The kids are getting the wiggles, so you start preparing to head outside to burn off some of their energy. By the time all the little ones have their boots and coats on, you reach the doors and find rain pattering across the playground. Many people would be tempted to head back inside and shift to indoor activities.
While those can be wonderful, there is incredible learning and development that happens in the rain. Embracing the elements offers sensory-rich, dynamic, and joyful experiences.
It’s been my experience that all children love to play in puddles – big ones, small ones, deep ones, shallow ones. They rush outside and make a mad dash to the first puddle they see, accompanied by smiles and laughter. What an incredibly fun way to learn about weather in real time! Rain turns outdoor spaces into living laboratories, where children can observe puddles forming, water flowing through new channels, and soil darkening as it absorbs moisture – immediate, hands-on lessons in geography and science. The sound of raindrops, the smell of wet earth, and the feel of water on their skin create a sensory-rich environment that sparks curiosity and play.
Playing in the rain also supports the development of motor skills and overall physical literacy. Children navigate slippery surfaces, run and jump through puddles, and manipulate wet materials. Balancing on a wet log requires concentration and adaptability, and working through these challenges helps build problem-solving skills and confidence.
Rainy-day outdoor play also fosters creativity and imagination. The open-ended nature of being outside allows children to take the lead, creating stories and magical worlds inspired by the weather. Rain itself becomes a creative medium – perfect for mud painting, building sculptures, or creating a symphony with metal pots and pans.
So how can we support outdoor play on rainy days? First, ensure everyone is dressed appropriately – nothing ends outdoor fun faster than cold, wet hands and feet. Dress children (and yourself) in waterproof boots, pants, coats, and hats. You can also set up a simple shelter using tarps or a pop-up tent to provide a dry space for rest or quieter activities. Most importantly, model enthusiasm – when adults show excitement about rainy-day play, children are far more likely to embrace it.
When outside, try to let children take the lead. Follow their curiosities and allow them to explore their interests. You can support their thinking by asking questions like: “What happens when we throw a rock into the puddle?” “What do you notice about the rain?” “What happens when we mix water and dirt?” or “Why do you think those ripples appear?”
Here are some fun activities to try next time it rains:
Mud kitchens: Create mud pies, soups, and magical potions using old pots, pans, and utensils.
Boat races: Gather leaves and sticks and race them down flowing water channels.
Nature walks: Explore and look for worms, snails, mushrooms, and other rainy-day treasures.
Construction time: Build streams and dams to redirect water, create a mud castle with a moat, or sculpt a mud monster.
Rain symphony: Set out pots, pans, and buckets to explore the different sounds rain can make.
After drying off – perhaps with a warm drink – you can continue the learning indoors. Read a book about the water cycle and connect it to what you observed outside, dry the leaves you collected for an art project, create rainbows and explore how they form, or investigate why worms come to the surface when it rains.
Playing outdoors in all kinds of weather fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. When we embrace the mess and step outside, we open the door to endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and joyful play – one puddle at a time.
Sarah has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta, and is currently taking her Masters in Nature-Based Education from Antioch University. As the owner of Playful Adventures (IG: @playfuladventures), she is passionate about bringing back unstructured, loose parts, outdoor play. You can reach her at
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