Sensory Walk Indoor Obstacle Course

Bubble wrap

A foam mat or thick pillow

A wet towel

A shallow bin of dry rice

A yoga mat

Crumpled newspaper

A timer

Lay out six texture stations in a path through a room or hallway.

Bubble wrap first (poppy and loud), then a foam mat (squishy), then a wet towel (cool), then a rice bin (crunchy), a yoga mat (smooth), and crumpled newspaper (crackly).

Remove shoes and socks. Walk the course together the first time.

At each station, pause: "What does this feel like? Is it hard or soft? Warm or cool?"

Time the second run. Can they speed-walk through without skipping a station?

On the third run, try it backward or with eyes closed (holding hands for safety).

Let your child redesign the course — rearranging stations is part of the fun.

The combination of textures, temperatures, and sounds underfoot gives the brain a massive sensory workout.

Eyes-closed runs dramatically increase the challenge and force reliance on touch and proprioception.

This is an occupational therapy staple — sensory obstacle courses are used to help kids regulate and process sensory input.

Add a balance beam (painter's tape on the floor) between stations for a gross motor challenge.

Let siblings or friends race through simultaneously for a competitive twist.