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400 Therapist-Approved Activities for Kids

Check out hundreds of our therapist-designed and therapist-approved activities for kids – perfect to use in the classroom, the therapy room or at home!

The Inspired Treehouse - Hundreds of therapist-approved activities for kids - perfect to use in the classroom, the therapy room or at home!

 

400 Therapist-Approved Ideas and Activities for Kids

Welcome to The Inspired Treehouse!  Below, you’ll find links to all of our favorite activities and ideas for promoting healthy motor, sensory, and cognitive development in kids!  These activities for kids were created and tested by pediatric therapists – so they’re tried and true!

The activities are organized into kid-friendly themes that may match up with seasonal or study units in your classroom or therapy room.  Click through to each activity and you’ll find a full description including:

-materials

-instructions on how to set the activity up

-instructions for how to play

-creative ways to grade the activity to make it more or less challenging

-skill areas addressed during the activity

10 Days to Conquer

10 Days to Conquer the Monkey Bars

10 Days to Conquer a Somersault

10 Days to Conquer Clothing Fasteners

10 Days to Conquer a Cartwheel

10 Days to Conquer the Pool

10 Days to Conquer Pumping a Swing

 

Animals

Animal Tag

Jungle Animal Yoga for Kids

Animal Trackers Club

Jumping Animals Game

 

Backyard Games

Hand Clapping Games

5 Classic Neighborhood Games

Simple Outdoor Weaving Loom

7 Inspired Fort and Treehouse Designs for Kids

Dodgeball Kickball Mashup

Swingset Fun! 5 Creative Gross Motor Activities for Kids

Line Tag

I Spy With a Twist

Blob Tag

Jump Rope Games for Kids

10 Outdoor Activities for Therapy

Playground Games and Activities for Kids

Squeeze Bottle Tracing

Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt – FREE printable

 

Back to School

The School Bus Rhyme and Movement Game

Encouraging Functional Posture for School

Teaching Kids How to Dress Themselves

What is a Fidget Toy?

Helping Kids Learn to Climb Stairs Safely

Teaching Kids How to Tie Their Shoes

Movement Breaks to Help Kids Stay Alert and Focused

 

Bedtime Activities

The Bedtime March

How Do Animals Say Goodnight?

Teddy Bear Play Time

Flashlight Frolic

Book Review: Good Night, Animal World

 

Bugs

Bug Spray

Feed the Spider

Fingerprint Bugs

Baby Bumble Bee

Bugs on the Windshield

Buggy Imitation

Personalized Caterpillars

 

Christmas

Fun DIY Christmas Tree Garland for Kids

15 Gross Motor Activities for the Elf on the Shelf

Gift Guide: Toys to Promote Fine and Gross Motor Skills

O Christmas Tree: An Easy Christmas Craft for Kids

15 Sensory Activities for the Elf on the Shelf

Taggy Typography Kids Christmas Craft

A Punchy Christmas Tree Craft for Kids

Silly Santa Gross Motor Skills Challenge

Gift Guide: Toys to Promote Sensory Skills

Christmas Tree Craft from Jenny Clark

Stackable Holiday Tree Craft

Crayonless Holiday Coloring Activity

DIY Instruments and Kids Music Activities

DIY Ornaments: Christmas Seek and Find

5 Fun Sensory Activities Using Christmas Lights

Cooking With Kids: Holiday Cookie Cutter Pizzas

A Holiday Flashlight Walk

DIY Jewelry With Jingle Bells

Mini Clay Christmas Ornaments

Peppermint Glitter Christmas Craft

Rhyming Reindeer Language Activity

Can Santa Find His Sleigh? Gross Motor Activity

Easy Crafts for Kids: Holiday Garland

Yarn Wrapped Ornaments

10 DIY Garlands for Kids

Holiday Gross Motor Bingo

10 Fun Gift Wrapping Ideas for Kids

Holiday Drawing Activity

DIY Nature-Inspired Christmas Cards

Christmas Tree Balance Activity

Gift Guide for Hands-On Kids

Gifts for Kids Who Like to Move

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Craft

DIY Journal Kit Gift

Reindeer Boot Camp

Gift Guide: Promoting Healthy Development in Kids

Sensory Motor Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

Chopping Down the Tree Gross Motor Activity

Santa Says

 

Circus

Tightrope Walking

Feed the Elephant

Juggling

3D Circus Stars Printable Craft

Flaming Hoops

Snake Charmer

Clowning Around Drawing Activity

So You Want to be in the Circus!

