Here’s hoping this season’s snow storms are behind us (fingers crossed!), but the coming of spring means some rainy days are undoubtedly up ahead.
When the weather is nice and you can head outdoors, it’s relatively easy to keep your little one entertained. But when you’re stuck inside for days (or weeksโฆ) at a time due to frigid temps, snowstorms, or torrential downpours, a mom needs a couple of easy tricks up her sleeve to keep her tot’s attention!
Today I’m pleased to welcome Monica Dubsky from Mama Bee Simple to share one such trick with us for indoor sensory play.
Simple Indoor Sensory Play Idea
At this time of year it can get pretty boring having to stay indoors while there’s a heavy storm outside! For little ones it’s probably even more boring than you thought.
In my experience children constantly want to touch things they shouldn’tโfrom a remote control to the plug sockets to dirty nappies! It can at times be a vicious circle; it’s not fun saying no all day, is it?
Today was one of those days for us. The temper tantrums had started, as if to say his toys weren’t good enough. What to do? Same old toys? Same old books?
For something different, I thought I’d search my cupboards and see what I could do for Leon. Basmati riceโperfect! It’s cheap, always in the cupboard, pourable, and has texture. Best part? Takes 5 minutes to prepare!
Baking tin & plenty of colourful scoop objects
Silicone cupcake tray
“Look at me!”
This activity lasted for nearly two hours, which was perfect for Leon! He loved scooping and pouring and touching the rice. He even loved cleaning up after himself!
Not only is this activity easy to prepare since you likely already have rice in your pantry, but it’s also educational and a great quiet time activity too!
What’s your favorite activity to keep your kiddos occupied during ugly weather?
This post originally appeared on Mama Bee Simple.
Monica Dubsky started Mama Bee Simple to share her ideas and lifestyle as a stay-at-home mum. She’s passionate about sharing healthy food ideas for your family and creative ideas for little ones! Follow her to learn more:
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13 responses to “Indoor Sensory Play for Cold, Snowy, or Rainy Days”
Thank you so much for sharing this, I hope its useful for other mums out there!
Thanks so much for being here today, Monica!
I used to have a roll of contact paper on hand. Tear off the film so the sticky side is exposed and then tape it to a table or vinyl floor and let them stick stuff on it or walk on it. Fun!
Fun and EASYโLove it!
I like Katy’s idea of walking on contact paper! The biggest hit with my kids right now is play sand. It’s like this gooey sand that’s not as dusty as the real thing, and you can mold it easier, but it’s still fine enough that you can dig, scrape, etc. They love that thing.
These are such creative ideas, Katie!! Pinning!
Such a cute idea. When my kids were little we always rotated toys so there was something new-ish on a regular basis. We homeschooled from age 3 through high school so there were always activities ready no matter what the weather.
Something my daughter liked, even better than rice: macaroni! I liked it because it was easy to clean up!
Isn’t it amazing that the cheap stuff that you have on hand is what kids like best! Great idea to have him play with rice. It looks like he had a blast. Love the picture of him trying to clean up with that big broom!
This looks fun, especially since you did my favourite thing at the end, make them help clean up! I think teaching kids to contribute to the household tasks early on is the best way to raise a family.
i meant to do this all winter with rice… but thankfully the thaw has started and spring is here! I will definitely keep it in mind for a rainy day. ๐
My son does a ton of sensory table activities at school, we haven’t done it at home yet. Our favorite one was the snow they made out of baking soda and shampoo, it was cold and soft and smelled super good.
That snow sounds awesome!