Creative Winter Play

With winter approaching and cold weather settling in, it can be challenging to get kids

outside to play. Many malls offer great play areas for young children to work on balance

and coordination, and local libraries and community centers often host fun activities for

little ones as well. At home, you can set up an obstacle course using pillows, blankets,

and couch cushions. You can also have a family freeze-dance party and pretend to

balance like a figure skater or slide like a seal!

For a creative twist, try “ice skating” in the kitchen using towels or paper plates as

skates to practice coordination and balance. Kids can also enjoy indoor sledding on

blankets, pulling each other across the floor, or have an indoor snowball fight for some

energetic play. Encourage pretend play by having children act like their favorite cold-

weather animals—waddle like a penguin, crawl like a polar bear, or soar like a snow

owl.

You can even create an indoor snowstorm by filling white balloons with air and trying to

keep them off the ground to practice jumping and hand–eye coordination. These

activities are great ways for kids to burn energy and strengthen motor skills, but when

the weather allows, playing outside in the snow is the best winter adventure of all!

Listed below are some fun toys to consider this Christmas to help improve your child’s

gross motor development:

0-6 months of age:

Sensory balls (https://www.walmart.com/brand/infantino/10002899 )

Tummy time mirror

Play mat/water mat ( https://www.walmart.com/brand/babyeinstein/10001679 )

6 months – 18 months:

Foam stairs/couch ( http://www.nuggetcomfort.com/ )

Ball pit

Tunnel

Activity table ( https://www.target.com/p/vtech-buzz-38-learn-activity-table/-/A-93711767#lnk=sametab )

Rocking horse

18 months – 24 months:

Mini indoor trampoline

Cube chair ( https://www.amazon.com/stores/ChildrensFactory/page/17C62F9A-3416-4E6D-8B53-F39DE3B35005?lp_asin=B000GT43K8&ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto )

Indoor slide/play area

Balance bike (https://www.target.com/p/radio-flyer-scoot-2-scooter-red/-/A-52014641#lnk=sametab)

Play golf set

3 years and up:

Scooter board

Wobble board/balance board (https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/teeter_popper.cfm?country=US&source=google_pla&kwid=FA095-1)

Balance beam/balance stones ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stepping-Stones-Kids-Upgraded-Support-Bones-Toddler-Stepping-Stones-5-Pcs-Non-Slip-Balance-Stepping-Stones-220lbs-Coordination-Skills-Sensory-Toys-Ag/5970098356?classType=VARIANT&adsRedirect=true )

Bounce house

Hopscotch rings

This article was submitted by: Johnna Bear PT, DPT

Johnna Bear resides in Harrison County with her husband and 3 children. Johnna works as a physical therapist providing Early Intervention services in Harrison, Noble, and Belmont counties.