Snacktime at the Circus

 

Cooperation

Storybook Drawing

Who’s Missing

Blind Play

Rabbit Hole

Partner Painting

Mirror, Mirror

Obstacle Course

Create Your Own Roller Coaster Ride

Wacky Relay

Airplane Song

Friendship Chain

Making DIY Party Decorations With Kids

Sensory Twister

Easter

Basket of Eggs Gross Motor Game

Bunny Finger Puppets

Mossy Eggs

3 Easy Easter Cards for Kids

Mod Podge Easter Eggs

Hand Printed Easter Bunnies

Feathered Chicks

Yarn Bunnies

Easter Bunny Carrot Toss

Easter Egg Tag

Easter Egg Drawing Activity

 

Family

The Family Shuffle

Thankful Pumpkins

Taking Time

Where in the World is My Family?

All You Need is Love

A New Take on Family Game Night!

Together 10

3 Tips for Fun and Easy Family Play

 

Fall

Leaf Scramble

Boot Scoot ‘n Shuffle

Making an Impression: Fall Fun With Playdough!

Mini Pumpkin Toss Up

4 Fun Ways to Learn With Leaves

Acorn Hopscotch

Sensory Motor Lesson Plan: The Busy Little Squirrel

Sensory Motor Lesson Plan: The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

Sensory Motor Lesson Plan: Fall Leaves Fall

20 Great Fall Activities and Books for Kids

DIY Acorn Slingshots

Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Dip

Pumpkin Relay Race for Kids

Leafy Owl Craft

Pick a Pumpkin Fine Motor Activity

Fall Activities for Kids: Learning About Leaves Through the Senses

 

Father’s Day

5 Fun Golf Games for Kids

3 Ways to Tie Dye With Kids

14 Inspired Father’s Day Photo Ideas

 

Focus on Freeplay

9 Fun Motor Activities for  a Fall Hike

Pillow Party

The Playground

Downward Dog

10 Fun Bath Time Activities for Kids

10 Fun Roughhouse Activities for Kids

8 Swing Games + 8 Awesome Swings for Kids

9 Great Play Dough Activities for Kids

6 Creative Movement Activities for Kids Using Streamers

5 Awesome Toys for Tummy Time

10 Awesome Scooter Activities for Kids

Lauren’s Dream Playroom

Claire’s Dream Playroom

Teaching Your Child How to Jump Rope

Gross Motor Play Ideas: Bubble Wrap!

 

Fourth of July

Make a Star Fine Motor Activity

4th of July Poem and Movement Activity

DIY Patriotic Wands

Build A Flag Relay Race

Fourth of July Rocket Craft

Firecracker Tag

 

Farm

How Far to the Barn?

Churning Up Some Fun!

Milking a Cow

Wheelbarrow Relay

Hanging Out the Wash

Hands On Farm Exploration

Put the Pig in the Pen

Printable Farm Lacing Activity

The Apple Orchard

Ant Farm

A Farm Fresh Feast

The Chicken Dance

 

Garden

Printable Seed Collection Pages

Make Your Own Worms!

Stepping Stones Gross Motor Activity

Flower Garden Fine Motor and Sensory Bin

Simple Origami Flowers

Make Your Own Fairy Garden Houses

Garden Tag

Motor Planning Game for Kids: Ring Around the Posies

Gross Motor Fun With Flowers

Free Printable Garden Labels

 

Halloween

Monsters Moving Madly

5 Little Pumpkins Ball Game

A Walk on the Wild Side

Candy Corn Cookie Craze

Frightful Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

Make Me a Monster With Free Printables

“Tear”-ifying Jack-o-Lanterns

Spooky Spiders: 3 Fun Ways to Spin a Web

Witch’s Cauldron Song From Let’s Play Music

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything Cutting Craft

Spooky Spiders Halloween Craft for Kids

Glow in the Dark Ghosts

Mini Monster Craft

Vampire Teeth Fine Motor Activity

Candy Corn Relay

Spider Fine Motor Fun

DIY Halloween Block Puzzle

Ghost Tag

Ghosts in the Graveyard Soccer

Target Dollar Spot Halloween Finds

Spooky Halloween Treats

Skeleton Bones Visual Activity – FREE printable

 

