35 Simple Vestibular Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Here is a quick guide to the vestibular system, as well as some fun and simple vestibular activities to try with young children.

The Seven Senses

The five basic senses of taste, touch, hearing, sight and smell are each related to sense organs that communicate information to the brain.

The human body has two other sensory systems that are not so obvious but are equally important for a child’s sensory development.

The proprioceptive system relates to sensory input through joints and muscles, which helps the body adjust effectively while making various types of movements.

Proprioceptive activities include jumping, carrying, pushing, pulling, colouring and writing.

But there is one other important sensory system in the body that is also related to movement and helps all the other senses work effectively. That is the vestibular system.

What is the Vestibular System?

The inner ear has tiny sensory organs that communicate with the brain to control balance and eye movement.

The sensations detected by even slight changes in the head’s position are considered vestibular input.

This important system helps with balance, eye-hand coordination and many aspects of self-care.

Children with overly sensitive vestibular systems seem clumsy, often avoid movement like swinging, and have trouble learning to climb.

On the other hand, some kids seek out vestibular sensory input through intense movements like whirling and spinning, in order to stimulate an underactive system.

Examples of Using the Vestibular System

How do you stimulate the vestibular system?

All types of activities that move the head in different positions are helpful and often suggested by occupational therapists.

Vertical movements like jumping and bouncing are commonly used. Swinging on playground swings or hanging and swinging from a monkey bar can be calming for the vestibular system.

35 Vestibular Activities for Children

Here are some vestibular activity movements to try at home and at school, both indoors and outside.

1. Simon Says

Play an old-fashioned game of Simon Says with actions that involve plenty of position changes.

2. Spinning

Allow kids to spin in your office-style chairs.

For helicopter spinning, they hold their arms out and spin in place.

“Sit n Spin” and tyre swings are other options.

3. Obstacle Course

Set up cones or form a figure 8 on the surface for children to run in and out of, changing directions often.

4. Plan a Parade

Instead of parading on cement, children march on an uneven surface to stimulate their balance.

5. Balance Beams

Walk on balance beams or just strips of tape on the floor as a tightrope.

6. Log Roll

Lying on the floor or ground, children pretend to be logs while rolling around or down a hill.

7. Exercise Ball

Lie on the tummy to rock back and forth or bounce on the ball.

8. Movement to Music

Kids move along with some favourite tunes, such as rocking to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or following all the motions for “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

9. Running Games

Play games that promote running, such as tag, relay races or hide and seek.

10. Jumping

Jump on trampolines or furniture, with parent permission, of course!

11. Novelty Walking

Challenge kids to walk like various animals or partner up for wheelbarrow walking.

12. Playground

Equipment on the playground offers a wealth of opportunities for vestibular activity.

13. Floor Play

Perfection is not the goal when kids try out cartwheels and somersaults for upside-down experiences.

14. Classroom

Call for regular movement breaks, allow kids to stand instead of sitting at tables, offer alternative seating like therapy balls, and try an indoor crawling obstacle course.