Got bored kids at home? Keep them busy with items from around your house!
Is your sensory seeking kid getting bored with things from around the house? They always turn to mom or dad for ideas. Give them something new to try instead of suggesting the same old games and toys.
No need to go shopping either! Prep these easy to make activities ahead of time and pull them out next time your child says, “Mom I’m bored!”
Homemade Sensory Bin
For this activity, all you need is a plastic bin and sensory type trinkets. Put the stuff in the bin and you’re all set! Here are things you can use for the homemade sensory bin:
- Uncooked rice
- Uncooked pasta or noodles
- Buttons
- Shredded paper
- Scraps of cloth
Add some plastic cups, bowls, and spoons for your child to scoop and pour. Turn it into pretend play with little cars, action figures or animals.
Shaving Cream
Some kids prefer squishy textures. Shaving cream is perfect for that. For this activity, all you need is a cookie sheet, plastic mat or even a window and non-gel shaving cream!
Practice writing numbers, letters, or draw pictures with fingers. Turn it into a car or animal wash by letting the toys run through the shaving cream. Scrub with toothbrushes. Rinse off in a bowl of water.
Bubble Monster
Put a new spin on blowing bubbles! For this activity, all you need is:
- Sock
- Tube
- Sudsy dish soap water.
Simply put the sock over the end of the tube and dip into the sudsy water. Blow into the other end of the tube and watch the bubble monster form!
Box Reading Cubby
Have a large box from Amazon? Turn it into a cozy reading cubby or nook! Let your child decorate the outside however they wish with markers or stickers. Cut out windows or simply leave one end open.
Put in some soft blankets and pillows and your child has quiet spot to read, rest or take a break.
Tin Can Stilts
Looking for a fun way to walk around? Make your own stilts! For this activity, all you need is:
- 2 large tin cans
- Sturdy rope, twine or jump rope.
To make the stilts simply turn the can over so the bottom is facing up. Punch two holes across from each other on the sides near the rim. Run the rope through the holes.
To walk on the stilts all your child needs to do is place their feet on the bottom of the cans and hold the ropes in each hand a start walking!
Balance Beam
Have some 2×4 planks of wood? Turn them into a balance beam. Place 1 long piece of wood on the floor. Nail or glue a shorter piece of wood at either end of the long beam to make a T at each end. Turn it over and you have a balance beam!
Floor Maze
Make a life-size maze for your kids to walk through! For this activity, all you need is masking tape or blue painters tape. Tape out a maze design and that’s it!
You can also make an indoor hopscotch game out of tape.
Human Burrito or Pizza
For the kid who loves deep pressure, this one is for them. Layout a blanket out on the floor along with some pillows. Have your child lay in the middle of the blanket. Take their food order (cheese, meat, veggies) and squish a pillow on them for each ingredient.
Next, wrap your child up with the pillow in the blanket and let the burrito or pizza bake. Apply deep pressure up and down as the food bakes.
Try out one of these 8 easy to make sensory activities next time your kid looks bored! They will enjoy the new ideas as they work on self-regulation and you won’t have to spend a dime!
Elizabeth Purpero is a licensed school counselor and licensed professional counselor-in-training. She has her master’s in counseling psychology. Elizabeth has worked as an autism therapist with children and teens. During her career, she has worked in intensive at-home therapy programs utilizing ABA and play therapy along with OT and speech therapy techniques. She has also worked as a mental health therapist helping clients address their mental health issues as it relates to autism. Elizabeth’s background working with the autism community has greatly helped her work with students in schools too. She has helped teachers implement effective strategies, create goals for IEP’s and make classrooms more sensory-friendly. Mark Twain once said, “Write what you know about,” and Elizabeth enjoys writing about autism-related topics and providing additional resources to help those impacted by autism.