Too Cold to Go Outside? ❄️ Indoor APE Activities That Still Get Kids Moving
When winter weather rolls in—or the temperatures just dip too low for outdoor play—it can feel tricky to keep Adapted Physical Education (APE) students active, regulated, and engaged indoors. The good news? Some of the best APE work actually happens inside. With the right setup, indoor APE can still support gross-motor development, sensory regulation, social skills, and—most importantly—fun.
Here are APE-friendly, inclusive indoor activity ideas that work across ability levels and settings.
🧠 Obstacle Courses (The Ultimate Indoor Win)
Indoor obstacle courses are endlessly adaptable and perfect for differentiation.
Try this:
Balance pads or taped lines for walking
Crawling under tables or through tunnels
Stepping over pool noodles or cones
Pushing a weighted box or therapy ball
Why it works:
You can target balance, coordination, bilateral movement, and motor planning—all while letting students move at their own pace.
🎈 Balloon & Bubble Games
Simple, low-stress, and highly motivating.
Ideas include:
Balloon volleyball (seated or standing)
Keep-it-up challenges using hands, feet, or paddles
Bubble popping with different body parts
Skills supported:
Visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, midline crossing, and endurance—without overwhelming sensory input.
🧘 Movement Breaks & Yoga
Cold days can also mean high energy indoors—yoga and movement breaks help reset bodies and brains.
APE-friendly options:
Animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk)
Simple yoga poses with visuals
Stretching with music or calm lighting
Bonus:
These activities support self-regulation, body awareness, and transitions back to the classroom.
🎶 Follow-the-Leader & Rhythm Games
Music adds structure and predictability—especially helpful for students with Autism or attention needs.
Try:
Freeze dance
Clapping or stomping patterns
Copy-the-movement games
Why it’s great for APE:
Encourages imitation, listening skills, sequencing, and social engagement.
🏐 Modified Sports Skills (Indoors!)
You don’t need a gym to work on foundational sports skills.
Examples:
Bowling with plastic pins or water bottles
Rolling, tossing, or kicking balls at wall targets
Catching a ball off a bounce or wall
Adapt as needed:
Change ball size, distance, or prompting level to meet each student where they are.
🪂 Parachute Play (If Space Allows)
Parachute activities are fantastic for cooperative play and sensory input.
Simple ideas:
Popcorn (light balls on the parachute)
Color or number calls
Slow lifts for calming input
💡 Pro Tip for Indoor APE Success
When outdoor play is off the table:
Keep routines predictable
Use visuals and clear expectations
Offer choices when possible
Build in movement and regulation
Indoor APE isn’t about “doing less”—it’s about doing it differently.
Final Thought ❤️
Cold days don’t have to mean limited movement. With thoughtful planning and creative adaptations, indoor APE can be just as powerful, engaging, and joyful as outdoor play.
At Motor Promotors NOLA, we believe in promoting movement, purpose, and inclusion—no matter the weather. ❄️➡️💙
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