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Discovering ways for kids to remain active indoors can often seem like an insurmountable task, particularly when children experience sensory processing difficulties that can make many activities uncomfortable for them. Nonetheless, it's a vital challenge to overcome, particularly for families residing in regions with extreme weather conditions, such as excessive warmth, cold, or rain, forcing them to spend more time indoors than those in milder climates. Fortunately, we've conducted the research on your behalf, and we're pleased to share that there's a myriad of options available for indoor active play and games with autistic kids, far more than we initially anticipated!
Although not every item on the list will suit every child, family, budget, or living space, there's a wealth of indoor active toys and games available for kids with autism. With some time and patience, the positive news is that discovering items that facilitate movement and encourage activity can be more straightforward than expected.
1 - Obstacle Course
Cost: $0
They're incredibly suitable for kids of various ages, and can be crafted using household items. Timing these courses adds an extra challenge, ensuring your kids get a full workout—and don't be surprised if you feel the burn too! Keep the Advil handy for any post-obstacle soreness.
2 - Timed Pillow Fights
Cost: $0 (Unless all of your pillows get destroyed!)
In our household, a timed pillow fight is exactly what it sounds like—a regular pillow fight with a specified time limit. Why do we set a time? Well, because my kids tend to get a tad carried away sometimes, and I find that introducing time limits to activities that could potentially escalate is a smart precaution. An added perk is that timing the pillow fights encourages them to expend more energy quickly, especially if they're aiming to make a big impact right from the start.
3 - Indoor Sofa Slide
Cost: $89.99
Although this might be too pricey for some, this slide is an awesome investment - especially for the long winter months. It's portable so it could be taken from the sofa to the bed. My kids ages 1,3, and 6 all love it and have a great time with it.
4 - Dance Party
Cost: $0 - to optional add-ons to keep it more exciting.
Blasting music and inviting children to dance at home, turning beds into stages and water bottles into microphones. Creating moments filled with laughter and movement.
Some add-ons we like to use:
5 - Crash Pad
Cost: $179.99
Crash mats and pads offer great sensory support for kids with autism, ADHD, or those seeking sensory input, but they often come with a hefty price tag. However, for many of us who can't afford them a DIY pad is doable.
6 - Indoor Fort-Building
Cost: $0
Indoor play forts offer a fantastic outlet for creativity, especially for kids with autism. From rearranging chairs and couch pillows to utilizing blankets, cushions, and even play tunnels or air mattresses, the possibilities are endless. Just be prepared for a bit of cleanup afterward, and let your imagination run wild!
7 - Stepping Stones
Cost: $89.99
Such a fun way to practice the gross motor skills. For those who aren't keen on spending $80 or more on a ready-made kit, there are plenty of ways to craft indoor stepping stone paths for kids using items you already have at home, absolutely free. Personally, we've accumulated quite a few worn-out throw pillows. If you've got a carpeted floor (to prevent slipping!), scattering those pillows around and letting the kids use them to create paths is a fantastic option. Throw in some couch cushions as mini "crash pads," and before you know it, you've fashioned something just as awesome, if not more so, than any store-bought alternative.
8 - Sensory Body Sack
Cost: $25.99
Check out this awesome dynamic movement sensory sock! It's the perfect spot for kids to chill and have fun. Plus, it helps improve self-calming, balance, body awareness, and sparks creativity in movement.
9 - Sensory Play Dough
Cost: Homemade is Free
Homemade sensory playdough is a therapeutic activity for autistic children. Add sensory elements such as glitter, scented extracts, or textured materials like rice or beads for extra sensory stimulation. Children can knead, shape, and mold the playdough to their heart's content, engaging their senses and enhancing hand strength and coordination.
Playdough Recipe:
Playdough ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups lukewarm water
2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
Food coloring, optional
Quart sized bags
Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one color, add in the the color now as well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and then place inside a gallon sized bag or onto wax paper. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth. If you’re adding colors after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colors you want) and then add the dough into the quart sized bags. Start with about 5 drops of color and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough, while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Once it’s all mixed together you’re ready to PLAY.
You can purchase ready made sensory kits on Amazon for pretty cheap.
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