Many parents and early childhood educators face the same challenge: how to help toddlers and preschoolers release their boundless energy in ways that support healthy growth. Young children are constantly on the move, and without purposeful direction, that movement can often seem disruptive. Gross motor activities offer a structured and beneficial way to guide their natural urge to move while building essential physical skills.
Without consistent opportunities for gross motor activities, children may struggle with coordination, balance, and self-control. Over time, a lack of active play can affect not only physical development but also emotional regulation and classroom behavior. When a child climbs furniture or runs in circles, it is often a sign that their body is asking for meaningful movement and sensory input.
To support this critical area of development, we’ve compiled 30 engaging gross motor activities for preschoolers and toddlers. Each idea is easy to set up and designed to make active play a natural part of early childhood education.
15 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are at a stage where their bodies are growing rapidly, and active play is essential for building strength, coordination, and balance. Gross motor activities provide the perfect outlet for their energy while helping them practice important physical and social skills. The following 15 activities are carefully selected to match their developmental needs.
1. Animal Walks
Animal walks encourage preschoolers to move their entire bodies in creative and playful ways. By mimicking animal movements, children explore different physical motions such as crawling, jumping, and stretching. This gross motor activity also allows them to express their imagination while engaging large muscle groups.
Steps:
- Ask children to name different animals they like.
- Demonstrate movements such as frog jumps, bear crawls, and crab walks.
- Invite them to move across the room as each animal.
- Switch animals every few minutes to keep the activity dynamic.
Educational Value:
Animal walks help improve body coordination, motor planning, and spatial awareness. Children strengthen their core and limb muscles while developing a sense of rhythm and control. The gross motor activity also supports pretend play and expressive movement, which are essential for social and emotional growth.
2. Obstacle Course
Creating an obstacle course gives preschoolers a fun and stimulating environment to explore movement. Using simple household or classroom items, children crawl under tables, jump over cushions, and maneuver around cones. This type of activity brings both structure and excitement to physical play.
Steps:
- Arrange soft items like pillows, boxes, or cones to form a course.
- Include actions such as crawling, climbing, jumping, and balancing.
- Demonstrate how to complete each section of the course.
- Let children take turns and modify the course based on skill level.
Educational Value:
Obstacle courses enhance gross motor strength, balance, and directional movement. They support cognitive development by requiring children to remember sequences and problem-solve physically. This gross motor activity also boosts confidence and persistence as children overcome physical challenges.
3. Balloon Toss
Balloon toss is a gentle and enjoyable gross motor game that helps children practice timing, focus, and upper body coordination. Because balloons move slowly, they are easy to track, which makes this activity accessible for young learners. It is suitable for both individual and group settings.
Steps:
- Inflate a balloon with air, avoiding helium.
- Show children how to toss it gently into the air.
- Encourage them to keep the balloon off the ground using their hands or other body parts.
- Introduce variations such as using elbows, heads, or knees.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity improves hand-eye coordination, visual tracking, and concentration. It also strengthens shoulder and arm muscles through repeated reaching and tapping motions. When done in pairs or groups, balloon toss promotes turn-taking and social interaction.
4. Jumping Lines
Jumping lines is a simple indoor activity that encourages preschoolers to use their legs and core muscles. By marking lines or paths on the floor, children can explore jumping forward, backward, or side to side. This structured movement supports both energy release and physical coordination.
Steps:
- Use masking tape or chalk to create lines on the floor.
- Demonstrate different ways to jump: over, on, and between lines.
- Let children take turns and add movement challenges like jumping on one foot.
- Adjust distances based on each child’s comfort and ability.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity improves lower-body strength, balance, and spatial judgment. It teaches children how to control their movements with precision and confidence. Jumping games also support rhythm and timing, which are key components of physical literacy.
5. Balance Beam
The balance beam activity encourages focus and controlled movement. Using a line of tape or a low board, preschoolers practice walking in a straight line while maintaining stability. This calm and focused task helps children refine their sense of balance and posture.
Steps:
- Place a strip of painter’s tape or use a flat wooden beam on the floor.
- Ask children to walk slowly along the line with arms out for balance.
- Add variations such as walking heel to toe or balancing a bean bag.
- Provide support if needed and celebrate each successful attempt.
Educational Value:
Balance beam exercises strengthen core muscles and improve postural control. Children learn how to adjust their body position to maintain stability. This activity also promotes concentration and self-regulation through quiet, deliberate movement.
6. Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag toss is a focused activity that helps preschoolers develop aim and arm strength. Children toss soft bean bags into targets such as baskets, hoops, or taped shapes on the floor. The repetition and challenge make it both fun and beneficial for motor skill growth.
