Looking for ways to connect to the outside world on a rainy or sick day? I have over 10 fun and unique window activities that will connect you with nature and people when you can’t get outside.
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1. Write or draw on a window with liquid chalk markers or dry erase markers
This is one of our favorite window activities! Did you know you can write or draw pictures on a window with dry erase markers or liquid chalk markers and they will easily erase off with a damp paper towel?! This is one of the no-prep ideas that keeps my kids entertained and busy for a long time! I wrote a list prompt in the picture below that says, ” what do you see outside?” My first grader made a list and my four year old drew pictures on the window. You can even trace the outline of a tree (or anything else) from outside on the window!
2. Cloud gaze
Just lay on the ground and look out the window. Look for different cloud pictures and shapes. This is a very calming activity that’s perfect to try when everyone needs a little break. You could set a timer and cloud gaze until the timer goes off!
3. Look outside through DIY colored cellophane disks
These are so fun! We made these colorful disks in the winter and loved watching the snow magically change colors as we looked through the cellophane. You can also hang these from your window and look outside through the giant colorful lenses. It’s a fun way to get a different perspective of the outside world!
4. Hang art
Make a beautiful piece of art and hang it from your window! People walking by will love looking at it and your children will be so proud of their work that’s hanging in the front window.
5. Make a map of your yard
Window activities don’t need to be complicated! This one super simple, just sit down and make a map of your yard. What a great way to focus on the details of your yard closely, increase spatial thinking, and combine art all at the same time!
6. Count pieces of nature stuck to the window
This is a fun activity to try on a rainy morning! Run outside, before your child wakes up and stick pieces of nature to the window. The pieces of nature will stick to the wet window from the outside and your child can count (or trace) the pieces of nature from the inside! Plus, it’s a fun surprise to discover in the morning:)
7. Window scavenger hunt
This is one of the checklists that I created in the pack of 20 printable outdoor activities for kids. I included one indoor activity because I knew this would come in handy for a rainy day! There are a couple other checklists in the packet that you could try from the window as well! I like to set a timer for this activity too. This helps my boys settle in and observe the outdoors without hopping up every 2 minutes and asking for a snack;)
8. Go for a drive
You may not be near a window in your home, but going for a drive will give you a change of scenery from your car window. Plus, getting out of the house when you can’t be outdoors or around other people is a great way to lift the moods of everyone in your family. Turn on the radio and sing some songs, drive past some familiar places, find a scenic route near you, and spend some much needed time outside of the house!
9. Window playdate
This might seem a little crazy to some people, but I plan on scheduling a couple of window playdates next week! Just drive to a friend’s house and kids can visit from a window! They could just be silly with no plans or you could organize a window game. Get out your liquid chalk markers and play tick tack toe or draw a window mural together. The children would be on opposite sides of the window, but still have a chance to play and see each other!
10. Hang a bird feeder nearby
Hang a bird feeder near your window and observe the birds! We made this adorable DIY bird feeder and loved watching the birds fly up and enjoy a snack.
11. Make a sun catcher
This is a simple and beautiful nature craft to hang in your window! You just need card stock/cardboard, contact paper, and nature. Check out instructions for our Mother’s Day sun catcher here! You can just use blank card stock instead of the printable with the Mother’s Day message on it. This craft draws us to the window and helps us appreciate the sun a little more! How many of these window activities would you try?
After you are done with this post, check out the backyard ideas here: 100 low-prep activities you can do in your own backyard!
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I hope you give these window activities a try! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.
∼Tara
