Screen-Free Rainy Day Activity for Kids: Ice Cream Truck Tent + Learning Fun

There’s something extra cozy about rainy days. The soft pitter-patter on the windows, the smell of warm drinks, and the slower pace invite us to savor time together a little differently.

But as any momi knows, rainy days also come with the challenge of keeping little hands busy and hearts happy, especially when outdoor play just isn’t an option.

That’s where a little imagination (and a fun play tent!) saved the day in our home.

Recently, I surprised my daughter with the cutestice cream truck tentandice cream counter. It quickly became our go-to indoor activity whenever the skies turn gray.

These sets have brought so much joy, and they’re part of a fun little collection that also includes options like a fire truck and police car, perfect for pretend play lovers of all kinds!

Setting up the tent was simple, but the joy it brought was anything but. My daughter quickly turned into the most enthusiastic ice cream shop owner you’ve ever met. And her customers? A line of baby dolls and stuffed animals, each patiently waiting their turn to order.

To make it even more engaging, I created a customer order chart with pictures of each “customer” and each flavor of ice cream. It’s such a fun way to help her “remember” what everyone wants, and it adds structure to her pretend play. She absolutely loves referencing the chart as she scoops and serves!

You can laminate it and use dry-erase markers for durability and repeated use, but I just attached it to a clipboard, and she uses a pencil to take the orders.

One of my favorite parts of this playtime is how naturally it invites learning. I madesimple price cards(⬅grab them for free. They are not the most aesthetically pleasing but my daughter doesn't seem to mind) with pictures and prices—$1 for a cone, $2 for a popsicle, and $3 for a pint—and we use the play money that came with the counter to practice counting, adding, and giving change.

If you have multiple kids, you can also add a toy cash registerand a little play wallet to make everything feel even more real.

She’s learning early math in the sweetest way—by serving a vanilla ice cream cone and watermelon popsicle to Cupcake and calculating how much Emily owes for her chocolate popsicle and strawberry ice cream cone.

I couldn’t help but take photos and even film a little behind-the-scenes video of one of our “ice cream shop” afternoons. If you’re looking for some rainy day inspiration, you can check out ourYouTube video below to see it all in action. I hope it brings a smile—and maybe sparks a few new ideas for your own playtime!

In the video, you will see moments of frustration where she wanted to serve the ice cream she wanted me to have, versus what I actually ordered. You may notice that in the beginning, I tailor my order to what she suggests while still adding my own. You'll hear her get excited when she realizes.

Also, there was a bit of pushback when it was time to give back change, as she is only five and we have just begun practicing.

Check the description of the video, there will be a PDF of additional ways and challenges for play. Feel free to tailor the activities to your children based on age and skill level.

It’s not the fanciest video, but it gives a real glimpse into how this play setup works in our home, with me being the customer, price cards, learning moments, and all!

🎥 Watch Our Ice Cream Shop in Action

I didn't record any footage of the way she plays with her dolls and stuffed animals because that is usually how she plays while I work or am handling tasks around the house. (I will record a video at a later date and upload it to Youtube. If that is something you would like to see feel free to subscribe and hit the notification bell to be alerted when I upload it.)

I would just usually set it up before she gets up in the morning. I line each "customer" along the wall and place cards and money in front of them, where she can then take orders, collect payments, and give change if needed. I would usually sit next to her while she gives change, which she does after serving.

On those rainy days when outside play isn’t an option and screens feel like the easiest solution, this kind of intentional pretend play offers a beautiful, grace-filled alternative. It’s not just fun—it’s formative.

Playing "ice cream shop" gives my daughter space to practice real-life social skills in a safe, playful setting. She's learning how to treat others with kindness and respect, how to listen to requests, and how to communicate clearly—all while scooping imaginary ice cream. 🍦

When she gets frustrated because I ordered something different from what she planned to serve, it opens the door to talk about flexibility, listening, and how to treat people (aka “customers”) with care.

These moments help build her emotional awareness, patience, and understanding of how to interact with others in love and grace.

Add in a little math, some imagination, and a cozy indoor setup—and you’ve got a screen-free win for everyone.

If you're looking for a screen-free indoor play idea that sparks imagination and sneaky learning, I highly recommend starting with one of these sets. The ice cream truck and counter are our personal favorites, but the fire truck and police car are such fun options, too.

You can also grab a toy register and wallet to help make it a full pretend play experience your kids will love.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram. I always enjoy seeing how other momis are creating joy-filled moments at home. 💕

If you’re tired of starting over every time life gets messy, it’s time for a different approach. The Grace-Filled Rhythm System will help you build a routine that’s flexible, sustainable, and filled with grace.

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