Steps:
- Set up a variety of targets at different distances.
- Demonstrate how to hold and toss the bean bag underhand.
- Let children take turns aiming for each target.
- Encourage them to experiment with different throwing angles and distances.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity enhances gross motor coordination, focus, and spatial awareness. Children learn to judge force, direction, and timing with each throw. Tossing games also support persistence and confidence as children work toward achieving their goals.
7. Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic group game that blends gross motor movement with listening skills. Preschoolers follow instructions like jumping, stretching, or spinning—but only if the command starts with “Simon says.” This playful format keeps them alert and physically active. This game can be played in small or large groups, and it easily adapts to any environment, whether indoors or outdoors.
Steps:
- Gather the children in a safe, open space.
- Stand in front and give physical commands beginning with “Simon says.”
- Occasionally, give a command without the phrase to test focus.
- Encourage children to take turns being the leader.
Educational Value:
This activity supports gross motor coordination, auditory processing, and self-control. Children learn to distinguish between verbal cues and respond with purpose, helping develop attention span and listening comprehension. The playful structure also encourages peer interaction and leadership in a low-pressure setting.
8. Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader turns basic movements into a collaborative and imaginative group game. One child performs a series of physical actions while others mirror them in a line or group. Movements may include hopping, skipping, crawling, or tiptoeing across the space. The opportunity to take turns leading empowers children to explore creative movement and practice group coordination.
Steps:
- Select one child to act as the leader.
- Ask the leader to move around using large physical motions.
- Have the rest of the group mimic the movements.
- Rotate the leader every few minutes to give each child a turn.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity promotes imitation, spatial awareness, and whole-body control. It also helps children learn to observe others closely and respond with matching physical actions. Taking turns as the leader supports confidence, social interaction, and the ability to guide peers through movement.
9. Parachute Play
Parachute play is an engaging group activity that blends rhythm, timing, and teamwork. Children work together to lift and lower a large parachute or sheet, often incorporating bouncing balls or running games beneath it. This dynamic play experience energizes large muscle groups while creating a strong sense of collaboration and joy.
Steps:
- Have children stand in a circle holding the edges of a large parachute or sheet.
- Practice lifting it high, pulling it low, and making waves.
- Add small balls for bouncing or try running underneath on cue.
- Vary the speed and direction to explore different motion styles.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity develops arm and shoulder strength, gross motor timing, and group coordination. It reinforces listening skills as children respond to verbal or visual cues from teachers or peers. Working with others toward a shared physical goal builds teamwork, patience, and mutual respect.
10. Rolling Races
Rolling races are a playful way for preschoolers to strengthen their core muscles while learning body control. Children roll across classroom mats or grassy areas, either individually or side by side with peers. The simple act of rolling requires coordination between the head, arms, and legs, making it an excellent full-body exercise. This gross motor activity also provides a fun outlet for energy and laughter in a safe environment.
Steps:
- Prepare a soft surface, such as gym mats or grass.
- Demonstrate how to roll safely from one side to the other.
- Have children race individually or in pairs across the space.
- Encourage them to try different rolling speeds.
Educational Value:
Rolling races support gross motor strength, coordination, and balance. They help children understand how to control their bodies during continuous movement. This activity also enhances spatial awareness and provides valuable sensory input that supports self-regulation.
11. Stepping Stones
Stepping stones encourage preschoolers to practice careful foot placement and balance while moving from one point to another. By creating a path with pillows, mats, or flat objects, children imagine crossing a river or avoiding the “floor.” The playful theme sparks creativity while offering valuable motor practice. This activity can be adapted indoors or outdoors to provide variety and challenge.
Steps:
- Arrange pillows, mats, or flat objects as a pathway.
- Show children how to step carefully from one to another.
- Ask them to cross without touching the floor.
- Change the distance or shape of the stones for added challenge.
Educational Value:
This activity develops balance, coordination, and gross motor planning. Children learn to make quick adjustments to their footing, improving stability and confidence. It also promotes imaginative thinking as they pretend to navigate different terrains.
12. Dance and Freeze
Dance and Freeze combines music, movement, and self-control in a playful way. Children dance freely when music plays and freeze in place when it stops. The sudden change from energetic movement to stillness helps them practice regulation and awareness of their bodies. This gross motor activity works well in group settings, encouraging laughter and participation while promoting rhythm.
Steps:
- Play upbeat music in a safe, open space.
- Let children move and dance freely to the music.
- Stop the music suddenly and ask them to freeze.
- Resume and repeat the process with different tempos.
Educational Value:
This activity supports rhythm development, gross motor expression, and body awareness. Children practice impulse control by stopping suddenly, which strengthens self-regulation. Group play also builds confidence, cooperation, and the ability to follow external cues.
13. Climbing Time
Climbing activities give preschoolers the chance to strengthen large muscle groups and build confidence in physical risk-taking. Using safe indoor structures or playground equipment, children climb up and down while learning how to control their bodies. This type of play encourages exploration, independence, and resilience. With supervision, climbing becomes a valuable tool for both exercise and skill development.
Steps:
- Provide safe climbing structures or playground equipment.
- Demonstrate how to climb up and down carefully.
- Supervise children as they explore at their own pace.
- Offer encouragement and celebrate their progress.
Educational Value:
Climbing supports the development of strength, coordination, and balance. It helps children assess physical risks and make safe decisions. The gross motor activity also boosts self-confidence as they overcome challenges and reach new heights.
14. Catch and Throw
Catch and Throw introduces preschoolers to the basics of ball games while developing coordination and timing. Using soft balls, children practice throwing gently to a partner and catching with both hands. This activity encourages cooperation, builds confidence, and allows children to experience success through repetition. The game can be adjusted for small groups or pairs depending on the setting.
Steps:
- Pair children or place them in small groups.
- Provide each group with a softball.
- Demonstrate how to throw underhand or overhand.
- Encourage children to catch with two hands and return the throw.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity improves gross motor coordination, hand-eye control, and focus. Catching and throwing strengthen arm and shoulder muscles while also enhancing balance. Working in pairs supports social interaction, turn-taking, and communication skills.
15. Hula Hoop Games
Hula hoop games are an energetic way for preschoolers to practice balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Children can spin hoops around their waists, jump in and out of hoops placed on the ground, or roll them to a partner. The variety of movements keeps the game fresh and exciting while encouraging active participation.
Steps:
- Provide each child or pair with a hula hoop.
- Demonstrate different uses such as spinning, jumping, or rolling.
- Set up challenges like jumping in and out quickly.
- Encourage group activities such as passing hoops in a circle.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity develops core strength, coordination, and rhythm. Children learn to control their movements while adapting to different physical challenges. Group play fosters teamwork, patience, and social interaction, making it both physically and socially beneficial.
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15 Gross Motor Activities for Toddlers
Toddlers are just beginning to master the basics of walking, running, and climbing, which makes gross motor activities an essential part of their daily development. For this younger age group, movement is a form of discovery. It helps them learn how their bodies work, build balance, and gain confidence with every step. Simple, safe, and engaging gross motor activities support their coordination while offering plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings with joy.
1. Crawling Tunnels
Crawling tunnels give toddlers the opportunity to explore movement in a safe and exciting way. By crawling through play tunnels, large boxes, or blanket forts, they engage their whole bodies in active play. The gross motor activity introduces the concept of moving through enclosed spaces, which is both challenging and rewarding. Toddlers enjoy the sense of adventure while developing strength and coordination.
Steps:
- Set up a soft tunnel or create one using large boxes.
- Encourage toddlers to crawl from one end to the other.
- Add educational toys or soft balls inside to make the crawl more inviting.
- Supervise closely to ensure comfort and safety.
Educational Value:
Crawling tunnels develop gross motor coordination, spatial awareness, and core strength. Toddlers practice body control while learning to move through enclosed spaces. This gross motor activity also builds confidence and supports sensory exploration.
2. Bubble Chasing
Bubble chasing is a joyful activity that gets toddlers moving while engaging their senses. As bubbles float through the air, children run, stretch, and jump to catch or pop them. The unpredictable paths of bubbles encourage constant movement and excitement. It is a simple activity that brings laughter and active play into any setting.
Steps:
- Blow bubbles in a safe, open space.
- Encourage toddlers to run and pop the bubbles.
- Vary the size and number of bubbles to adjust difficulty.
- Allow short breaks to prevent overstimulation.
Educational Value:
This activity supports hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and gross motor movement. Toddlers strengthen arms and legs while learning to track moving objects. Bubble play also stimulates sensory development and provides social enjoyment in group settings.
3. Marching to Music
Marching to music combines rhythm, coordination, and full-body movement in a simple way. Toddlers enjoy stepping in time with music while lifting their knees high. The gross motor activity can include clapping or arm swings to make marching more dynamic. It introduces them to structured movement while still allowing freedom and fun.
Steps:
- Play lively music in a safe and open space.
- Demonstrate marching with high knee lifts and arm swings.
- Invite toddlers to follow along with the rhythm.
- Add clapping or stomping for extra excitement.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity develops gross motor strength, rhythm, and coordination. Toddlers learn to connect movement with auditory cues, supporting listening and timing skills. Marching also enhances endurance and lays a foundation for future dance or group games.
4. Ball Rolling Games
Ball rolling is a simple yet effective activity for toddlers to practice gross motor control. Children sit or stand while rolling a ball to a partner or against a wall. This gross motor activity emphasizes gentle, controlled movement rather than speed or force. It is accessible to toddlers at different stages of motor development.
Steps:
- Provide a soft, lightweight ball for each pair or group.
- Sit toddlers across from one another or near a wall.
- Demonstrate how to roll the ball slowly with both hands.
- Encourage them to take turns and repeat the activity.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity supports hand-eye coordination, balance, and arm strength. Toddlers learn the basics of turn-taking and cooperative play. Rolling also refines control of force and direction, which are important for later catching and throwing.
5. Walking on a Line
Walking on a line is a simple way to help toddlers practice balance and focus. Using tape on the floor or a chalk line outdoors, children try to walk carefully from one end to the other. This gross motor activity encourages slow, mindful steps and concentration. It is safe, adaptable, and easy to include in daily play.
Steps:
- Place a strip of tape on the floor or draw a line outside.
- Show toddlers how to place one foot in front of the other.
- Encourage them to walk slowly along the line.
- Offer a hand for support if needed.
Educational Value:
This activity strengthens balance, posture, and coordination. Toddlers practice careful body control while learning to move with precision. Walking on a line also supports concentration and persistence through repeated practice.
6. Crawling Races
Crawling races bring energy and excitement while reinforcing a fundamental toddler movement. Children crawl side by side across a soft surface to reach the finish line. This activity allows them to use large muscle groups while staying close to the ground for safety. It is an engaging way to combine exercise, fun, and friendly competition.
Steps:
- Prepare a safe surface, such as mats or grass.
- Mark a starting point and a short finish line.
- Ask toddlers to crawl as quickly as possible to the end.
- Celebrate all participants to keep the activity positive.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity strengthens arms, legs, and core muscles. Crawling supports coordination between both sides of the body, which is vital for overall development. It also builds social interaction as toddlers participate together in a group setting.
7. Stomp in Puddles
Stomping in puddles is a natural toddler activity that combines fun with full-body movement. Children love the sensory experience of water splashing while they stamp their feet. It encourages repetition as toddlers enjoy the sound, motion, and visual effect. This simple activity is best done outdoors and provides both exercise and joy.
Steps:
- Choose a safe outdoor area with shallow puddles.
- Dress toddlers in waterproof boots or washable shoes.
- Encourage them to stomp, splash, and move around freely.
- Supervise closely to ensure safety.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity builds leg strength, balance, and coordination. Toddlers practice cause-and-effect learning as they notice the splash results of their movements. It also supports sensory development by combining sound, touch, and sight.
8. Kick the Ball
Kicking a ball helps toddlers explore new ways of moving their bodies while improving balance. They practice stepping, aiming, and kicking with either foot, which strengthens coordination. This gross motor activity can be done alone, with a caregiver, or in small groups. It introduces the basics of ball play in an accessible way for toddlers.
Steps:
- Provide a lightweight, soft ball for each child.
- Place the ball on the ground and demonstrate kicking.
- Encourage toddlers to step and kick gently.
- Add simple targets for extra motivation.
Educational Value:
This activity develops leg muscles, balance, and gross motor control. Toddlers learn directional movement as they aim and kick. Kicking also encourages independence and confidence through repeated practice.
9. Soft Block Stacking
Soft block stacking gives toddlers a safe way to practice lifting, carrying, and balancing objects. Children pick up large foam or cloth blocks and try to stack them into towers. The excitement of seeing towers fall and rebuilding them encourages repetition. This gross motor activity blends physical effort with problem-solving in an age-appropriate form.
Steps:
- Provide large, lightweight blocks that are safe for toddlers.
- Demonstrate how to place one block on top of another.
- Encourage toddlers to build towers as high as they can.
- Allow them to knock towers down and rebuild.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity develops arm strength, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Toddlers learn about spatial relationships while experimenting with stacking. It also fosters persistence and resilience as they try again after towers collapse.
10. Animal Rescue Game
Animal Rescue turns gross motor play into an imaginative task. Place stuffed animals or toys around the room and invite toddlers to “rescue” them one by one. Children crawl, walk, or climb small obstacles to reach each animal. The playful storyline motivates toddlers to move with purpose and excitement.
Steps:
- Place stuffed animals or toys in different spots on the floor.
- Tell toddlers they need to rescue the animals and bring them back.
- Encourage crawling, walking, or climbing over safe cushions to get there.
- Celebrate when all animals are collected.
Educational Value:
This activity builds coordination, strength, and problem-solving through imaginative play. Toddlers learn to move with intention as they navigate their environment. It also fosters creativity and empathy by caring for toys in a pretend setting.
11. Color Hunt Game
Color Hunt is an active and engaging activity where toddlers combine movement with early learning. Caregivers place colored mats, cards, or boxes in different areas, and children are asked to find objects in nature or around the classroom that match each color. As toddlers move from one spot to another, they practice running, bending, and carrying while also learning to recognize and sort colors.
Steps:
- Set up color stations using mats, boxes, or cards in safe spaces.
- Tell toddlers the goal is to find items that match each color.
- Encourage them to move around, pick up leaves, toys, or blocks, and place them at the right color station.
- Repeat with different movements such as hopping, crawling, or tiptoeing to reach each color.
Educational Value:
This activity develops gross motor skills through walking, running, bending, and carrying. It strengthens early cognitive skills by combining movement with color recognition and sorting. Toddlers also build problem-solving abilities and confidence as they successfully match objects to their colors. Group play promotes cooperation, sharing, and excitement through teamwork.
12. Simple Relay Races
Simple Relay Races are an exciting way to get toddlers running and working together. Children take turns carrying an object, running to a point, and coming back to pass it on. The gross motor activity is full of energy and teamwork. It works best outdoors or in a large indoor area.
Steps:
- Divide toddlers into small groups.
- Give each group a ball or toy to carry.
- Mark a turning point and demonstrate the path.
- Have toddlers run to the point, return, and hand off the object.
Educational Value:
This activity develops running skills, speed, and endurance. It encourages teamwork as toddlers wait for their turn and cheer for peers. Relay play also strengthens patience, cooperation, and social bonding.
13. Scarf Dancing
Scarf Dancing combines music, movement, and imagination in a playful way. Each toddler receives a lightweight scarf to wave, toss, and catch while dancing. The colorful scarves capture attention and encourage children to move freely. This activity blends rhythm, coordination, and creativity in an enjoyable group setting.
Steps:
- Provide each toddler with a soft scarf.
- Play music and encourage them to wave the scarves.
- Show different motions such as tossing, twirling, or stretching.
- Pause the music occasionally to let them freeze in place.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity develops gross motor coordination, rhythm, and creativity. Toddlers strengthen arm and shoulder muscles while learning to follow music cues. It also promotes imagination and self-expression in a fun and social environment.
14. Shadow Chase
Shadow Chase is an outdoor game that toddlers quickly understand and enjoy. Children try to step on each other’s shadows while also moving their own bodies to escape. The gross motor activity encourages running, dodging, and laughing together. It requires no equipment and can be played in any sunny area.
Steps:
- Take toddlers outside on a sunny day.
- Show them how to step on a shadow gently.
- Encourage them to chase and dodge each other’s shadows.
- Remind them to play safely without pushing.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity promotes agility, quick reactions, and coordination. Toddlers strengthen leg muscles through chasing and dodging. It also fosters social interaction and imaginative play as children invent strategies to protect their shadows.
15. Color Jump Circles
Color Jump Circles mix movement with early learning in an active game. Circles made from mats, hoops, or colored paper are spread out on the floor. Caregivers call out a color, and toddlers must jump or step into the correct circle. The combination of color recognition and physical action keeps children engaged and excited.
Steps:
- Arrange different colored circles on the floor.
- Call out one color at a time.
- Encourage toddlers to move into the correct circle.
- Change the pace by asking for jumps, hops, or quick steps.
Educational Value:
This gross motor activity builds leg strength, coordination, and cognitive recognition. Toddlers learn to connect instructions with physical responses. Group play encourages focus, listening skills, and joyful competition.
Conclusion
Gross motor activities are more than just fun and games—they are vital building blocks in a child’s physical, social, and cognitive development. For toddlers, these activities provide safe opportunities to explore balance, coordination, and body awareness. For preschoolers, they offer exciting ways to strengthen muscles, develop confidence, and practice teamwork through more challenging movements.
By integrating a variety of gross motor activities into daily routines at home, in daycare, or in the classroom, parents and educators can create a foundation for lifelong health and active learning. The key is to make movement engaging, consistent, and developmentally appropriate so every child can thrive while enjoying the joy of play.
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