If you’re stuck at home on a rainy day, you might be looking for ways to keep your little one active and engaged. After all, it's best for little ones to keep moving and playing – rain or shine. There are all sorts of activities you can try in your home and it really comes down to what works best for you and your little one. Whether it's a scavenger hunt, hosting a little dance party or creating an obstacle course, the possibilities are endless.  

LittleOak founder and CEO, Elke, has been taking her wee one, Hugh, to GymbaROO classes, which are developmental programs that help little ones build motor and sensory skills through movement and play. Today, we’re sharing some of their suggestions.  

Make a jumping course

Arrange flat pillows in a line and encourage your child to jump from one pillow to the next. If this is too easy, challenge them by adding something to hold while jumping (just make sure that the cushions don’t slip on the floor).  

Build a tunnel

Drape a bed sheet over a table to create a little tunnel for your child to crawl through. 

Make a balance activity

Stick a line of masking tape on the floor and encourage your child to crawl or walk along it. They can also roll pencils or balls, encouraging them to roll in a straight line 

Hop-scotch

Make a little hop-scotch pattern using masking tape on the floor. Depending on your child’s age, you can include more or less squares. 

Crawling

Place some chairs in a line and encourage your little one to crawl around them in a zigzag pattern. 

Couch climbing

Did you know that a couch can be used for playtime? Little ones can use it climb, jump and slide – just try to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re staying safe.  

Bean bag throw

Using a hula-hoop, some string or tape, create a circle on the floor and encourage your child to throw bean bags inside the shape. If you don’t have bean bags, you can use other soft toys.  

We hope you like these little suggestions. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of movement and play for your child’s development, visit GymbaROO for more information.