TL;DR
Structure rainy days around gaming sessions: morning warm-up (15-min games), late morning deep dive (45-60 min), afternoon variety (different game style), evening wind-down (calm games). Mix active and quiet games. Include non-game breaks. Prepare a "rainy day box" in advance so you're always ready.
The forecast shows rain all day. The children's football is cancelled. The park is a muddy swamp. Indoor activities that don't involve screens? You're about to need them.
This is where board games shine. Not as a last resort, but as the first option—a chance to turn weather disappointment into genuine family connection.
Here's how to make rainy days something everyone looks forward to.
The Rainy Day Mindset Shift
Stop seeing rain as the problem and games as the solution. Instead: the rain creates opportunity.
- No external commitments
- Nowhere you need to be
- Extended, uninterrupted time together
- Legitimate excuse to stay cosy
The best rainy days I've had with my family involved pancakes, blankets, and a full day of gaming. The children still remember them years later. The sunny park trips? Generic and forgotten.
"Boredom is a gift. When weather forces constraint, children develop the capacity to create engagement from what's available. Games are the ideal material for that creation."
The All-Day Game Schedule
Rather than chaotic gaming, structure the day:
This structure provides:
- Variety (different game lengths and styles)
- Breaks (gaming fatigue is real)
- Non-screen engagement throughout
- Natural pacing for energy levels
Games for Different Rainy Day Moods
Morning Energy: Fast and Engaging
Morning = high energy = competitive games work.
| Game | Duration | Best For | |------|----------|----------| | Sushi Go | 15 min | Quick decisions, cute theme | | Love Letter | 10 min | Bluffing, elimination okay early | | Kingdomino | 20 min | Spatial puzzle, quick rounds | | Dobble/Spot It | 10 min | Reflexes, laughter |
Mid-Morning: The Main Event
When focus is best, play the most strategic game.
| Game | Duration | Best For | |------|----------|----------| | Smoothie Wars | 40 min | Economic thinking, competition | | Ticket to Ride | 50 min | Route planning, lower conflict | | Catan | 60 min | Trading, older children | | Azul | 35 min | Thoughtful, beautiful |
Afternoon: Change of Pace
Switch genre. If morning was competitive, go cooperative. If cerebral, go physical.
| Game | Duration | Best For | |------|----------|----------| | Pandemic | 45 min | Teamwork, discussing strategy | | The Crew | 30 min | Cooperative trick-taking | | Jenga | 20 min | Physical, tension-building | | Rhino Hero | 15 min | Dexterity, silliness |
Evening: Calm and Quiet
Energy declining. Choose gentle, predictable games.
| Game | Duration | Best For | |------|----------|----------| | Patchwork | 25 min | Two-player, quiet | | Splendor | 30 min | Low interaction, satisfying | | Codenames: Duet | 20 min | Cooperative, low stress | | Sagrada | 35 min | Peaceful, puzzle-like |
The Rainy Day Box
Prepare in advance. A dedicated box or bag containing:
Essential contents:
- 2-3 quick games (various player counts)
- 1 strategy game (the centrepiece)
- 1 cooperative game
- 1 dexterity/physical game
- Snacks specifically for gaming (sealed, non-messy)
- Colouring/activity sheets for between games
Why this works:
- No decision fatigue on the day
- Everything is accessible
- Creates ritual and anticipation
- Can grab it for holidays/travel too
Store the box where children know to find it. When rain hits, they can suggest "the game box!" rather than defaulting to screens.
Managing Energy and Conflicts
The Sugar Trap
Rainy day snacking leads to blood sugar chaos. Moderate the sweets; include protein. Hangry children don't play nicely.
The Winner Problem
Playing all day means someone loses repeatedly. Rotate games so different skills are rewarded. Let the youngest sometimes win warm-up games through luck-heavy choices.
The "I'm Bored of Games" Moment
It will happen. Don't force continued play. Non-game breaks are essential:
- Reading time
- Lego/creative building
- Baking together
- Dance party
- Indoor treasure hunt
Return to games later, refreshed.
The Sibling Conflict
Extended togetherness breeds friction. Separate activities are legitimate:
- One parent plays with one child while the other does something solo
- Brief screen time for reset
- Different games at different tables
Themed Rainy Days
For extra engagement, commit to a theme:
Tropical Day (Smoothie Wars)
- Wear Hawaiian shirts
- Make actual smoothies
- Island music playlist
- Decorate with paper palm trees
- Multiple plays of Smoothie Wars with tournament tracking
Mystery Day
- Detective-themed games (Clue, Mysterium)
- Hide clues around house
- Dress up
- Snacks served as "evidence"
Travel Day
- Games set in different locations (Ticket to Ride variations)
- Try foods from featured countries
- Passport stamps for each game played
- Map decorations
Themes create memorable days, not just occupied time.
"What we remember about childhood are the rituals and traditions—the things we did repeatedly with intention. A 'rainy day game day' can become a treasured tradition with remarkably little effort."
When Rain Lasts Multiple Days
Extended bad weather requires adaptation:
Day 1: Enthusiasm High
Full game day structure works perfectly.
Day 2: Moderate
Reduce gaming sessions. More non-game activities. Screen time allowance reasonable.
Day 3+: Strategic Rest
Don't force gaming. Offer options. Mix solitary and group activities. Accept lower engagement.
The goal is connection, not exhaustion. If games become chores, stop.
Games by Age Group
Ages 4-6
- Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders (classics work)
- Hoot Owl Hoot (cooperative)
- Rhino Hero (dexterity)
- First Orchard (beautiful components)
Ages 7-10
- Sushi Go, Sleeping Queens
- Smoothie Wars, Ticket to Ride: First Journey
- Kingdomino, Carcassonne
- Labyrinth, Forbidden Island
Ages 11-14
- Full strategy games
- Hidden role games (Coup, One Night Werewolf)
- Complex cooperatives (Pandemic, Spirit Island)
Mixed Ages
- Choose games with scalable complexity
- Team younger with older
- Quick rounds where everyone participates
Frequently Asked Questions
What if one child refuses to play?
Offer alternatives without forcing. They may join later. Don't cancel gaming for everyone because one abstains.
How do we avoid fighting over who picks the game?
Rotate "game master" who chooses. Use a spinner or dice for disputes.
Is all-day gaming too much screen alternative?
Gaming involves social interaction, strategic thinking, and genuine skill development. It's meaningfully different from passive screen time.
What about teenagers who "don't want to"?
Find their hook—maybe competitive games, maybe games with their interests. Don't force family time, but make space for it.
We don't own many games—what can we use?
Standard playing cards enable dozens of games. Dice games require almost nothing. Libraries often loan games.
Rain doesn't ruin days. It creates them.
The best family memories often form when plans fall through and improvisation takes over. Games provide structure for that improvisation—predictable enough to feel secure, varied enough to stay engaging.
Next time the clouds gather: make tea, pull out the games, and settle in.
The sun can wait.
Looking to build your rainy day collection? Our Christmas gift guide covers games perfect for the whole family.
