Cold, wet days are part of life in the UK – especially in winter. When getting outside feels impractical (or just exhausting), many parents find themselves wondering how to keep little ones occupied indoors without resorting to screens or feeling like they need to entertain all day.
The good news? Babies and toddlers don’t need constant stimulation. With a few simple setups and realistic expectations, indoor play can support development, release energy, and still feel calm.
Why Indoor Movement Matters in Winter
Babies and toddlers are designed to move. Crawling, climbing, rolling and exploring all help develop:
- gross motor skills
- balance and coordination
- spatial awareness
- confidence and independence
When outdoor play is limited by weather or daylight, creating safe opportunities for movement indoors becomes even more important – especially for toddlers with plenty of energy to burn.
Creating a Simple Indoor Play Zone at Home
You don’t need a dedicated playroom or a perfectly styled space. A small corner of the living room works just as well.
Good indoor play zones tend to be:
- soft and safe
- easy to adapt as your child grows
- simple rather than cluttered
This is where foam soft play sets work particularly well. They allow children to climb, crawl and explore without hard edges or heavy equipment – ideal for indoor use during colder months.
Indoor Play Ideas by Age
Babies (6–12 months)
For babies, indoor play is about exploration and gentle movement rather than “activities”.
- Rolling over soft foam shapes
- Supported sitting with cushions or low foam blocks
- Tummy time with different textures nearby
- Reaching, grasping and pulling up with supervision
Short play sessions are more than enough – babies tire quickly and benefit from frequent breaks.
Toddlers (12 months+)
Toddlers love repetition, movement and testing their limits. Indoor soft play gives them a safe outlet when going outside isn’t appealing.
- Climbing up and down foam shapes
- Simple obstacle courses using cushions and soft play blocks
- Jumping, stepping and crawling games
- Imaginative play – a “hill”, “bridge” or “boat” can be anything they decide
These activities help burn energy while supporting coordination and confidence.
Ball Pit Play: More Than Just Fun
Ball pits are often thought of as purely entertaining, but they also offer valuable sensory input for babies and toddlers.
Ball pit play can support:
- sensory exploration
- hand–eye coordination
- cause-and-effect learning
- confidence with movement
Simple ball pit ideas include:
- colour sorting or naming colours
- throwing and retrieving balls
- counting games for older toddlers
- hiding small soft toys under supervision
For younger children, even sitting and moving hands through the balls can be stimulating without being overwhelming.
Rotating Play to Avoid Overstimulation
More toys don’t always mean better play. In fact, rotating what’s available often leads to longer, more focused play sessions.
Try:
- leaving one soft play setup out for a few days
- changing the layout rather than adding new items
- alternating between movement play and calm play
This keeps things interesting without creating sensory overload.
Keeping Indoor Play Calm (Not Chaotic)
Indoor play doesn’t have to be loud or high-energy all the time. Many children benefit from a balance between movement and quiet play.
You might find it helpful to:
- play music softly in the background
- limit how many activities are available at once
- sit nearby rather than directing play
Often, children become more settled when they’re allowed to lead.
Safety Notes for Indoor Soft Play
When setting up indoor play:
- Always supervise babies and toddlers
- Use soft play on flat, stable flooring
- Check covers and zips regularly
- Follow age recommendations from the manufacturer
Foam soft play and ball pits are designed for indoor use, but supervision remains essential, especially for younger children.
Final Thoughts
Cold and wet days don’t have to mean boredom or stress. With a few adaptable indoor play ideas, babies and toddlers can stay active, curious and content – even when going outside isn’t an option.
Simple, safe movement play often matters far more than elaborate activities. Trust that you’re doing enough.
Explore:
Foam Soft Play Sets for Home
Soft Ball Pits for Babies & Toddlers
