colorful decorations to brighten up a gray day!
What You Need:
- ½ cup white glue
- 2-3 drops dish soap
- Food coloring
- Wax paper
- Paintbrush
How to Make Them:
- Mix glue, dish soap, and food coloring.
- Use a paintbrush to draw designs on wax paper.
- Let dry overnight.
- Peel off and stick to windows!
5. Homemade Edible Finger Paint
Perfect for little artists who still put everything in their mouths!
What You Need:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- Food coloring
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, water, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until thickened.
- Let cool, then divide into small bowls.
- Add food coloring to each bowl.
- Hand your toddler a brush—or let them use their fingers!
6. Build a Cardboard Box City
Turn delivery boxes into a whole town for stuffed animals or cars!
What You Need:
- Empty boxes (shoeboxes, cereal boxes, etc.)
- Markers, stickers, tape, scissors
- Small toys or cars
How to Do It:
- Stack and tape boxes into “buildings.”
- Cut out doors and windows.
- Decorate with markers and stickers.
- Let your toddler drive toy cars through their new city!
7. Glow-in-the-Dark Bathtub Party
A magical bath-time experience!
What You Need:
- Glow sticks (non-toxic)
- Bubble bath
- Plastic cups and toys
How to Do It:
- Activate glow sticks and toss them into the bath.
- Add bubbles and dim the lights.
- Give your child plastic cups and toys to explore the glowing water!
8. Sock Puppet Theater
Encourage storytelling and imaginative play!
What You Need:
- Old socks
- Buttons, yarn, felt, or paper for eyes and mouths
- Glue (or a needle and thread for older kids)
How to Make It:
- Glue or sew button eyes and yarn hair onto socks.
- Draw or glue on felt mouths.
- Put on a puppet show with silly voices!
9. Magic Rainbow Milk Experiment
A mesmerizing science activity!
What You Need:
- Whole milk
- Dish soap
- Food coloring
- A shallow dish
- Cotton swabs
How to Do It:
- Pour milk into a shallow dish.
- Add drops of food coloring.
- Dip a cotton swab into dish soap and touch the milk—watch the colors swirl!
10. Indoor “Snowball” Fight
A fun and safe way to get some energy out!
What You Need:
- White socks or crumpled paper
- Laundry basket or large box
How to Play:
- Roll socks into balls to make “snowballs.”
- Set up a target (laundry basket or box).
- Throw and dodge “snowballs” for indoor fun!
Rainy Days Can Still Be Fun!
With a little creativity, rainy days become the perfect opportunity for hands-on learning, sensory play, and imagination. Try a few of these activities next time you’re stuck inside, and watch your toddler light up with excitement! 🌧️✨
