Inclusive Playtime: Accessible Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Winter

February 17, 2025

Explore inclusive and accessible activities that will keep young children engaged and active throughout the winter.

Does winter feel like it’s dragging on and you’re running out of ideas for keeping your little ones busy? You’re not alone! When the days are short and cold, it can be tricky to keep kids entertained—especially if you’re looking for activities that are accessible to all abilities.

But don’t worry! Whether you’re inside keeping warm or venturing out into a winter wonderland, there are plenty of inclusive play options to keep children engaged, active, and having fun.

Indoor Adventures: Keeping Kids Active and Engaged

When it’s too cold to play outside, the key is finding ways to keep kids moving, creating, and connecting.

Adaptive and Inclusive Indoor Play Ideas:

1. Sensory Play Stations

Create a sensory-friendly play space using everyday household items. Fill plastic bins with textured materials like kinetic sand, rice, or water beads. Set out tools like scoops, funnels, and brushes for exploration. For children with sensory sensitivities, offer gloves or tools to adjust the level of tactile input. If you are local to Colorado, The Autism Community Store in Aurora has many sensory-friendly toys and gadgets. You can also view RMHS’ recommendations for sensory-friendly tools to support neurodiverse students in the classroom and at home.

2. DIY Obstacle Course

Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to design a low-impact obstacle course that kids of all mobility levels can navigate. Incorporate crawling tunnels, “balance beams” (tape on the ground), and hopping stations with soft cushions. Adjust the course to fit each child’s abilities and mobility. Bonus use: Your newly constructed obstacle course can be covered with a sheet to become a reading fort in the evening.

3. Adaptive Arts and Crafts

Get creative with art projects that cater to different motor skills. Use large-handled paintbrushes, sponge painting, or textured paper for added grip. Clay and playdough are always a tactile hit with young children as well.

4. Inclusive Board Games and Storytime

Choose games with simple, visual instructions or those that allow for alternative communication methods (e.g., games with picture cards). Interactive story time with props, textures, or sound effects can make books come alive, ensuring kids of all abilities feel included in the adventure. Include books about children of all abilities in your reading lists.

5. Collaborate in the Kitchen

Winter is the perfect time to bring your little ones into the kitchen for some hands-on fun! Cooking and baking offer endless opportunities to engage the senses—smelling fresh spices, squishing dough between fingers, and watching batter transform in the oven. This sensory-rich activity can be tailored to children of all abilities, making it inclusive and rewarding for everyone.

Outdoor Fun: Accessible Winter Adventures

For families who love the outdoors, winter doesn’t have to mean staying inside. With a little planning, you can create safe, accessible, and engaging outdoor activities for kids of all abilities.

Adaptive and Inclusive Outdoor Play Ideas

1. Snow Play for Everyone

Snow play can be adapted in many ways to ensure everyone is included. Consider trying:

• Seated Snow Play: If a child has limited mobility, bring the snow to them! Fill a large bin with snow and place it on a sturdy table or lap tray for sculpting and experimenting.
• Snow Painting: Fill spray bottles with colored water and let kids create artwork in the snow. This activity is great for kids with different motor abilities, as they can squeeze the bottles or direct a caregiver to help.
• Tactile Snow Exploration: For children who enjoy sensory experiences, encourage them to touch, squeeze, or mold snow into different shapes.

2. Adaptive Sledding

Sledding is a winter favorite, and adaptive sleds make it possible for more children to participate. Look for sleds with back support and harnesses or create a modified sled with padding for extra comfort. Find a gentle hill with a safe stopping area and be sure an adult is always at the bottom to assist.

3. Wheelchair-Friendly Winter Walks

Many parks and trails offer accessible pathways that remain clear during winter. Bundle up and take a winter nature walk, looking for animal tracks in the snow, listening for winter birds, or collecting pinecones and twigs for a nature-inspired craft project afterward. For Denver locals, Denverite created a great guide to wheelchair, stroller, and walker-friendly walks in the area.

4. Ice-Free Skating Fun

Many rinks now offer adaptive ice-skating equipment, such as stabilizing supports or sled-like skates. If ice isn’t an option, try an indoor roller rink with adaptive skating options or a carpeted area for kids to practice gliding movements without the ice.

Safety Tips for Inclusive Outdoor Winter Play

No matter how you choose to play, safety is key. Keep these tips in mind:

• Layer Up: Dress kids in warm, moisture-wicking layers to prevent chills and overheating.
• Choose the Right Gear: Use non-slip boots, adaptive gloves, and thermal wheel covers for those using mobility devices.
• Monitor for Fatigue: Winter play can be tiring—take frequent breaks and have warm drinks handy.
• Check Accessibility: Before heading out, research locations for ramps, smooth pathways, or indoor warming areas.

Making Winter Playtime Inclusive for All

Every child deserves the chance to play, explore, and have fun—no matter the season or their abilities. By incorporating adaptive activities and ensuring accessibility, you create a welcoming environment where all kids can thrive. The next time winter feels like it’s dragging on, try one of these ideas to bring joy, connection, and movement into the season.

Visit Rocky Mountain Human Services to learn more about the programs we offer for families of children with different abilities.