Mar 26, 2026 · Abby Allen
April Showers Crafts for Kids: Rainy-Day STEAM Fun
April showers crafts are basically a parenting superpower: when the weather turns gray, you can turn a rainy day into a cozy, creative reset. In this first post of our two-part “April Showers Bring May Flowers” series, we’re leaning into rain crafts and rainy day crafts for kids that keep hands busy, minds curious, and moods lighter—while still sneaking in real STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). The best part: you don’t need to grab your galoshes and run to the store for an expensive kit. All of these projects use supplies you probably already have at home. Want these rainy-day ideas saved in one place (with step-by-step directions your kid can follow)? Create a GlueStick account to bookmark favorites, track your supplies, and pick the perfect rainy-day project in minutes. We’ll even encourage the kids to clean up when they’re done.
GlueStick has dozens of rain crafts, rain experiments for kids, and easy spring activities all for one low subscription price. You can explore our library with a FREE account today.
“April showers bring May flowers” (and how to make it personal)
The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” dates back to the 1500s, and it makes a lot of sense in the UK, where April tends to be much wetter than other months.
Here in Minnesota, where GlueStick is based, April is actually one of our least rainy months—six other months typically get more rain. It is, however, the first month of the year where we get more rain than snow, so we happily embrace the saying to cheer us up when we’re just longing for a little more color outside.
Want to make this saying personal for your family? Take a minute to check your own local patterns and see how rainy April really is where you live. Here’s a helpful place to start: US Climate Data for Minnesota.
(And if April isn’t rainy where you live? No problem—these rainy day crafts still work anytime you’re stuck indoors.)
Rainy-Day STEAM Activities: Pour on the Learning
Rainy days are perfect for hands-on learning because kids naturally slow down and focus. A cloud craft can turn into a weather chat. A rainbow project can become a color-mixing experiment. A “rain in a bag” experiment can make the water cycle click in a way a worksheet never will.
Below are eight GlueStick projects that celebrate clouds, rain, and that hopeful moment after the storm—each with a quick description that includes recommended ages and time to complete so you can pick what fits your family.
Short on time? Create your GlueStick account to save these April Showers crafts to your favorites so you can come back to them anytime.
April Showers Kids Activities Using Household Supplies
Rainy Day Cloud Mobile
Ages: 5–10 | Time: 20–40 min
Make a happy rain cloud mobile that rains rainbow-colored drops! This craft is perfect for a rainy day and will make your space bright and cheerful.
Make this project
Cloud Craft for Kids
Ages: 3–10 | Time: 20–40 min
Imagine you are looking at clouds in the sky! This fun craft lets you make your own cloud on paper. You will use paint to make a cloud shape. Then, you can look closely at your cloud and draw a picture of what you see inside it, just like finding shapes in real clouds!
What will you see?
Shaving Cream Cloud In a Jar
Ages: 3–12 | Time: 5–10 min
Make a fluffy “cloud” in a jar, then watch it “rain” right before your eyes. This simple science activity helps you see how clouds hold water—and what happens when they get too full. Then, you'll learn about the water cycle.
Make it Rain
Rain Cloud Craft
Ages: 5–10 | Time: 10–20 min
Make a super simple rain cloud craft! This project is a fun way to practice using your hands to lace beads and tie knots. You can also use your cloud to learn about weather. You can even add snowflakes or a rainbow to make it your very own special cloud!
Start StringingStart Stringing
Want an easy rainy-day win? Sign up so you can save these crafts for easy access the next time the clouds roll in.
Blue Sky Lacing Activity
Ages: 5–10 | Time: 45–90 min
Make a happy cloud with yarn and a rainbow or sun! This project is a great way to experiment with Mixed Media - using lots of different materials and techniques to create a piece of art.
Create a Lacy Cloud
Rain in a Bag
Ages: 3–7 | Time: 5–10 min
Watch the water cycle happen right in your window! In this simple experiment, water warms up, turns into water vapor, forms droplets, and “rains” back down, just like on Earth.
Watch the Water Cycle
Paper Plate Umbrella Pouch
Ages: 5–10 | Time: 20–40 min
Make a cute umbrella craft that is also a pouch. You can carry your favorite things in it.
Make this project
Magical Rainbow Coffee Filter Craft
Ages: 3–10 | Time: 5–10 min
Create a colorful rainbow using markers, coffee filters, and a little bit of water. Watch the colors mix and blend together like magic!
Color your rainbowAfraid to make a mess on a rainy day?
You’re not alone. Rainy day crafts can feel like a recipe for extra cleanup, especially when everyone’s already cooped up.
That’s exactly why GlueStick is built around the full creative journey (not just the “make” part). Inside the app, kids can follow steps at their own pace, and when they’re done, GlueStick encourages them to clean up with age-appropriate, step-by-step checklists and friendly creative buddies to unlock when they’re done.
If you want more creating and less chaos, create a GlueStick account today.