Winter Play: Keeping Kids Active, Engaged, and Regulated When It’s Cold Outside
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, families often find themselves spending more time indoors. While cozy blankets and movie nights are wonderful, kids still need opportunities for active play to support their development, regulate their bodies, and maintain healthy routines. Movement and sensory-rich experiences are especially important during the winter months when outdoor time can be limited. With a little creativity, indoor play can be just as beneficial as time spent outside — helping children stay physically active, emotionally balanced, and ready to learn.
Why Winter Play Matters
Play isn’t just fun — it’s how children build the foundation for motor coordination, sensory processing, self-regulation, and emotional well-being. In the winter, limited outdoor play can lead to pent-up energy, restlessness, and challenges with attention and behavior. Structured and unstructured movement opportunities indoors can help children release energy, strengthen their bodies, and support mood and focus.
At Presence Therapy Services, we know that play is the heart of development. When children move, explore, and imagine, they’re not just playing — they’re building skills for confidence, attention, and participation in daily life.
Indoor Winter Play Ideas
Here are some therapist-approved ways to keep kids moving and engaged indoors when the weather outside isn’t cooperating:
Pillow obstacle course: Set up cushions, tunnels, and stools to climb, crawl, and balance.
Animal walks: Move like a bear, crab, or frog across the room for a fun, full-body workout.
Balloon volleyball: Keep a balloon off the ground using hands, feet, or even paper plates as paddles.
Sensory bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, or snow brought inside for scooping, pouring, and hiding small toys.
Creative construction: Build towers or forts with pillows, cardboard boxes, or foam blocks.
Yoga for kids: Try guided yoga or breathing exercises to calm the body and mind.
Scavenger hunt: Hide items around the house and give clues to find them.
Dance party: Turn on favorite songs and dance together — great for coordination and emotional release!
Outdoor Winter Fun
Even during colder days, outdoor play can be safe and fun with warm gear and preparation.
Snow play: Build snowmen, snow forts, or snowball targets.
Winter walks: Bundle up for short nature walks or treasure hunts to spot animal tracks and icicles.
Ice excavation: Freeze small toys in containers and have kids chip away or pour warm water to “rescue” them.
Sledding: A fantastic way to get heavy work and vestibular input while having fun!
Keeping It Balanced
The goal during winter months is to balance cozy calm with active movement. Even short bursts of play between schoolwork or screen time help children regulate their energy and emotions. When children move their bodies, they’re strengthening coordination, focus, and resilience — all through play.
At Presence Therapy Services, we believe in building connection through play. Whether through sensory exploration, movement, or creative expression, play supports children in growing confident, calm, and capable.
Stay warm, keep moving, and make time for connection this winter — because play is always in season.
