Ways to incorporate Sensory Integration into a Walk

Going for a walk can be more than just a gross motor activity for your child. There are many ways to incorporate fine motor skills, visual motor skills, and introducing them to new textures while going for a walk. You can even work their brain while also working their body. Here are some ideas for you and your child’s next walk. 

Gross Motor/Heavy Work:

• Pushing a stroller with weight inside of it

• Pulling a wagon with weight inside of it

• Jumping over cracks in the sidewalk

• Carrying a heavy backpack or bag

• Letting them ride their bike or tricycle

• Jumping into puddles

Fine Motor:

• Picking flowers.

• Picking up sticks when you see them

• Bringing chalk and having them draw shapes or letters for you to find your way back

• Picking up any leaves you may see

Visual Motor:

• Looking to see how many purple objects they can find or any color you want

• Seeing how many different flowers you can find

• Looking for different animals like birds and dogs

• Finding out how many people have flags or decorations outside

• Seeing how many other people are also out for a walk

Tactile:

• Feeling the tree trunks

• Touching the grass or the cement

• Feeling the dirt

• If there are puddles feeling the water

• Walking without shoes on the cement, grass, or dirt 

• Feeling the different leaves, grass, and bushes

By Jenna Norris, OTS