Snow Day Sensory Support
By: Gracie Donahue, OTD, OTR/L
Snow days are exciting — but they can also throw off routines and leave kids feeling a little dysregulated. When school is canceled and schedules change, children may need extra support to feel calm, organized, and ready to engage. That’s where cozy regulation activities come in.
Cozy activities provide deep pressure, warmth, and predictability, which help the nervous system slow down and reset. These simple ideas are easy to do at home and support skills occupational therapists focus on every day.
Try these OT-approved cozy activities on a snow day:
Blanket burritos: Wrap your child snugly in a blanket and gently apply pressure. This deep pressure input can be very calming.
Warm drinks or snacks: Holding a warm mug or bowl provides comforting sensory input and encourages slow, intentional movements.
Calm breathing games: Practice slow breathing using bubbles, pinwheels, or pretending to “fog up a window.”
Quiet corners: Create a cozy spot with pillows, stuffed animals, or soft lighting where kids can rest and recharge.
Slow movement breaks: Gentle stretches, yoga poses, or rocking in a chair help promote body awareness and regulation
Snow days don’t have to feel chaotic. A few cozy moments throughout the day can help kids feel grounded, calm, and ready for play or learning — even when routines change!
Support Beyond Snow Days
Snow days and other routine changes can bring extra regulation challenges. If these moments often feel overwhelming for your child, professional support can help. Hogg Therapy’s Occupational Therapy Team works with families to build sensory and regulation strategies that fit naturally into everyday life — at home, at school, and everywhere in between. Give us a call at 859-353-3666 to connect with our OT Team, schedule an evaluation, or learn more about our services.
