Indoor Active Play

Indoor Active Play

16 April 2021

During the Autumn and Winter months, play outdoors can at times be limited due to the weather conditions. However, in a homebased setting, we can still provide opportunities for children to engage in active play indoors to maximise opportunities for gross motor skill development (play using the large muscles in arms, legs and torso).

Clearing a suitably sized space indoors will provide you with opportunities to encourage active play and movement. Here are some fun activity ideas:

  • Place small cushions on the floor to make a jumping path in the living room.
  • Position a plank across two tyres or sturdy wooden boxes and invite children to crawl and walk along it.
  • Lay out a variety of blankets with different textures for infants to practice rolling over or crawling.
  • Use carpet squares to encourage children to run, jump, dance or stretch on the spot.
  • Use foam balls, beach balls, and bean bags for active indoor play.  Children can toss these objects to each other or into baskets or at targets.
  • Scarves and streamers can be used to wave to rhythmic music.
  • Play the game “Musical Chairs”.
  • Use mats or cushions for tumbling, hopping, and dancing.
  • Use a fly swat to bat balloons either on your own or with a partner.
  • Create an obstacle course using sturdy furniture that can safely be crawled under or over.
  • Put on children’s action music and dance.
  • Play “Simon Says” and have children stand on one leg, jump up and down, turn around in a circle, etc.
  • Have two people hold the ends of a skipping rope along the floor, and wave it side-to-side to create a wave/snake effect.  Children can jump or hop over this.