Hot weather or rainy days—it’s officially the start of summer! Our pediatric occupational therapists shared these easy to replicate activities to do when the weather does not cooperate. They target sensory processing, fine motor, and gross motor skills—plus, they’re fun! Your children won’t even know they are learning while they play.

Sensory Play Ideas

Toy Rescue
 Freeze small toys in water and let your child chisel away the ice to “rescue” them. A great activity for sensory input and hand strength! Summer Activities for Kids — Ice Cube Excavation – MOMtessori Life will give you an example.
Ice Painting
 Add food coloring to water in an ice cube tray and freeze. Use the colored cubes to paint on paper—a cool, creative experience. Here is a youTube video tutorial: Painting With Ice Kids Activity – Make Your own Ice Paint
Build Your Own Sensory Bin
 Choose a base like rice, paper shreds, wet noodles, or sand. Hide small items in the bin for your child to find using their hands or tools. See this blog for a recipe: Colorful and Scented Rice for Play – Good Beginnings Therapy
DIY Sensory Bottle
 Fill a plastic bottle with water, hand soap, glitter, and beads. Secure the lid with glue or tape to keep the fun (and mess) inside.

Fine Motor Play

Follow-Along Drawing Videos
 Try Art For Kids Hub – Art Lessons – How To Draw For Kids—offering fun, guided drawing sessions for all skill levels, from preschool to advanced.
Paint by Sticker Books
 Great for visual-motor coordination and precision. Available online or at stores like Amazon, Michaels, and Learning Express.
Friendship Bracelets
 Use string, pipe cleaners, or beads. Make it more challenging by braiding the string before adding beads.
Make Your Own Puzzle
Draw a picture on cardboard or paper, then cut it into shapes. Mix them up and try to put the puzzle back together!

Gross Motor Play

Indoor Scavenger Hunt
 Hide toys around the house and time how long it takes your child to find them. Add clues or use themes to increase the challenge.
Spider Web Challenge
 Use tape or yarn to create a “web” across a hallway. Have your child carefully move through it without touching the strands.
The Floor is Lava
 Set up an obstacle course and encourage your child to reach the other side without touching the floor. You don’t need the boxed version of the game-just your home and imagination!
Kids’ Yoga
 Try yoga cards or follow along with fun videos like Cosmic Kids Yoga – YouTube for movement and mindfulness.

Final Thoughts

Summer play doesn’t have to stop when the weather doesn’t cooperate. These indoor activities are easy to set up, adaptable for all ages, and packed with developmental benefits. So next time it’s too hot or stormy to head outside, give one of these activities a try!
Written By: Kiersten Robertson, MOT, OTR/L