Vestibular Activities for Balance and Coordination: Tips for Parents

What Is the Vestibular System?

If you’ve ever watched your child spin in circles and giggle—or freeze at the top of a playground slide—you’ve seen the vestibular system at work. This powerful but often overlooked sensory system lives in the inner ear and helps us process movement and balance. It tells us which way is up, how fast we’re moving, and how to stay steady on our feet.

For children with sensory processing differences, the vestibular system might need extra support. Some kids crave movement and seem like they can’t sit still, while others avoid swings and climbing altogether. Either way, vestibular activities can make a big difference.

Signs Your Child Might Need Vestibular Support

Not sure if vestibular input is something your child needs? Here are a few common signs:

• Struggles with balance or coordination
• Frequently bumps into things or falls easily
• Avoids climbing, swinging, or spinning
• Craves fast movement or constantly seeks motion
• Gets carsick or dizzy easily
• Has trouble sitting still or focusing

These signs might be your child’s way of saying their vestibular system needs more support to help them feel confident and calm.

Why Vestibular Input Matters

The vestibular system is essential for your child’s physical and emotional development. Here’s how it helps:

• Improves balance and coordination
• Enhances spatial awareness and body control
• Supports attention and self-regulation
• Helps with core strength and motor planning
  

And just like proprioceptive input, vestibular activities can be calming or energising depending on what your child needs in the moment.

Fun Vestibular Activities to Try at Home

The best part? Supporting your child’s vestibular system doesn’t require fancy equipment. Here are simple and effective ways to build balance and coordination through play:

Movement-Based Activities

• Swinging: Try different motions (back-and-forth, side-to-side, circular)
• Spinning: Use a swivel chair, sit-and-spin toy, or roll down a gentle hill
• Bouncing: Jump on a trampoline or sit-and-bounce on an exercise ball
• Jumping Games: Hopscotch, jumping jacks, or animal jumps (like frogs or kangaroos)
  
  

Balance-Focused Activities

• Walking on a Line: Try tape on the floor or walk along a curb
• Balance Challenges: Stand on one foot or walk heel-to-toe
• Yoga Poses: Tree pose, warrior pose, or other kid-friendly stretches
• Wobble Boards or Balance Beams: Great for fun and focus
  
  

Whole-Body Play

• Dancing: Let your child move to the beat with spinning or twirling
• Climbing: Use playground equipment, climbing walls, or indoor setups
• Bike or Scooter Riding: Builds vestibular strength and coordination
• Obstacle Courses: Include crawling, spinning, balancing, and jumping
  
  

Safety Tips for Vestibular Play

• Always supervise movement-based activities.
• Start slow and watch for signs of overstimulation (like dizziness or nausea).
• Limit spinning activities to short durations and balance them with calming input (like deep pressure).
• Make it fun, not forced. Follow your child’s comfort level.
  
  

When to Seek Help from an Occupational Therapist

If your child shows intense movement aversion or is constantly in motion and struggles to focus, it may be time to consult with an OT. Occupational therapists can assess vestibular function and create a plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Need help understanding your child’s sensory needs? Try our Personalised Sensory Processing Assessment to get expert insight and practical tips you can use at home.

Final Thoughts: Building Confidence Through Movement

Vestibular activities are more than just play. They are a gateway to better body awareness, coordination, and confidence. When your child feels secure in their movements, they can explore the world more freely—and have a lot more fun along the way.

So get swinging, jumping, dancing, and spinning! Your child’s inner balance system will thank you.