Indoor Full Body Play Ideas

Just in time for the weekend! 😆 Let’s talk EASY indoor play activities to add into your toddler or preschooler’s routine. I’m a big fan of using household objects for simple activities - nothing fancy required! These are all great ways to provide that full body “sensory input” that young children crave and need and to pass the time if you’re spending a lot of time at home these days ⤵️:
.
🛋🧸COUCH, BLANKETS, AND PILLOWS
1️⃣ Build a fort - a classic activity but truly provides so much fun and entertainment for young kids
2️⃣ Jump onto pile of pillows - try counting down “1, 2, 3, JUMP!” to help your child learn impulse control and practice following verbal directions
3️⃣ Squish body under pillow - have your child lay flat on their belly on the floor and gently press a pillow onto their back and legs (not head). You can refer to these as “squishies for fun”
4️⃣ Roll body into blanket like a burrito - most children LOVE the feeling of being rolled up tightly. This provides both proprioceptive and vestibular input - two very important senses for development!

🎼🤸‍♀️MUSIC & MOVEMENT
1️⃣ Dance party - put on your fav tunes and go to town! Great to do in that window after dinner but before bedtime to get some energy out.
2️⃣ Freeze dance - this game provides another great opportunity to learn impulse control and following verbal directions.
3️⃣ @gonoodle - my FAVORITE website for all types of movement videos for kids. They have upbeat exercises, yoga, meditations, etc. and kids LOVE them.
.
🧺📚 HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS
1️⃣ Push full laundry basket - fill it with clothes or toys and have your child “help” you move it around the house. Works all of the big muscles!
2️⃣ Carry heavy books - another great task to give your child that helps them feel important and provides a physical challenge
3️⃣ Chair or wall push-ups - challenge your child to complete a certain number of reps with you

This post was brought to you by @rootedinroutine. More than a toy designer, be mindful is a community of parents who are going through the process of building the best denizens of next generation.  As such we encourage and delight in our community participating in our blog and social media efforts.  Your voice will be heard across our community and who knows which kid or which parent your wisdom will enlighten!  Feel free to email us at howdy@mindful-engineering.com or submit an inquiry on our site if you have a blog post idea you want to share!