What to Do with a 5-Year-Old on a Rainy Day? Time for Board Games!

When the Rain Falls… and the Energy Rises

It’s 10 a.m. on a rainy Saturday. Your 5-year-old has already made a pillow fort, scattered puzzle pieces across the living room, and tried (unsuccessfully) to paint the cat. You're out of ideas, and both of you are getting restless. What now?

This age is so full of movement, curiosity, and intensity. And when the outdoors becomes off-limits, redirecting that energy indoors can feel like an impossible mission. But here’s where a simple, often overlooked solution starts to shine: board games.

Why Board Games Are a Lifesaver on Rainy Days

Board games are more than a rainy-day distraction—they’re a gateway to learning, laughter, and meaningful connection. For a 5-year-old, the right game can offer:

• Practice with numbers, colors, and shapes
• Opportunities to develop emotional regulation—especially when it comes to winning and losing
• Moments of shared joy in an environment that doesn’t involve screens

And let’s be honest: as a parent, you need something that doesn't require a long rulebook or a degree in rocket science to set up.

Choosing the Right Game for the Right Mood

Not all games are created equal—especially at age five. Attention spans, fine motor skills, and emotional responses vary widely. On days when your child is feeling calm and focused, something with simple rules and a clear goal (like Memory or a basic matching game) works well. On higher-energy days, opt for games that involve action, movement, or quick turns to keep things engaging.

For children who love animals, games like those featured in this list of animal-themed board games can spark both imagination and storytelling. If your child is newly exploring counting and numbers, check out these fun counting games designed to build math skills through play.

Together Time: A Strategy for Connection

Five-year-olds are at a magical age where they still crave time with you. Board games offer a chance to give them your undivided attention for a short burst—even just 10 or 15 minutes of play can fill their emotional cup. Sit beside them, enter their world, use silly voices for characters. You don’t have to be the “perfect” parent. Just present.

Start with cooperative board games if your child is sensitive to competition. These focus on working together toward a common goal and can help reduce conflict and big emotions about losing. You’ll find ideas for those in this article on teamwork-building games.

When Attention Spans Run Short

Rainy days don’t always mean slow days. Some children just aren’t ready to sit for even 10 minutes at a game, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the connection you’ll build from one round of a game will serve as a springboard into solo imagination time or a quieter activity.

And when you need a transition or a gentle break, audio storytelling can help calm minds while keeping kids engaged. The LISN Kids App for iOS and Android offers original audiobooks crafted for kids aged 3 to 12, weaving sound effects, music, and storytelling into an experience that feels utterly magical—and all you have to do is press play.

Mix and Match for a Memorable Day

There’s no single formula for a perfect rainy day with a five-year-old. But building little blocks of connection—through play, story, conversation, and physical movement—can turn a dreary day into one you’ll both remember.

You might start with a short matching game, follow it with a dance party, share a cozy audiobook, and end the day with a bedtime round of a silly card game. Let the weather outside pause your rushing. Slowness, in good company, can be its own kind of magic.

Need inspiration beyond classic titles? Take a look at this curated list of unique board games or explore games for creative young minds.