Cold Weather Indoor Activities for Kids: 9 Craft Kits to Beat the Boredom
When the rain won't stop, the temperature drops and outdoor adventures are off the cards, keeping little ones entertained indoors can feel like a challenge. But a rainy day doesn't have to mean another afternoon in front of a screen!
From colourful crafts and magical painting to puzzles and hands-on activities, there are plenty of ways to turn a gloomy day into an opportunity for creativity.
Whether you're looking for a quick activity to brighten up an afternoon, a relaxing project for some quiet time or something the whole family can enjoy together, we've rounded up nine of our favourite Curious Universe picks to keep creative minds and little hands busy.
1. Original Squishmallows Colouring Case
Suitable for ages 6–9 years
Calling all Squishmallows fans! Bring your favourite characters to life with the Original Squishmallows Colouring Case, packed with everything little artists need for hours of colourful creativity.
Featuring beloved characters including Cam, Lola, Fifi and Winston, this all-in-one activity set lets children colour, doodle, decorate and even personalise their very own carry case.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Everything in one place: Includes two doodle journals, felt-tip pens, gel pens, dual-colour pencils and over 50 stickers.
- Make it their own: Children can colour and decorate the carry case to create something completely unique.
- Creative fun on the go: The handy case keeps everything organised, making it great for home, holidays and family visits.
- Encourages imagination: Perfect for independent colouring, doodling and expressing creativity.
Best for: Squishmallows fans who love colouring, decorating and creating their own designs.
Explore the Original Squishmallows Colouring Case
2. Magic Painting: Farm
Suitable for ages 3+ years
A little water, a touch of magic and a whole lot of colour!
With Magic Painting: Farm, little artists can bring adorable farmyard scenes to life using nothing more than water. Simply fill the included brush pen, sweep it across the pages and watch the hidden colours magically appear.
And the best part? Once the pages dry, the pictures are ready to be painted all over again!
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Mess-free creativity: No paints or messy supplies needed, just add water.
- Magic with every brushstroke: Watch colourful farmyard pictures appear before your eyes.
- Fun again and again: Reusable pages mean the painting adventure doesn't have to end.
- Perfect for little hands: A simple, engaging activity that helps develop creativity and fine motor skills.
Best for: Younger children who love painting, animals and a little bit of magic.
3. 3D Diamond Studio Magical Gonk
Suitable for ages 6–9 years
Make a gloomy day sparkle with a dazzling diamond art adventure!
The 3D Diamond Studio Magical Gonk lets children transform an adorable plaster character into a sparkling masterpiece using over 3,000 colourful crystals.
Simply match the crystals to their corresponding symbols and watch your magical gonk come to life, one dazzling detail at a time.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- A sparkling creative challenge: Over 3,000 colourful crystals turn a simple character into something special.
- Keeps little hands busy: A detailed, hands-on activity that encourages patience and concentration.
- More than just crafting: Includes a 24-page activity book with extra creative fun.
- Create and display: The finished gonk makes an adorable decoration to show off.
Best for: Children who love detailed craft projects and making something they can proudly display.
Not a gonk fan? Explore more adorable 3D Diamond Studio characters, including the Cute Kitten, Sparkly Puppy, Dazzling Dragon and Sparkly Unicorn.
Shop the Magical Gonk Diamond Studio
4. Junior Jigsaw Touch & Feel Puzzle: On the Farm
Suitable for ages 2–4 years
Bring the farmyard indoors with a colourful puzzle full of surprises!
The Junior Jigsaw Touch & Feel Puzzle: On the Farm combines traditional puzzle fun with exciting sensory discoveries. Featuring chunky pieces and touch-and-feel textures, it's a lovely way for little ones to explore, learn and play.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Hands-on sensory play: Different textures add an exciting extra element to puzzle time.
- Made for little hands: Chunky puzzle pieces make it easier for younger children to join in.
- Learning through play: Encourages problem-solving, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Fun to complete again: Little ones can enjoy piecing together their favourite farmyard scene over and over.
Best for: Younger children discovering the joy of puzzles and sensory play.
Explore the Junior Jigsaw Touch & Feel Puzzle
5. Puzzlebilities Mineralogy 500-Piece Jigsaw
Suitable for ages 6–9 years
Turn a rainy afternoon into a colourful journey of discovery!
The Puzzlebilities Mineralogy 500-Piece Jigsaw invites curious minds to explore the fascinating world of gemstones and minerals, from sparkling emeralds and rubies to beautiful rose quartz.
Featuring detailed illustrations and interesting facts, this 500-piece puzzle makes learning just as enjoyable as completing the picture.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- A rewarding challenge: 500 pieces provide an engaging activity for children who love puzzling.
- Discover something new: Beautiful mineral illustrations and fascinating facts combine learning with play.
- Fun for the whole family: A great activity to work on together during cosy weekends.
