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10 Rainy Day Activities for Families on the Road

couple driving in the rain - view from windshield looking onto the road ahead

You’ve packed the snacks, hit the open road, and parked in a spot with a beautiful view—only for the skies to open up and pour. While a rainy day on your caravan holiday might not be what you planned, it doesn’t have to mean bored kids or restless parents. With a little creativity, wet weather can become one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

Here are ten cozy, easy, and fun activities to keep the whole family entertained when the rain won’t let up.

Family Movie Marathon

There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with the family and watching a movie while the rain taps on the caravan roof. Make it extra special by popping some popcorn, dimming the lights, and choosing a few family favorites to binge. If you have a caravan tv antenna, you can catch local free-to-air stations—even in places with limited mobile data. It’s a simple way to enjoy shows or a surprise movie night without needing to stream or rely on Wi-Fi.

Build a Blanket Fort

When the weather keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect time to turn your caravan into a cozy hideaway. Grab a few blankets, pillows, and cushions to create a makeshift fort where kids can play, read, or just hang out. Add flashlights or fairy lights for extra magic.

Bonus: forts also double as the perfect nook for quiet time or story reading.

Caravan Craft Hour

Keep a small bin of craft supplies tucked away for days like this. Think pipe cleaners, stickers, markers, glue sticks, and paper. Let the kids go wild creating their own artwork or homemade postcards to mail from your next stop.

If you’ve picked up any seashells, rocks, or leaves along your journey, use them for nature-inspired crafts. It keeps little hands busy and minds engaged.

Play Classic Board and Card Games

Rainy weather is made for game time. Pack a few travel-sized board games like Uno, Connect 4, or Trouble, and you’ve got instant entertainment for all ages. Magnetic game boards are a great idea in small spaces, keeping everything neat and tidy.

For a little friendly competition, let the winner pick the next family activity—or what’s for dinner.

Make a Travel Journal or Scrapbook

Give each family member their own travel notebook or set up one big family journal. Kids can draw pictures or write about their favorite parts of the trip, and parents can jot down funny memories or interesting things you’ve all seen. Add ticket stubs, stickers, or photos along the way. It’s a sweet keepsake that helps everyone slow down and reflect.

woman writing in a travel journal

Bake or Cook Together

If your caravan has a little kitchen, rainy days are a great excuse to whip up something warm and comforting. Simple recipes like grilled cheese, pancakes, or microwave mug cakes are always a hit with kids. Let them help stir, measure, or decorate. Not only does it pass the time, but it also fills the caravan with delicious smells and creates another bonding moment.

Watch the Rain and Talk

Sometimes the best moments are the simplest. Turn off the screens, grab some hot chocolate or tea, and just sit and watch the rain together. Use the time to catch up, laugh, and ask each other questions. “What’s been your favorite part of the trip so far?” or “Where would you love to go next?”

You might be surprised at the heartfelt conversations that come from a little downtime.

Family Puzzle Time

Whether it’s a 100-piece jigsaw, a crossword, or a logic game, puzzles are a great way to pass the time when stuck indoors. You can find travel-sized options that are easy to store in your caravan or print out activity pages before you leave. It’s relaxing, low-key, and gets everyone working together as a team.

Learn Something New

Rainy days are great for diving into a new interest or brushing up on a skill. Download a few audiobooks or educational videos before your trip, or bring along a book of Aussie wildlife facts. You might even catch interesting regional programming or local documentaries that you wouldn’t normally watch. It’s a fun way to keep the learning going without making it feel like “school.”

Plan the Next Adventure

Pull out your map, tablet, or travel brochures and let everyone help decide what’s next. Look up nearby attractions, hikes, or quirky roadside stops. Encourage each family member to pick one must-do activity for the week ahead, and build your travel itinerary. It builds excitement and gives everyone a little ownership over the trip—which helps keep the positive vibes flowing even when the rain doesn’t stop.

view of sky and road from caravan

Keep the Fun Rolling—Rain or Shine

Rainy days on the road don’t have to be a bust. In fact, some of the best family memories are made when we’re forced to slow down, stay close, and get creative. With a bit of preparation and a sense of humor, you can turn any stormy day into a cozy, laughter-filled pause in your adventure. So grab that deck of cards, fire up your caravan TV antenna, and make the most of whatever the weather brings.

Author

  • I'm Donella, the voice, heart, and wit (sometimes) behind this blog. I homeschool my pre-teen son by day and moonlight as a blogger and freelance writer. I'm a Diet Pepsi aficionado with a bookshelf that's always overflowing. My two dogs—a German Shepherd and a Beagle—are my fluffy shadows. I love planning in my bullet journal almost as much as I love hoarding notebooks and pens. I may be an introvert who missed her calling as a desert hermit, but that just gives me more time to write, right?

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