Toddler Tunnel Crawl Challenge

A large blanket

2 sturdy chairs

A flashlight or glowing toy (optional but fun)

A large cardboard box with both ends open (alternative option)

Set two sturdy chairs a few feet apart and drape a large blanket over them to create a tunnel. Tuck the edges under the chair legs so it stays put. Or cut the flaps off a large cardboard box for an instant tunnel.

Make the tunnel inviting. Place a flashlight inside pointing toward the far end, or put a glowing toy in the middle. The light draws toddlers in like moths.

Get down on your hands and knees and crawl through the tunnel yourself. Say "Look, I'm going through!" and pop out the other side with a big grin.

Now call to your toddler from the other end: "Your turn! Come find me!" Peer through the tunnel so they can see your face.

Most toddlers will dive right in. If yours hesitates, try reaching your hand through to them, or put a favorite toy just inside the entrance.

Celebrate big when they come out the other side. The thrill of emerging from a dark, enclosed space is a real confidence builder.

Let them go back and forth as many times as they want. Add a second tunnel or make the first one longer with more chairs.

Try crawling through together — you at one end, your toddler at the other, meeting in the middle.

Some toddlers are nervous about enclosed spaces. Never force them in. Start with a very short, wide tunnel (just one chair width) and gradually make it longer.

Blanket tunnels are more flexible but cardboard box tunnels are sturdier and won't collapse on your toddler. Both are great.

Add pillows inside the tunnel for an extra crawling challenge. Navigating obstacles in a confined space is advanced motor planning.

Put jingle bells or crinkly paper at the tunnel exit as a sensory reward for completing the crawl.

Chain multiple tunnels together with open floor between them for a full crawling obstacle course.