- Builds important skills: Encourages patience, concentration and problem-solving.
Best for: Curious children and families who love a challenge and enjoy discovering new things together.
Explore the Mineralogy 500-Piece Jigsaw
6. Jigsaw Felt Mat Roll
Ideal for family puzzle time
Love a family puzzle but don't want it taking over the dining table all weekend? We've got just the thing!
The Jigsaw Felt Mat Roll makes it easy to enjoy bigger puzzle projects without worrying about losing your progress.
Simply build your puzzle on the felt mat, then carefully roll it away when it's time for a break. When you're ready to continue, unroll it and pick up where you left off.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Puzzle at your own pace: Keep unfinished jigsaws together between play sessions.
- Save valuable space: Roll away your puzzle when the table is needed for something else.
- Perfect for bigger projects: Includes printed guides for 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000-piece puzzles.
- Use it again and again: A handy accessory for family puzzle nights and longer weekend activities.
Best for: Families who love tackling bigger puzzles together without sacrificing their dining table.
Discover the Jigsaw Felt Mat Roll
7. Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Flora & Fauna
Suitable for ages 14+ years
Sometimes, a little peace and quiet is just what a rainy day needs!
Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Flora & Fauna combines the joy of stickers with the satisfaction of creating beautiful artwork.
Inspired by the natural world, each intricate design comes to life as colourful geometric stickers are matched to their corresponding spaces, gradually revealing a stunning mosaic picture.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Relaxing and rewarding: A calming activity for anyone who enjoys creative, detailed projects.
- No messy materials: All the colourful stickers are included, so there's no need for paints or glue.
- Beautiful finished artwork: Watch intricate flora and fauna designs come together, one sticker at a time.
- Easy to pick up and put down: Enjoy a few minutes of creativity or settle in for a longer crafting session.
Best for: Teens and adults who enjoy mindful, detailed creative activities.
Explore Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Flora & Fauna
8. Colour-In Carry Case: Scratch Art
Suitable for ages 6–9 years
Get ready to scratch, reveal and discover a rainbow of colour!
The Colour-In Carry Case: Scratch Art puts a colourful twist on traditional arts and crafts. Using the included wooden styluses, children can scratch away the dark surface of each picture to reveal vibrant colours hidden underneath.
With plenty of pictures, stickers and activities to explore, there's a new colourful surprise waiting around every corner.
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- A colourful surprise: Reveal bright rainbow colours and patterns with every scratch.
- Packed with creativity: Includes 10 scratch art pictures, stickers and a 20-page activity book.
- Make it personal: Children can decorate their own carry case using the included felt-tip pens.
- Easy to store and carry: The case keeps creative supplies together for the next crafting adventure.
Best for: Children who love experimenting with patterns, discovering surprises and creating colourful artwork.
Explore the Scratch Art Activity Case
9. Neon Unicorns Rock Painting Kit
Suitable for ages 4–6 years
Add a splash of colour to a grey day with a magical rock painting adventure!
The Neon Unicorns Rock Painting Kit gives little artists the chance to transform ordinary river stones into bright, colourful creations.
With neon paints, painting tools and a design book full of inspiration, children can experiment with fun patterns, imaginative designs and their own unique ideas.
Once the paint has dried, their colourful rocks can be displayed, gifted or even hidden outdoors for someone else to discover!
Why it's perfect for indoor fun:
- Bright and bold creativity: Colourful neon paints make every rock stand out.
- Everything ready to create: Includes smooth river stones, paints, painting tools and a 20-page design book.
- Let imaginations run wild: Children can follow the designs or invent something completely their own.
- The fun continues afterwards: Painted rocks can become decorations, gifts or part of an outdoor treasure hunt.
Best for: Little artists who love painting, getting creative and making something they can treasure.
Discover the Neon Unicorns Rock Painting Kit
Make Rainy Days a Little More Creative
Cold weather might keep the family indoors, but it doesn't have to put a stop to the fun!
Having a few creative activities ready can make all the difference when little ones need something new to keep them entertained.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
For quick, mess-free fun: Try Magic Painting: Farm or a colourful sticker activity.
For little artists: The Squishmallows Colouring Case and Scratch Art Activity Case are packed with creative possibilities.
For quiet, relaxing creativity: Kaleidoscope Sticker Mosaics: Flora & Fauna offers a calming, satisfying activity for older crafters.
For a longer project: Try 3D Diamond Studio or a challenging Puzzlebilities jigsaw.
For some family time: Gather around a puzzle and work together to complete the picture.
For children who love getting creative: Neon Unicorns Rock Painting brings a splash of colour to a rainy afternoon.
Whether it's a snowy weekend, a wet afternoon or simply a cosy day at home, a little creativity can turn time indoors into something special.
Ready to inspire their next creative adventure?
Explore our full range of Children's Craft Kits and Creative Play activities for even more ways to make every day a little more colourful.
