German winters can be pretty miserable. One day it’s raining, the next it’s snowing, and often it’s just cold, grey, and gloomy outside. Sometimes, heading out to play simply isn’t much fun.
But three- and four-year-olds are full of energy. They want to run, jump, crawl, climb, throw, and balance. Even when the weather keeps them indoors, they still need plenty of opportunities to move.
So how can we help little ones burn off some energy at home during the winter months?
Here are 13 indoor play ideas and toys that are great for active preschoolers. I’ve tried and adapted these ideas with my three-and-a-half-year-old son. Or, to put it another way, I’ve come up with them after countless little negotiations with my very energetic toddler!
Hopefully, you’ll find a few ideas that work for your family, too.
1. Indoor Games That Don't Require Toys
1. Living Room Obstacle Course
You don’t need fancy equipment to create an obstacle course. Grab a few cushions, pillows, blankets, chairs, and cardboard boxes from around the house.
Here’s one possible route: Jump over the pillows → crawl under a blanket → walk around a chair → crawl through a cardboard box → throw a ball into a laundry basket.
Young children love these little challenges. Change the course every day to keep things interesting.
Make sure the obstacles are stable, the floor isn’t slippery, and there are no sharp edges or other hazards in the way.
2. Turn Your Living Room into a Jungle
Imagine your living room is a jungle! Mom or Dad calls out what’s happening, and your little explorer has to react.
- “Watch out, a lion!” – Run away!
- “There’s a river!” – Jump over it!
- “Here’s a cave!” – Crawl under the table!
- “You’re a snake!” – Get down on your belly and slither along the floor!
This pretend-play game is perfect for kids who love running around, moving their bodies, and using their imaginations. With a little creativity, an ordinary living room becomes an exciting adventure zone.
3. Animal Moves
Call out an animal, and let your child copy the way it moves. You can even add the animal sounds!
- Frog – crouch down and jump
- Bear – walk on hands and feet like a bear
- Snake – slither along the floor on your belly
- Penguin – waddle from side to side
- Bunny – hop forward with both feet
- Crab – try walking sideways
Once your child knows the different animals, let them choose which one comes next. Then it’s Mom’s or Dad’s turn to copy the moves. Expect plenty of giggles!
4. Keep the Balloon Off the Floor
What you’ll need: Just one balloon.
The rule: Don’t let the balloon touch the floor!
Your child can bat it into the air with their hands, gently tap it with their feet, or try to keep it up using their head. Parents can join in, too.
Clear the play area before starting so nobody trips over toys. If the balloon bursts, remove all the pieces immediately, as they can pose a choking hazard for young children.
5. Freeze Dance
Put on some upbeat music and dance, jump, or spin around together.
As soon as the music stops, everyone has to freeze like a statue!
Nobody needs to be eliminated if they move. Just start the music again and keep playing. That way, even younger children can join in without worrying about getting it wrong.
It’s also a fun way to practise listening skills and body control.
2. Indoor Toys That Encourage Movement
A toy or two designed for active play can make indoor days much more enjoyable. You don’t need to fill an entire playroom with toys. The important thing is to choose something your child enjoys and can use in different ways.
6. Gym Ball – More Than Just a Fitness Accessory
A gym ball isn’t just for adult workouts. Children can use it for simple movement games, too.
For example, your child can push the ball along the floor, roll it towards a target, or move it back and forth to the rhythm of the music.
For families without enough room for a large trampoline, a gym ball might be a useful addition to their indoor play collection.
Safety note: Gym balls can roll away unexpectedly. Young children shouldn’t sit and bounce on them. Holding a child’s hands while they bounce doesn’t provide reliable protection against falls, either. Stick to controlled games played on the floor.
7. Kids’ Crawl Tunnel – Crawl, Hide, and Explore
A crawl tunnel is one of my favourite types of indoor play equipment to consider. It’s usually lightweight, doesn’t take up much permanent space, and offers plenty of ways to play.