Mother’s Day

Through a Child’s Eyes

Show Me Some Love Hopscotch

A Moment With Mom

All About My Mom

 

Music

9 Awesome Movement Songs for Kids

Homemade Instruments for Kids: DIY Xylophone

The Best Musical Toys for Kids

 

Olympics

Olympic Skiing Visual Motor Activity

Indoor Cross Country Skiing Gross Motor Activity

Fine Motor Olympic Ring Toss

Olympic Torch Relay

6 Inspired Winter Olympic Events

 

Outdoor Toys for Kids

10 Outdoor Toys to Inspire Movement, Exploration, and Fun!

10 Ways to Play With Bubbles

10 Ways to Play With Sidewalk Chalk

10 Creative Hula Hoop Games and Activities

 

Picnic

Going on a Picnic Gross Motor Activity

10 Fun Picnic Blanket Games

Homemade Picnic Popsicles

Outdoor Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt

Picnic Drawing Activity

DIY Watermelon Scratch ‘n Sniff Stickers

Summer Activities Fortune Tellers

Group Games for Kids: Giant Pickup Sticks

 

Pool and Water Play

Underwater Pearls

Water Play for Sensory Motor Development

Helping Your Child Learn To Swim

The Best Pool Toys for Motor Development

5 Fun Pool Games for Kids

 

Rainbows

Rainbow Snacks for Kids

Easy Rainbow Fine Motor Craft

Build a Rainbow Fine Motor Game

Rainbow Throwing Game

3D Rainbow Card for Kids

Rainbow Gross Motor Scavenger Hunt

Rainbow Parachute Fun

 

Simple Activities for Kids

Simple Activities for Kids Bed Sheets

Simple Activities for Kids: Groceries and Packages

Simple Activities for Kids: Cardboard Boxes

Simple Activities for Kids: Paper Bags

Simple Activities for Kids: Stairs

Simple Activities for Kids: Magazines

Simple Activities for Kids: Pencils

Easy Restaurant Visual Waiting Game

3 Fun Gross Motor Activities Using Blocks

8 Awesome Indoor Fort Ideas

Tennis Ball Target Practice

7 Ways to Use Stickers for Learning and Development

Simple Ways to Teach Kids Their Phone Number

Encouraging Developmental Skills With Play Dough

10 Activities for Babies and Big Kids to Do Together

Gross Motor Apps for Kids

OT Apps for Kids

Simple Sesame Street Craft

Gross Motor Activities for Teens and Older Kids

20 Awesome Rough Play Activities for Kids

Vestibular Activities for Kids Who Like to Be Upside Down

Loom Band Mania!

Sticky Note Fine Motor Art

Body Bridges

Tape Mazes Cutting Activity

Hand Games for Motor Skills and Cognitive Skills

Finger Games for Kids

Meet Me in the Middle Cutting Activity

Paint Samples & Hole Punches

Dollar Store Geoboard

The Inchworm Core Strengthening Activity

Light & Shadow Play for Kids

Flying Feet!

 

Sports

5 Fun Tailgating Activities for Kids

Sports Ball Drawing Activity

DIY Game Day Pompoms

Football Pass Route Tracing

Soccer Fine Motor Challenge

Fun Soccer Drills for Kids

Body Soccer

Rodeo Batting Game

Basketball Dribble Challenge

Youth Basketball Coaching

Super Easy Fine Motor Activity

Easy Rainbow Fine Motor Craft

Stair Climbing Practice for Kids

Motor Development Game for Kids

Practice With Gross Motor Skills

Collage Art With Tape

Easy Bilateral Coordination Activity for Kids

Basketball Games for Kids

 

Thanksgiving

DIY Mini Pumpkin Turkeys

Don’t Topple the Teepee!

