Occupational therapy (OT) activities can be incredibly beneficial for children, helping to develop motor skills, enhance sensory processing, and foster social interactions—all while having fun. Best of all, many OT-inspired activities can be done right in the comfort of your home, creating an opportunity for meaningful connections between parents and children.
This guide lists and explains ten engaging, therapeutic activities you can try at home, designed to provide fun and support to children, including those on the autism spectrum.
Why Are OT Activities Important?
Occupational therapy for children focuses on helping them develop the skills they need for day-to-day life, from improving fine motor abilities to better understanding sensory input. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, motor skill delays, or just needs additional structured play, OT activities can aid their development in a positive, playful way.
These exercises don’t just build essential skills; they can also reduce stress, encourage creativity, and provide enjoyable bonding moments for the whole family.
10 Engaging OT Activities to Try at Home
Here’s a list of ten fun and therapeutic OT activities designed to engage your child while meeting developmental milestones.
1. Create a Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are a go-to OT activity because they are easy to customize and endlessly engaging. Fill a shallow bin with items like rice, beans, water beads, or sand. Add small toys, spoons, and cups for scooping. Encourage your child to explore different textures while engaging in tasks like hiding and finding small items or sorting objects by color or shape.
Skills Developed: Sensory exploration, manipulation, and focus
2. Obstacle Course Adventures
Turn your living room or backyard into an obstacle course using cushions, chairs, jump ropes, and more. Create challenges like crawling under a table, balancing on a plank, or hopping between cushions. You can easily adapt the course to your child’s abilities.
Skills Developed: Gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving
3. DIY Playdough Fun
Making homemade playdough is a fantastic sensory activity that also enhances fine motor development. Combine flour, salt, water, and food coloring to create dough your child can knead, roll, and shape. Try adding scents like vanilla or lemon for extra sensory stimulation.
Skills Developed: Fine motor skills, tactile sensory input, and creativity
4. Bubble Wrap Stomp Party
Place bubble wrap on the floor and encourage your child to stomp and pop it. For extra fun, tape strips of bubble wrap down a hallway and have a stomping race. If your child prefers quieter activities, encourage calm, finger-pressed popping instead.
Skills Developed: Coordination, sensory processing, and balance
5. Water and Pouring Station
Set up a water station outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area using containers of different shapes and sizes. Allow your child to fill, pour, and transfer water back and forth. Adding food coloring to the water can make it even more visually stimulating.
Skills Developed: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness
6. Slime Exploration
Slime is an OT favorite! Its squishy, stretchy texture provides an incredible sensory experience. You can make slime at home using glue, food coloring, and a saline solution, or purchase pre-made slime. Encourage your child to stretch, squish, and manipulate the slime however they like.
Skills Developed: Tactile sensory exploration and creativity
7. Finger Painting with Purpose
Bring out finger paints and some large sheets of paper. Encourage your child to draw shapes, mix colors, and create patterns using their hands. This messy but rewarding activity promotes self-expression and sensory engagement.
Skills Developed: Visual-motor integration, creativity, and hand strength
8. Weighted Blanket “Caterpillar Time”
Create a calming, deep pressure experience by wrapping your child in a weighted blanket to look like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Accompany the activity with a story about transformation or rest. Weighted blankets can have a soothing effect, helping children regulate their sensory systems.
Skills Developed: Deep pressure therapy for anxiety reduction and self-regulation
9. Yoga Poses with Visual Flashcards
Yoga combines gentle movement and mindfulness, which can benefit children both mentally and physically. Use yoga pose flashcards to guide the session and create a fun interactive experience. Poses like “Tree” or “Butterfly” offer both balance and relaxation.
Skills Developed: Body awareness, balance, and mindfulness
10. Freeze Dance Painting
Put on some music, cover your child’s feet in washable paint, and encourage them to dance on a canvas or large piece of cardboard. Pause the music for your child to freeze, leaving unique paint patterns on the canvas.
Skills Developed: Gross motor movement, self-expression, and cause-and-effect learning
Tips for Effective OT Play at Home
- Adapt Activities to Fit Your Child’s Needs: If an activity is too advanced or too simple, modify it. For example, if your child struggles with finger painting, try using brushes or tools instead.
- Create a Routine: Set aside specific times for these activities to provide structure and consistency.
- Keep the Environment Calm: Ensure the space is distraction-free and designed for your child’s comfort.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small—it helps build your child’s confidence and motivation.
The Importance of Sensory Activities for Children
For children on the autism spectrum, sensory play supports vital developmental areas like motor skills, language, and emotional regulation. These activities can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and create a better sense of calm. Engaging in this kind of play also helps build a strong foundation for long-term skills.
To make the most of these activities, consult with an occupational therapist who can provide personalized suggestions tailored to your child’s needs.
Empower Your Child Through Play
Implementing sensory and OT activities at home doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right tools and guidance, you can create an environment filled with joy and learning opportunities for your child.
Remember that every child is unique, and progress happens at their own pace. Celebrate the moments of connection, growth, and accomplishment that these activities foster.
If you’d like expert advice or tailored recommendations, connect with a pediatric occupational therapist near you. Together, you can set goals and explore more ideas to help your child thrive in fun and meaningful ways.
