A simple pop-up tunnel can be one of the most versatile and joy-filled resources for
supporting your child’s development at home - especially for little ones aged 2–5 who are
always on the move. While most of us adults won’t be squeezing inside (tempting as it might
be!), children in this age range can enjoy plenty of playful, engaging moments that also
support their growth. Whether set up indoors on a rainy day or rolled out in the backyard
for an afternoon of play, a tunnel offers endless opportunities for movement, imagination,
social connection, and sensory regulation. Below are some creative and practical ways to
make the most of a tunnel at home - whether you’re playing one-on-one with your child or
inviting siblings to join the fun.

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Idea 1: Animal Adventure Tunnel

Invite your child to crawl through the tunnel, then move like an animal back to the starting
point - slither like a snake, hop like a frog, bounce like a kangaroo or waddle like a penguin.
If siblings are involved, take turns choosing animals and cheering each other on. If you're
playing together as a parent-child pair, you might like to demonstrate an animal movement
first, join in alongside them, or simply watch and enjoy whatever creative movement they
choose. Some children might repeat the same movement over and over, while others mix it
up each time. This kind of playful exploration builds coordination, postural control, and
imagination - and it’s a wonderful outlet for big energy as it uses lots of sensory input called
proprioception.

Idea 2: Meet in the Middle

This idea is great for children who have siblings or a friend over for a play date. Start at
opposite ends of the tunnel and crawl toward one another. Meet in the middle for a high
five, a silly face or simply continue crawling past each other. If your child is playing solo,
place a stuffed toy inside to "meet them" halfway, adding a playful surprise. This activity
promotes shared attention, turn-taking, and spatial awareness, while also delivering
organising proprioceptive input from crawling.

Idea 3: Create a Cosy Snuggle Spot

Place soft pillows, a small blanket, and a favourite cuddly toy inside the tunnel to create a
quiet, cosy retreat where your child can rest, relax, or enjoy some quiet play. Some children
may enjoy bringing in a torch or a small light to look at a book, listen to music, or simply
rest. You might like to drape the tunnel with another blanket or bed sheet to reduce visual
input. Observe how your child responds to the space - some may enjoy it dim, with light
gently filtering through, while others might prefer a darker space. For some children, being
able to see or hear their parent nearby is especially important for feeling safe and settled. In
that case, try positioning the tunnel in a spot like the kitchen if you’re preparing dinner, so
they can still stay connected to you while they rest or play. Tailor the space to suit your
child’s preferences and comfort.

Idea 4: Tunnel Hide-and-Seek

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Hide-and-seek is a favourite among preschoolers because it combines excitement and
connection - it helps with emotional regulation, building attachment, spatial awareness, and
problem-solving, all through a fun and predictable game of hiding and being found. You can
play with your child alone or include siblings - one person hides inside the tunnel while
another closes their eyes and counts, then the fun begins when the hider is “discovered”! If
you’re playing with just one child, try hiding a favourite toy or stuffed animal and let them
guess who’s inside by giving playful clues. Just remember to keep one end of the tunnel
open. If both ends are blocked, a child might feel stuck or worried. Leaving an opening helps
them feel safe and keeps the game light and fun.

Idea 5: Tunnel Ball Roll

Sit at either end of the tunnel and roll a soft ball back and forth. Experiment with balls of
different size, shape and texture. These playful exchanges are wonderful for connection and
coordination, as they support simple back-and-forth interactions that lay the foundation for
social skills. If your child is playing alone, they might enjoy rolling the ball through and
running to the other end to meet it.

Idea 6: Rolly Polly

If your child enjoys a bit of extra movement, you can gently roll the tunnel while they’re
inside. Many kids love the wobbly feeling - it’s playful, unpredictable, and often brings on
giggles. Sometimes children will take the lead and roll the tunnel themselves. This active
rolling means they’re using their muscles and motor planning skills, and being in control of
the movement can help some children feel more comfortable and open to exploring the
sensation more freely. If their energy starts to rev up towards overexcited, you can follow
with something organising, like crawling through the tunnel. Another favourite is making a
‘bubble mountain’ - fill a bowl with water, add a squirt of dish soap, and use a straw to blow
and build a big, foamy “mountain” (or monster!). The slow blowing helps little bodies and
minds settle after active play.

About Me
I’m Angela - a children’s occupational therapist and mum, passionate about helping young
children and families thrive through playful, sensory-rich experiences.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and tried any of these tunnel games, I’d love to hear from you!
Drop me a line at angela@sensoryhealthmatters.au and let me know which activity you and
your child enjoyed the most - or share your own creative ideas.