10 Simple OT Activities You Can Try at Home

Looking for easy ways to support your child’s development between occupational therapy sessions? You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of time. These 10 therapist-approved activities from South Coast Therapy & Support Group are fun, practical, and can help build key skills at home.

1. Playdough Fun

Squishing, rolling, and cutting playdough strengthens fine motor skills and hand muscles — great for handwriting!

2. Scavenger Hunts

Create a sensory-rich scavenger hunt around the house or backyard. This builds attention, problem-solving, and gross motor coordination.

3. Animal Walks

Bear crawls, crab walks, and frog jumps are perfect for building core strength, balance, and motor planning.

4. Sorting Games

Use everyday items (buttons, blocks, utensils) and ask your child to sort by colour, size, or shape. This promotes cognitive development and visual perception.

5. Obstacle Courses

Create simple obstacle courses with pillows, boxes, or chairs. Crawling, jumping, and climbing help improve coordination and body awareness.

6. Sticker Lines & Tracing

Draw lines or shapes and have your child trace them with stickers or a finger. It’s a playful way to work on pencil control and hand-eye coordination.

7. Bubble Popping

Chasing and popping bubbles improves tracking skills and can help with self-regulation and attention.

8. Sensory Bins

Fill a tub with rice, beans, or sand and hide small objects inside. Great for tactile play and calming sensory input.

9. Cooking Together

Mixing, stirring, pouring, and following steps supports motor planning, sequencing, and life skills.

10. Yoga for Kids

Introduce simple yoga poses like tree, cat-cow, or downward dog. These help with balance, flexibility, and calming strategies.

Keep it Fun and Functional

Remember — the goal isn’t perfection, but progress. Choose 1-2 activities a day, keep it light and engaging, and celebrate small wins.

Want more personalised ideas or a home program tailored to your child’s needs? Contact to learn more.