Don’t let spring showers keep your kids from getting their daily physical activity. With rainy weather and constant zoom calls with teachers, friends, and loved ones, children may not be getting the physical activity they so desperately need when sitting in front of a screen. As a result, they are more likely to feel mentally drained and more prone to meltdowns when they aren’t given opportunities for movement breaks throughout their day.
There are many indoor activities that can challenge a child to move the large muscles in their body in a functional and coordinated way. Building an indoor obstacle course is one example of an amazing way for kids to develop essential gross motor skills while getting the movement they need. As an added bonus, obstacle courses can also help promote direction following and self-regulation. There are endless possibilities how kids might combine household objects to make obstacles. All it takes is a little creativity!
Here are some ideas for creating an awesome obstacle course of your own:
- Crawl over chairs
- Make a balance beam using painter's tape
- Jump or crawl over pillows
- Pretend the floor is “lava” and avoid stepping in it
- Use cardboard squares or books as stepping stone
- Make a tunnel using blankets and furniture
- Animal walk around the obstacles
- Throw small stuffed animals or bean bags into a laundry basket
For this week's challenge, email us a picture of your best indoor obstacle course with at least 4 different steps. We can't wait to see how creative you get!
Please email us at to learn more about individual sessions for yourself, as parents struggling to re-invent the daily life of our family in your many roles OR to inquire about 1:1 virtual OT or SLP visits for your child, typically covered by your health plan at no cost to you. Find us on Facebook at @BostonSensorySolutions or online at www.BostonSensorySolutions.com