Kids can crawl through it, hide inside, or use it for simple chasing games. You can also add it to the living room obstacle course from earlier.
If your child loves crawling, playing hide-and-seek, and exploring new routes, a play tunnel could be a worthwhile addition.
8. Balance Stones and Stepping-Stone Courses
Balance stones are a practical option for families who don’t have much room at home. They can usually be put away easily after playtime.
Arrange the stones on the floor with a little space between them. Your child can try stepping from one stone to the next without touching the floor. Change the layout or combine the stones with cushions and a crawl tunnel to create a mini obstacle course.
These activities help children practise balance, coordination, and body control through play.
If you’d like to try them without spending too much, take a look at Lidl’s children’s balance stones.
Shop the product: Lupilu Balance Stones at Lidl
9. Kindsgut Animal Hopper for Kids
These bouncy toys come in cute animal shapes. Children sit on top, hold the handles or little ears, and bounce forward.
They’re also great for imaginative play. Your child can pretend to ride a pony, take their animal on an adventure, or create a little journey around the room.
These toys are best suited to children who can maintain their balance reasonably well and follow basic safety instructions. Use them on a flat, non-slip surface, supervise your child, and keep them away from furniture and other obstacles.
10. Soft Balls – One Ball, Lots of Games
Soft balls are easy to overlook, but they’re surprisingly versatile. One simple ball can provide several different activities.
Throwing → Catching → Target practice → Indoor football → Bowling
You don’t need special equipment, either. An empty cardboard box, a laundry basket, or a plastic bowl can become a target.
A soft ball is an easy way to add variety to indoor play, especially on days when your child needs to get moving.
Choose a ball that’s appropriate for your child’s age and size, and make sure the play area is free of breakable objects.
3. Turn Everyday Household Items into Toys
11. Cardboard Box Creations – Build a Little Play World
Before sending a large cardboard box to the recycling bin, consider turning it into something fun for your child.
With a little imagination, a box can become an ice cream shop, a garage, a car repair workshop, or a crawling tunnel.
The possibilities are endless. Admittedly, some ideas require a little DIY effort from Mom or Dad. But the finished creation doesn’t have to look perfect. What matters most is that your child enjoys playing with it.
For inspiration and tutorials, try searching for “cardboard box crafts for kids” or “DIY cardboard toys” on Pinterest and other social media platforms.
The photo below shows a little ice cream shop I made for my son. My next project is a cardboard parking garage!
12. Toilet Paper Roll Bowling
Remember the soft ball from earlier? Now it’s time to put those empty toilet paper rolls to use.
Arrange the rolls in a row or a triangle, then roll the soft ball towards them and see how many you can knock down.
Take turns and count how many rolls fall over with each throw. Your child can also help set up the pins again before the next round.
It’s a simple game that the whole family can enjoy together.
13. Stuffed Animal Rescue Mission
Place your child’s favourite stuffed animals in different spots around the living room: on the sofa, on a chair, or on the floor.
Now your child becomes a little rescue hero, with the mission of bringing each animal to safety. To reach them, they might need to cross an obstacle course, crawl through a tunnel, or step over cushions.
Make the game even more exciting by adding a little story:
“The little bear needs your help!”
Suddenly, a simple movement game becomes a fun adventure.
Final Thoughts: Making Winter Indoor Play More Fun
When the weather is cold, wet, and miserable, children don’t have to spend the whole day watching TV or playing with the same toys. With a little creativity, your living room can become a mini indoor playground.
Of course, not every activity will suit every child. Some love running and jumping, while others prefer crawling through tunnels, playing with balls, or using their imagination. Start with the free activities and add a toy or two if you find something that matches your child’s interests and your available space.
And the best part? These games aren’t just about burning off energy. Building an obstacle course together, pretending to be animals, or rescuing stuffed toys also creates wonderful opportunities for quality time with Mom and Dad.
I hope these ideas help you and your little ones make the most of winter, even when it’s too cold to play outside!
