Texture Crawl
A path of different surfaces taped to the floor for hands and knees to explore.
- Ages
- 7 mo–2 yrs
- Play
- 10–25 min
- Prep
- 6 min
- Mess
- barely any
- Energy
- lively
- Where
- on the floor
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- tapeDon’t have it? Amazon
- three or four different surfaces
Optional
- a toy to crawl toward
How to play
Before you start: Tape four squares of very different material to the floor in a line: a towel, a sheet of foil, baking paper, a fleece. Tape all four edges of each so nothing slides.
Put them at one end and sit at the other.
Call them across. Most babies stop at the first change of texture, which is exactly what you want.
Let them pat and investigate each surface rather than hurrying them along.
Crawl it yourself and make a noise on each square.
Put a favorite toy on the far square for the last crossing.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Tape every edge down — a loose sheet on a hard floor is a slipping hazard.
- Foil and paper tear into swallowable pieces. Stay close and stop if anything starts coming apart.
Make it different next time
- Add a bubble-wrap square for the sound, taped down completely flat.
- Do it barefoot so feet get the input too.
Cleanup: Peel the tape up and fold the materials away.
Three more like this
- Good for siblings
Learn something
Endless Pulling Box
5–20 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess- a box or tub with a small opening
- scarves or fabric strips
