Heavy Ruler Cargo LiftNewHeavy Blanket Nest TugNewThe Floating Button Boat RescueNewThe Foil Mountain ClimbNewThe Heavy Foil Bridge BalanceNewThe Styrofoam Button BouquetNew

730+ OT activities for kids that build real skills

Free, play-based occupational therapy ideas you can do at home with everyday materials. New activities added every few days.

Laundry Basket Skee-BallActivity of the day · Thursday, October 8Laundry Basket Skee-BallA new pick every morning, chosen from the full library.See the steps

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ToddlersAges 1 to 388 activitiesPreschoolersAges 3 to 5695 activitiesSchool ageAges 6+414 activities

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All 730+ activities
Heavy Ruler Cargo LiftAdded Oct 7 · Ages 6+Heavy Ruler Cargo LiftConcentrationForce GradingProprioceptionYou'll need: Bean Bag · Clothespins · Index Cards · Ruler · StringHeavy Blanket Nest TugAdded Oct 7 · Ages 3 to 5Heavy Blanket Nest TugMotor PlanningProprioceptionShoulder StrengthYou'll need: Basket · Blanket · Pillows · Stuffed AnimalThe Floating Button Boat RescueAdded Oct 6 · Ages 3 to 5The Floating Button Boat RescueEye-Hand CoordinationGraspSequencingYou'll need: Aluminum Foil Pan · Buttons · Markers · Paper Cup · Sponge · Tongs · WaterThe Foil Mountain ClimbAdded Oct 6 · Ages 1 to 5The Foil Mountain ClimbBilateral Hand UseProprioceptionTactile PerceptionYou'll need: Aluminum Foil · Blocks · Stuffed Animal
The Heavy Foil Bridge BalanceAdded Oct 6 · Ages 3 to 5The Heavy Foil Bridge BalanceBilateral Hand UseEye-Hand CoordinationProximal StabilityYou'll need: Aluminum Foil · Craft Sticks · Paper Cup · Pom-poms · TongsThe Styrofoam Button BouquetAdded Oct 5 · Ages 3 to 5The Styrofoam Button BouquetBilateral Hand UseEye-Hand CoordinationProprioceptionYou'll need: Buttons · Markers · Pipe Cleaners · StyrofoamSticky Cup Treasure GrabAdded Oct 1 · Ages 1 to 5Sticky Cup Treasure GrabBilateral Hand UseCrossing MidlineEye-Hand CoordinationYou'll need: Container · Masking Tape · Paper Cup · Pom-pomsThe Cardboard Box Gear ShifterAdded Sep 29 · Ages 3 to 5The Cardboard Box Gear ShifterBilateral Hand UseEye-Hand CoordinationSequencingYou'll need: Cardboard · Markers · Masking Tape · Paper Roll · Scissors

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Parent guideTypes of Pencil Grasps: Stages by Age and What HelpsParent guideThe Pyramid of Learning: Sensory Foundations to Academics

Free occupational therapy activities for kids

OTPlan is a free library of occupational therapy (OT) activities for kids. Each idea uses simple things you probably already have, like masking tape, paper plates, cups, and pom-poms, and shows the skills it builds, from fine motor control and pincer grasp to balance, sensory processing, and visual motor skills.

Most activity pages show the ages each idea suits, how long it takes, ways to make it easier or harder, and what to watch for. Search by skill, by material, or by your child's age, and follow your child's lead. The best activity is the one they want to do again.

Common questions

What are OT activities for kids?

Occupational therapy (OT) activities are play-based tasks that build the skills kids use every day: holding a crayon, using scissors, getting dressed, staying balanced, and handling sensory input like touch, sound, and movement. At home, they simply look like games.

Do these activities replace therapy?

No. They are great for practice and play at home, but they do not replace an evaluation or guidance from a licensed occupational therapist. If you have questions about your child's development, talk with your pediatrician or an OT.

How do I pick the right activity?

Start with your child's age and interests, then choose a skill you want to support. Pick activities that feel a little challenging but doable, and use the easier and harder ideas on each page to adjust as you go.

What materials do I need?

Most activities use everyday items like masking tape, paper, cardboard, cups, and pom-poms. Browse by material to find ideas that use what you already have.