6 Activities to Get Warm this Winter
Updated by Rivkie Berger, OTR on 01/21/2025.
3 min read
As winter settles in and temperatures fall, it can be tough to find engaging activities for sensory seeking kids while staying warm. Challenge their muscles and get their bodies moving with these fun sensory-friendly activities!
1. Yoga
During the cold months our routines often become more sedentary, making it harder to stay warm. Yoga is a great way for children to get their muscles working. This form of gentle exercise can elevate their heart rate, depending on the speed through which kids move from one pose to the next. Choose poses from our Yoga Deck and pair with a therapy ball to engage multiple muscle groups at once and activate the whole body. Yoga is also a wonderful way to ease into active movement and wind down at the end of the day.
2. Tunnel Crawling
Crawling can be a surprisingly good workout! It engages kids’ core, arms and legs while encouraging their bodies to curl inward, which helps preserve heat. Increase the challenge and the ensuing warmth by crawling through a tunnel or barrel. Not only is it harder to get through, but the extra insulation in the smaller space creates a snug environment.
3. Hop, Jump and Leap
Jumping provides proprioceptive input to the joints and strengthens muscles at the same time. Try hopping from one Spot Markerto the next, bounce on atrampolineor leap overFoam Hurdles. These activities both engage children’s muscles and elevate their heart rate. Encourage kids to vary how fast and intensely they jump so that they can get their blood flowing and stay warm.
4. Obstacle Courses
Creating an obstacle course can be an exciting and effective way to generate warmth in the winter. Involve your kids in designing the course and incorporate challenges that promote movement and coordination, such as jumping onto oozy Gel Tilesor walking on a fine line while pretending the floor is hot lava. Tossweighted ballsinto a target or dance withHand-Eye Coordination Scarves. This playful approach to exercise will leave kids feeling invigorated and warm in no time!
5. Balance Challenge
Good balance activities engage the core and many other muscle groups, raising body temperature. A popular OT favorite is our Balance Trainer. Use the activity cards for inspiration or get creative and invent your own challenges. Need to make it even harder to increase body heat? Step or hop between multiple Balance Trainers and try not to fall!
6. Snuggle Up and Relax
Sometimes, the best way to warm up is to snuggle under a cozy blanket. Explore our weighted blanketsto find the perfect style and feel for your kids while providing additional warmth and comfort. If your child wants to feel more cocooned, opt for theWeighted Hoodie WraporBear Hug Hoodie. The gentle proprioceptive pressure is a wonderful way to wind down on chilly days.
Even if your kids are spending more time indoors due to cooler temperatures, they can still get the active movement they need! There are so many ways to incorporate body temperature-raising activities that satisfy their sensory cravings.
If you need more guidance to support your sensory seeker, explore our range of sensory seeking tools.
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