Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost for you, and commissions earned help support my small business. You can learn more here.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and commissions earned help support my small business. You can learn more here.
Creating the Best Indoor Obstacle Course for Your Toddler or Preschooler
My family has been stuck inside a lot recently. Between winter, getting sick, and school closures, getting out has been tough. It doesn't help that I am in my third trimester and on strict rest orders, so even on warmer days going outside to play in our yard isn't always an option. But kids need to keep their bodies moving, right?
Keeping my child active indoors is essential. He is super energetic, and if I don't find constructive ways to help him move, he will find his own. This has been the case since he was quite young, so fortunately I've accumulated a lot of practice! How have I kept my active child moving while stuck indoors?
One of our favorite ways to get him moving inside is by building obstacle courses.
These are easy to do without purchasing new equipment of course! That's right; obstacle courses are easy to build with things you already have at home. Here are a few things you'll find around your house to help you build tunnels, climbing structures, balance beams, and more:
How to create an indoor obstacle course, plus some tips to keep your child engaged:
While you may wind up setting up obstacle courses for your child, you may also find over time that your child builds them on their own (mine certainly does). If you didn't register this reading that last sentence.... you doing obstacle courses with your child provides an outlet to develop independent play skills that rely on gross motor ability, and get your child moving in a constructive way indoors. I'd say that is a major perk of doing activities like this with your little one!
Obstacle Course Equipment Your Kids will Love
Just because you don't have to buy equipment for your obstacle course doesn't mean you won't want to. We have been collecting lots of great items we use regularly, and I know your child will love as much as mind does. Here are the best products for creating an indoor obstacle course!
We got this tunnel when my child was about 18 months, and he is still using it years later. It has held up very well (and that includes to my cats' claws, not that I recommend letting your kitties use the tunnel as a toy), and continues to be a staple for all kinds of indoor play.
We have the Climb and Crawl Activity Set, but ECR4Kids makes a ton of different options your child is sure to love. By the way, even though these are geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, we've had elementary school age friends' children enjoy them as well!
More ECR4Kids SoftZone block sets your kids will love!
These were a new addition to our collection, and were an instant favorite. From using them for obstacle courses to building cars and buses (using the blocks as seats) and using them to help build car tracks, my child finds new ways to play every day!
The Nugget Couch
Unless you have been living under a rock or are a new parent, you have heard of The Nugget. Is it worth the hype? Yes. But it is pricy. Thankfully there are plenty of great nugget alternatives available on the market if you don't want to buy the original! Here are some highly rated options:
Highly Rated Products that Look Promising
Share the Inspiration
0 Comments
|
Archives
September 2022
May 2020 (Prior to 5/31)
Find more recipes, product recommendations, activities, and more! Categories
All
View my author page for Westchester County Mom here.
Disclaimer: Content on this website is meant for informational and educational purposes. Nothing found on The Mindfully Scientific Mama constitutes medical or psychological advice. Always consult a profession in the respect field for advice specific to your situation. Read more about this site's terms and conditions here.
|