Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

Christmas Sensory Play: Don’t Ring the Bells Obstacle Course

I cannot tell you how much my girls have LOVED this simple obstacle course. The objective is to traverse the course without ringing the bells attached to each of the obstacles so not only are we exercising our ears and sense of sound but also our bodies!

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for Kids

We set up our course outside but as it didn’t take up a lot of room, it could easily be adapted as an indoor activity if it is very cold or hot where you live.

Our bells are all from Christmas decorations – the gold bells were cut from a rather gaudy group of hanging bells and the red and green bells were individual ornaments. You can use any bells you have – craft bells or hand bells from your musical instrument collection could work just as well. Just make sure your bells (especially those from ornaments) actually make a ringing sound when they move.

Here’s how we made our obstacle course…

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for Kids

For obstacle #1, I hung a hula hoop from the beam in the roof of our verandah and then tied Christmas bells to the top of the hoop (make it even trickier by tying them too the bottom too!) If you are inside or don’t have an exposed beam, you could tie your hoop to the side of a chair or if you already have a children’s tunnel, peg, tape or tie your bells so they hang at the entrance and along the inside of your tunnel.

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for Kids

Obstacle #2 is for crawling under. Use a piece of plastic pipe, a pool noodle or your broomstick to hang the bells from.

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for Kids

For obstacle #3, I used a short length of skirting board as a balance beam. You could also use a piece of decking board. Our beam is laying directly on the floor which is perfect for little ones. Place your bells along the beam for the children to step over. If they roll off too easily, place a small piece of modelling clay or playdough underneath each one to help stabilise it a little.

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for KidsSo first you have to get through that hoop without ringing those bells – tricky! For older children, make a rule that they can’t touch the hoop or hang the hoop higher to make it more challenging.

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for KidsThen under the bar we go, watch you don’t knock those bells with your bottom! For a fun variation, have the bar higher and try moving under it limbo style.

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for KidsFinally, along the beam, stepping over the bells…careful, don’t bump them!

Don't RIng the Bells! Christmas Sensory Play for KidsFabulous fun! In fact, both of my girls have been using this obstacle course over and over and over again the past few days!

sensory-christmas-banner

This post forms part of the Christmas Sensory Play Series. Each week we are sharing festive play ideas related to each of the five senses. Check out all of the HEARING related sensory play ideas this week. You’ll find great ideas being shared on each of the following blogs over the course of today;

  • Cathy of Nurturestore shares 5 listening game ideas using some very special Jingle Bell Boxes.
  • Kate of Picklebums is sharing a fun Christmas Listening Drawing Game.
  • Kristina of Toddler Approved’s Present Sound Match is perfect as a first listening game for toddlers.
  • Head over to Ana of Babble Dabble Do’s blog to find instructions for making a Holiday Bell Tota.
  • Meri of Meri Cherry’s daughter created some fabulous Jingle Bell Noise Makers. I love the open ended, creative approach.

See all of our Christmas Sensory Play Ideas here;

Christmas sensory play series

Do you know someone who would have fun with a Don’t Ring the Bells obstacle course?

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Bigger Kids Play, Holidays & Celebrations, Preschool Play, Sensory Play, Toddler Play Tagged With: christmas, Christmas sensory play series

Previous post: Best Sensory Toys by Age: Great Gifts for Kids
Next post: Printable Christmas Games: Christmas Who Am I?

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. katepickle says

    November 21, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    ooooh I know someone who would giggle and giggle while playing this!!!
  2. uncle scotty says

    October 21, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    I've got a niece that is going to become the world's best at this game. Thanks!

Trackbacks

  1. Christmas Drawing and Listening Game - picklebums.com says:
    November 21, 2014 at 9:47 AM
    […] Christie at Childhood 101 has an ‘don’t run the bellls’ obstacle course. […]
  2. Christmas Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers - Intentional By Grace says:
    December 11, 2014 at 8:02 PM
    […] Christmas Sensory Play: Don’t Ring the Bells Obstacle Course from Childhood 101 […]
  3. How to Avoid Cabin Fever over Winter Break | There's Just One Mommy says:
    December 16, 2014 at 5:21 AM
    […] a few jingle bells on hand?  Build this cute indoor obstacle course with a Christmas […]
  4. Wreath Blog says:
    July 8, 2017 at 12:12 AM
    Golden Jingle Bells Tied [...] he editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholehea [...]
  5. Get Over It! 6 Easy DIY Obstacle Courses for Your Little Warriors - Ponytail and T-Rex says:
    September 5, 2017 at 5:14 AM
    […] photo: Childhood 101  […]
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

2023 Kids Calendar Printable

Free, Printable Kids Calendar 2023 with Mindful Affirmations

Help your tween or teen stay on top of school tasks and out-of-school … [Read More...]

Best Family Games for you New Years Eve Party

10 Best Family Games for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Looking for a range of fun, high energy family games to play at your New Year's … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY