Vestibular activities for high-energy, sensory-seeking kids

If your child is constantly spinning, jumping, or crashing into things, you may be witnessing vestibular seeking – a natural way for their body to get the movement input they crave. For some kids, however, vestibular function isn’t just a preference for high-energy play – it can be a real challenge affecting their ability to focus, coordinate movements, and even succeed in school. Understanding how the vestibular system works and how to support it can make a world of difference in helping children feel regulated and engaged.

What Is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is housed in the inner ear and is responsible for detecting movement, balance, and spatial orientation. It tells the brain where the body is in space – whether you’re standing upright, tilting, spinning, or moving. This system plays a crucial role in postural control, eye movement, coordination, and attention, which means disruptions can impact everything from handwriting to sports skills to the ability to sit still and focus.

Signs of Vestibular Dysfunction

Vestibular dysfunction can present in different ways, depending on whether a child is under-responsive (seeking excessive movement) or over-responsive (avoiding movement). Some common signs include:

• Excessive movement-seeking – Constant spinning, swinging, or jumping without seeming to get dizzy.
• Poor balance and coordination – Frequently tripping, struggling with activities like bike riding, or appearing clumsy.
• Difficulty with eye tracking – Struggles with reading or copying from the board due to challenges with eye movement control.
• Postural instability – Trouble sitting upright for extended periods, often slumping or fidgeting.
• Motion sensitivity – Getting nauseous or disoriented easily with movement (e.g., car rides, swings, or fast-paced games).
• Difficulty with focus and self-regulation – Struggles to stay on task, frequent meltdowns, or hyperactivity due to sensory overload.

How Vestibular Dysfunction Can Affect Learning

Research has linked vestibular dysfunction to academic difficulties, especially in reading and writing. A 2015 study in the Journal of Learning Disabilities found that children with vestibular challenges often struggle with eye tracking, making it harder to follow lines of text. Additionally, poor postural control can make handwriting physically exhausting, while difficulty with balance and coordination can affect participation in classroom and playground activities.

Because the vestibular system is closely connected to the brain’s ability to filter sensory input and maintain focus, children with vestibular challenges may also struggle with attention, emotional regulation, and processing speed. That’s why movement-based interventions—like the activities below—can be so beneficial.

Vestibular Activities to Help Regulate and Engage Kids

1. Swinging (linear and rotational)
   Swinging provides deep vestibular input, helping children either stimulate or calm their sensory systems. A slow, rhythmic back-and-forth motion (linear) can be calming, while spinning motions (rotational) can be alerting. Occupational therapy research suggests that controlled vestibular input can improve attention and self-regulation.
2. Spinning (with supervision)
   Some children naturally spin to regulate their vestibular system, but excessive spinning can be overwhelming. Controlled spinning—such as using a spinning chair or sit-and-spin toy—can provide needed input without overstimulation.
3. Jumping on a trampoline
   Studies show that proprioceptive and vestibular input from jumping helps improve balance, coordination, and focus. A mini-trampoline can be a great way to provide safe movement breaks throughout the day.
4. Obstacle courses
   Creating an obstacle course that involves climbing, crawling, rolling, and balancing engages multiple sensory systems at once. Research in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics (2020) found that structured movement activities like this help improve motor planning and body awareness in children with coordination difficulties.
5. Wheelbarrow walking & animal walks
   These activities strengthen core muscles and postural control, both of which are often weak in children with vestibular dysfunction. Strengthening these areas supports endurance for school tasks like sitting upright and writing for longer periods.
6. Rocking or rolling on an exercise ball
   Lying on a therapy ball and rocking forward and backward can provide gentle vestibular input while also engaging core muscles, supporting balance and body awareness.
7. Climbing activities
   Climbing supports gross motor coordination and spatial awareness. Playground structures, rock walls, or even indoor climbing frames can help children develop better motor planning and control.
8. Dancing with different movements
   A 2018 study in Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience found that rhythmic movement activities, like dancing, support cognitive and motor function. Try incorporating spinning, hopping, or balance-focused dance moves.
9. Rolling and tumbling
   Whether it’s rolling down a grassy hill or practicing gentle somersaults, these activities provide vestibular stimulation while helping kids learn to orient their bodies in space.
10. Balance challenges
    Activities like walking on a balance beam, standing on one foot, or using a wobble board encourage vestibular adaptation and postural control, helping children develop better balance and coordination.

How to Tell If These Activities Are Helping

When kids receive the right amount of vestibular input, you may notice:
✅ Improved focus and attention – They may be able to sit longer and engage in tasks more easily.
✅ Better coordination – Fewer falls, improved handwriting, and greater ease in physical activities.
✅ Reduced sensory-seeking behaviors – Less need for constant spinning, jumping, or crashing.
✅ More emotional regulation – Fewer meltdowns and a greater ability to self-soothe.

The Science Supports Movement-Based Interventions

Vestibular therapy and movement-based interventions are backed by decades of research. Studies in occupational therapy, neuroscience, and paediatric development show that providing structured vestibular input can help children improve focus, balance, coordination, and emotional regulation.

While every child’s needs are different, incorporating intentional movement activities can create a more balanced sensory experience, helping kids feel more comfortable in their bodies and more engaged in learning and play.

If your child struggles with vestibular-related challenges, working with an occupational therapist can help tailor activities to their specific needs. With the right support, they can build confidence, improve coordination, and find the movement they need to thrive.