Indoor Play Ideas for Kids: Fun Winter Activities to Boost Development
- Brooke Wright
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
When the days are shorter and the chilly weather keeps us indoors, it’s easy for kids to get restless—and for parents and caregivers to run out of ideas fast. But winter isn’t all cabin fever and boredom. In fact, it’s the perfect time to slow down and embrace cosy, creative play that supports your child’s development.
This month’s Therapy Talks is packed with indoor play ideas for kids that are fun, low-prep, and help beat the winter blues.
🧤 Sensory and Fine Motor Activities for Kids
Sensory play and fine motor activities help build hand strength, coordination, and creativity—all while keeping kids engaged.
Try these winter-themed sensory ideas:
Snow Dough Sensory Bin – Mix flour and oil to create a soft, mouldable dough. Add winter-themed toys for imaginative play and texture exploration.
Winter-Themed Water Play – Fill a shallow bin with warm water and add floating snowflakes or small toy igloos. Provide scoops and measuring cups for pouring and transferring.
Winter Crafts for Kids – Cut out paper snowflakes or paint “icicles” to strengthen scissor skills and hand-eye coordination.
💡 Tip: Sensory play can be calming, making it a great activity before quiet time or bedtime.
🏃♀️ Gross Motor Indoor Games to Burn Energy
Even indoors, kids need movement to regulate energy and support physical development.
Try these gross motor winter activities:
Indoor Obstacle Course – Use pillows, blankets, and furniture for crawling, balancing, and jumping challenges.
Keepy Uppy (Bluey-style!) – Use a balloon and see how long you can keep it from touching the ground. Great for coordination and giggles.
Movement Jar – Write actions like “hop like a bunny” or “spin in a circle” on slips of paper. Kids pick one and act it out.
🎭 Imaginative and Social Play Indoors
Imaginative play builds creativity, language, and social skills.
Some favourites for winter:
Indoor Camping – Build a blanket fort, pretend you’re camping, and add songs, stories, or a pretend campfire.
Dress-Up and Role Play – Set up a “café,” “vet clinic,” or “explorer adventure” and let your child lead the game.
Storytelling Sessions – Take turns adding to a made-up story. This builds language skills and sparks laughter.
📚 More Indoor Activity Ideas for Kids
If you want an even bigger list of fun activities, check out this excellent resource:
This Week’s Takeaway
This week, choose one new indoor play idea to try with your child. Keep it simple, follow their lead, and remember—play is one of the most powerful ways to help kids learn, connect, and thrive.
With warmth and care,
Kirsty + The Together Thriving Team
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