Dinner at Your Child’s Fingertips

Cranberry Crazy!

The Kids Table

Thanksgiving Sign Language Activity

Printable Table Setting Game

Leaf Turkey Craft

Easy Paper Turkey Craft

Taped Up Turkey Feather Craft

 

Tools of the Trade – Fun Toys and Ways to Play!

10 Awesome Scooter Activities for Kids

6 Products for Picky Eaters

Connect-a-Bands from Bear Paw Creek

ABCs of Movement

Our Favorite Toys and Products from Etsy!

15 Ways to Play With Squigz

9 Fun Ways to Use a Foam Wedge

Easy DIY Scooters for Kids

The Best Toys for Promoting Balance

Balance Beam Activities for Kids

Creating a Sensory Motor Study Space for Kids

DIY Sock Helper for Kids

Bounce, Throw, Kick, Roll: The Best Balls for Kids

How to Play With a Foam Roller

Fun Balance Exercises for a Foam Balance Pad

Zoom Ball: 5 Fun Ways to Play

The Lucky Ducks Game: 7 Ways to Play

13 Ways to Use a Foam Roller With Kids

Barnyard Buzzers

Using a Yoga Mat to Create Simple Activities for Kids

Boomwhackers: 10 Fun Ways to Play

Physical Activities for Kids Using an Exercise Ball

12 Fun Toys for Hand Strengthening

The Best Therapy Games for Kids

How to Use Card Games to Promote Movement

Development-Boosting Toys for Babies

Development-Boosting Toys for Toddlers

The Best Development-Boosting Preschool Toys

Boxing Gloves for Kids: 7 Fun Activities

 

Transportation

Transportation Seek and Find Jar

Easy Train Craft for Kids

Car Wash Fine Motor Activity

Tire Run Gross Motor Activity

Vehicle Hide and Seek

On the Road Again

Transportation Feel and Find Game

Veggie Sailboats!

Vehicle Cutting Activity

 

Vacation, Travel, Beach, and Ocean

Ocean Drum

Feet in the Sand

Sparkly Sensory Starfish

Making Waves

Mermaid Tails

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Island in the Sun

Crab Walk

Surf’s Up

Pirate’s Scavenger Hunt

How to Survive as a Shark – Sensory Lesson Plan

Easy DIY Sandcastle Accessories

Bingo on the Go!

3 Fun Clothespin Games for the Car

5 Fun Beach Activities for Kids

Road Trip! 10 Rest Stop Activities for Kids

Keeping Kids Active and Engaged on the Road

 

Valentine’s Day

For the Love of the Birds

Jumping Hearts

5 Motor Activities with Conversation Hearts

Homemade Heart Healthy Granola

3 Simple Valentine’s Day Visual Motor Activities

Special Delivery: A Valentine’s Day Gross Motor Activity

Fine Motor Heart Art

5 Therapist Approved Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids

6 Fun Paper Crafts for Valentine’s Day

Conversation Heart Jump Game

Valentine’s Marble Maze

16 Awesome Valentine Party Ideas for the Classroom

Shot Through the Heart Valentine Craft for Kids

Hearts & Arrows Valentines Activity for Kids

Stuck on You Smelly Stickers

 

Winter/Snow

The Best Toys for Snowy Motor Fun

Finding Summer Through the Snow

Let’s Go Skating!

Snow Dance

30 Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids

Easy Snowflake Craft

Snowball Roll

Printable Winter Craft for Kids

Super Snowball Gross Motor Game

“Snow”-cicles Fine Motor Skills Challenge

Snowballs 5 Ways

Snowy Word Shake-Up

Snowball Bowling

Topple the Snowman!

Snowy Obstacle Course for Kids

Snowga: A Wintertime Yoga Adventure for Kids

Winter Wonderland Letter Sounds Game

Super Simple Snowflake Craft

10 Snowy Sensory Bins

Roll a Snowflake Drawing Game

5 Winter Core Strengthening Exercises for Kids

How to Use a Body Sock With Kids

Snowy Animal Tracks Visual Activity – FREE printable

Have you tried one of our activities for kids?  Which was your favorite?  Leave us a comment below!

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