Indoor Gross Motor Ideas for Rainy Days

For some families, winter can be a magical season, brimming with joy and plenty of chances to learn from nature. Kids and toddlers have boundless energy that needs to be released, even when it’s too chilly, rainy, or snowy to head outdoors.

As the temperature starts to drop and it gets too cold to play outside, keeping your child active can be tough. But just because it’s a frigid winter day outside, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on movement inside.

Adding some indoor gross motor activities into your childcare routine during the winter months when outside play isn’t an option can be super beneficial. That's because gross motor activities play a crucial role in your child’s growth—they help build strength, coordination, and self-assurance. Kids and toddlers need at least 60 minutes of active play each day to flourish, even in winter. However, it’s equally important for your child to practice their gross motor skills at home as it is for them to do so at preschool, school, or daycare.

Curious about how to achieve this from the coziness of your living room? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover some fun indoor gross motor ideas. 

The Importance of Gross Motor Skills Development

Keeping your child active goes beyond just burning off energy. Gross motor activities, i.e. those big movements your child makes like jumping, running, and climbing, play a crucial role in your child’s growth.

When kids participate in gross motor play, they’re not just having fun; they’re also building strength, balance, and coordination. Additionally, the benefits of play extend beyond the physical. These activities also foster your child’s problem-solving abilities, focus, and emotional control. In fact, a study from the National Institute of Health indicates that physically active children enjoy longer attention spans and enhanced cognitive performance. Plus, when they play with other children, gross motor activities provide a fantastic opportunity for them to hone their teamwork and communication skills.

At Bright Star Counselling, we want to ensure each child receives the chance to learn, grow, think, and do in a healthy way. However, we’ve noticed that many of our clients face challenges that make even the basics hard to access. We’ve encountered barriers like cognitive, sensory, executive, and physical issues that can hinder children, preventing them from enjoying all the experiences they should have. If your child needs a little extra support with their gross motor skills, occupational therapy can be beneficial.

Creating a Space for Play

Setting up a spot for indoor play doesn’t need to be a hassle. Just clear a little area, gather some pillows or chairs, and turn up the music to transform your living room into a fun play zone. Ensure the play space is free from hazards, like delicate items or furniture with sharp edges, so your child can play safely without the risk of getting hurt.

12 Indoor Gross Motor Ideas

Next time you find yourself indoors on a rainy day, give one of these games a try to keep your child active. Remember to join in on the fun!

1. Animal Parade

Get your little one to mimic their favourite animals. Encourage them to crawl like a bear, hop like a bunny, or slither like a snake. This fun activity builds strength and balance and doesn’t need any extra gear or setup.

2. Indoor Obstacle Course

You can easily turn everyday items like pillows, blankets, and chairs into a DIY obstacle course for your child. Have them jump over cushions, crawl under chairs, or balance on a taped line to help develop their gross motor skills. Plus, obstacle courses are great for problem-solving and, of course, tons of laughter.

3. Balloon Volleyball

Inflate a balloon and play “volleyball” by batting the balloon back and forth. This easy game enhances hand-eye coordination and is perfect for smaller spaces. For an added challenge, see how long you and your child can keep the balloon afloat without it touching the ground.

4. Simon Says with a Twist

This classic game is a wonderful method to incorporate gross motor activities into your child's daily routine. Have “Simon” prompt them to try out new movements, like hopping on one foot or crawling on all fours. Your child will not only get some exercise, but also they'll sharpen their listening skills.

5. Dance Party Freeze

Make a playlist of your child’s favourite tunes and let them dance like nobody's watching! Instruct them to freeze in place whenever the music stops and pause it at random intervals. You can pick songs that match their energy (or yours). Just don’t forget to join in and dance too.

6. Jumping Jacks Challenge

How many jumping jacks can your little one do in 30 seconds? Turn it into a game by tracking their personal best or having a friendly contest. This activity will enhance your child’s endurance, coordination, and overall fitness, all while burning off some of that extra energy.

7. Laundry Basketball

Grab a laundry basket and some rolled-up socks for a fun game of indoor basketball. This game needs little to no setup and will help your little one boost their hand-eye coordination. You can change the distance of the basket to make it trickier or challenge your child to see how many points they can rack up in a row.

8. Pillow Fort Adventures

Your child will have a blast building a pillow fort on a chilly winter day, but the fun doesn’t have to end there. Challenge their gross motor skills by encouraging them to crawl through tunnels, leap onto “safe zones,” or guide you through the fort on an imaginary quest. It’s a fantastic way to mix active play with creativity.

9. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Hide holiday themed items around your home and create movement-based clues to help your child discover them. Directions like “Roll on the floor” or “Crawl under the table” will promote gross motor skill development and can keep energetic kids and toddlers entertained for hours.

10. Follow the Leader

You and your child can alternate between leading and following by doing simple activities such as stomping, tiptoeing, or spinning. This game builds their leadership skills and confidence—and, of course, it’s a whole lot of fun.

11. Reading and Movements

Incorporate literacy skills into your indoor movement activities by choosing books that encourage physical activity. Picking titles like “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle, “Move!” by Robin Page, and “Stomp” by Uncle Ian Aurora can really grab the kids' attention. 

While you read aloud, invite the children to join in on the fun by acting out each movement mentioned in the story. Demonstrate each action and provide alternatives as necessary to suit different skill levels and preferences.

12. Move Like Polar Animals

Print out images of various polar animals and let the kids mimic each one. They can crawl like a polar bear, waddle like a penguin, hop like an arctic hare, and flap their arms like a snow owl. Choose animals that the kids are excited about to boost their interest.