Indoor Summer Fun: Sensory, Motor, and Creative Play Ideas for Hot or Rainy Days
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.
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.
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!
Leave A Comment