Winter Sensory Play - 10 Cures for Cabin Fever

When the weather cooperates and the snow gear is ready, winter can offer a sensory wonderland. When that's not the case, living spaces quickly move from being "cozy" to being cramped and our kids are bursting with excess energy. Indoor play areas can be costly, but getting that energy out doesn't always feel like a choice. On the days where the weather and your wallet are saying no to leaving the house, here are 10 sensory play activities to fight cabin fever from home:

1. Polar Parachute (Materials: Bed sheet, stuffed animals, ball)

   Grab the edges of the sheet and get ready for some excitement! Shake it up and down, fast or slow, or toss in a ball or stuffed animal and watch it pop like popcorn! Dive underneath for a thrilling game of peek-a-boo, or crank up the fun with some lively songs!

2. Snowball races (Materials: tape, cotton balls, straw, cup)

   First, grab some tape and mark off your start and finish lines! Now, with a straw in hand, see who can blow their cotton "snow" ball across the course at lightning speed. Try aiming for a cup or navigating through a maze for an extra challenge!

3. Winter animal walks (Materials: none)

   Polar Bear - Start on all fours with your arms straight and a bend in your knees. Lift and move your right hand and left foot forward, then lift and move your left hand and right foot forward. Keep this pattern going to unleash your inner polar bear!

   Penguin walk - To walk like a penguin, simply turn your toes outwards and start strutting!

   Whale Jump: Get ready to dive into action! Squat down low and then leap as high as you possibly can!

   Seal Walk - ! Lie on your belly, stretch out your arms, and pull yourself forward.

4. Blanket swing (**2 adults required** Materials: Bed sheet/blanket)

   Place your child right in the center of the sheet or blanket. Let each adult hold onto two corners, and get ready to swing your child back and forth! Slow movements create a soothing experience, while faster swings add excitement and energy. Add some songs into the mix for an extra dose of fun!

5. Painting snow (Materials: Watercolors, snow or ice)

   Fill a dish with snow or ice, grab those watercolors, and unleash your creativity to make stunning art! If you're using ice, sprinkle some salt on top when you're done for an extra dash of excitement!

6. Paper plate ice skate (Materials: Paper plates)

   Place a paper plate under each foot, and suddenly your floor transforms into an exciting ice rink! If you're gliding over carpet, wax paper works wonders too!

7. Animal rescue (Materials: cupcake tray, small plastic animals)

   Pop an animal (or any small waterproof toy) into each spot on the cupcake tray and fill it up with water. Get your child excited to rescue the animals from the ice using warm water and a spoon or hammer!

8. Indoor Sledding (Materials: bed sheet)

   Grab a bed sheet and whisk your child around on a sleigh for some thrilling fun! Let them pile up the sleigh with stuffed animals or other toys for an exciting challenge and extra heavy work!

9. Blanket Burrito (Materials: bedsheet/blanket)

   Lay your child down on one side of a blanket and roll them up like a burrito—it's so much fun! For those little ones who love to spin, just pull the remaining side and watch them spin to unravel!

10. Snowflake mobile (Materials: paper, scissors, string)

    Have your kid fold a piece of paper into quarters and cut out some fun shapes along the folds. Then, grab some strings to hang them up and create an awesome mobile!

    
    
    
    

    Have fun playing!