ArtsAutosBooksBusinessEducationEntertainmentFamilyFashionFoodGamesGenderHealthHolidaysHomeHubPagesPersonal FinancePetsPoliticsReligionSportsTechnologyTravel

20 Gross Motor Activities That Build Strength and Coordination

Updated on July 5, 2025
Fiona Jean Mckay profile image

I am a diploma-qualified early childhood educator. I love working with children because life is so full of wonder for them.

Young children are naturally wired to move, and that’s a good thing. All that running, jumping, climbing, and tumbling isn’t just play; it’s how they build the core skills they’ll rely on for everything from sports to school readiness.

Gross motor activities, the kind that use the large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso, are essential for developing strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, adding fun gross motor challenges to your day can make a big difference.

These 20 ideas are designed to keep kids active while boosting the muscle groups and motor planning skills they need most.

What is the Diffference Between Fine and Gross Motor Skills?

Here’s a clear and simple breakdown of the difference between fine motor skills and gross motor skills, especially useful in early childhood education or parenting contexts:

Gross Motor Skills

= Big Movements

Definition: Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body—think arms, legs, and core. These are the movements kids use to move around and control their body.

Examples:

  • Crawling
  • Walking and running
  • Jumping and hopping
  • Climbing stairs
  • Riding a bike
  • Throwing or kicking a ball

Why They Matter: Gross motor skills help kids develop strength, balance, posture, and coordination. They’re essential for everyday tasks like playing, dressing, and even sitting up at a desk to learn.

Fine Motor Skills

= Small Movements

Definition: Fine motor skills use the small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These are the skills needed for precise tasks.

Examples:

  • Holding a crayon or pencil
  • Buttoning a shirt
  • Using scissors
  • Stacking blocks
  • Stringing beads
  • Tying shoelaces

Why They Matter: Fine motor skills support independence and academic success. Kids need them to write, feed themselves, manage clothing, and complete school

How They Work Together

Gross and fine motor development are closely linked. A child with strong core and shoulder muscles (gross motor) will have better control when learning to write or cut (fine motor). So while they’re different, they definitely support each other.


20 Activities to Improve Gross Motor Skills

1. Animal Walk Races

Ask kids to crawl like a bear, hop like a frog, or waddle like a duck. Each animal targets different muscles, and switching between movements helps with coordination.

2. Obstacle Course Adventure

Use pillows, cones, furniture, or chalk to create a course they can crawl under, jump over, and weave through. Bonus: Kids work on sequencing and following directions too.

3. Balloon Volleyball

Hang a string across the room and bat a balloon back and forth. It’s low impact, works on upper body coordination, and encourages visual tracking.

4. Scooter Board Races

If you have a scooter board (or even a flat cardboard box on a smooth floor), kids can lie on their stomachs and propel themselves with their hands. Great for core strength and shoulder stability.

5. Jumping Ladder

Tape lines on the floor like a ladder. Have kids jump with feet together between rungs, hop on one foot, or make up patterns. It improves balance, strength, and timing.

6. Push-and-Pull Games

Let them push a laundry basket filled with books or pull a wagon around the yard. These weight-bearing activities build muscle and improve motor control.

7. Wheelbarrow Walking

You hold their legs while they walk on their hands across the room. It’s silly, but it builds serious upper body strength and coordination.

8. Rolling Down a Hill

Simple and old-fashioned, but rolling down a soft grassy hill strengthens the core and gives kids a great sense of body awareness in space.

9. Hopscotch

Draw a classic hopscotch grid and encourage kids to hop and jump while staying on target. It’s a great mix of balance, counting, and coordination.

10. Crawl Tunnels

Make your own tunnel from a cardboard box or blanket fort and encourage army crawling through it. Crawling strengthens shoulders, arms, and core muscles.

11. Dancing with Scarves

Turn on music and hand out scarves. Ask kids to move high, low, fast, or slow. Dancing builds coordination, rhythm, and flexibility.

12. Balance Beam Challenge

A strip of masking tape or a 2x4 plank can turn into a balance beam. Add challenges like holding a beanbag on their head while walking.

13. Jump Over the River

Lay out two ropes or strips of fabric like a river. Kids try to jump across, and you slowly widen it to increase the challenge.

14. Marching Band Parade

Marching with high knees while clapping, banging a drum, or playing instruments builds rhythm, balance, and core strength.

15. Rolling a Big Ball

Let kids push and chase a large therapy ball or yoga ball around a room or yard. It engages core muscles and improves tracking and timing.

16. Hula Hoop Play

Hula hoops aren’t just for spinning. Use them for jumping in and out, tossing like a ring, or rolling to a friend.

17. Yoga for Kids

Introduce simple poses like Downward Dog, Tree, or Cat-Cow. Yoga improves flexibility, balance, and body control; all in a calm, focused way.

18. Throwing at a Target

Hang a soft target (like a pillow or laundry basket) and give kids beanbags, balls, or rolled-up socks to throw. It builds arm strength and hand-eye coordination.

19. Catching Bubbles

Chasing and popping bubbles helps with tracking moving objects and coordinating reach-and-swat movements; plus it’s irresistible fun.

20. Freeze Dance

A favorite in any classroom or living room. When the music stops, children must freeze like a statue. It encourages self-regulation, quick starts and stops, and full-body movement.


Gross Motor Development by Age: A Quick Reference Chart

Notes

  • Every child develops at their own pace, this chart shows typical ranges, not strict deadlines.
  • Motor development is closely tied to practice. Kids who move more, learn more.
  • Delays in gross motor skills may affect other areas like social play, self-help skills, or classroom participation. If concerned, consult a pediatrician or early intervention specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gross Motor Skills Development

What are gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the arms, legs, and core. They allow children to move their bodies in big ways—like crawling, walking, jumping, running, and climbing.

At what age do gross motor skills typically start to develop?

Gross motor development begins at birth. Even young infants practice early movements like lifting their head or kicking their legs. Skills build gradually, with major milestones like crawling, standing, and walking typically developing in the first 18 months.

What are some examples of gross motor milestones in infancy?

  • 2–4 months: Lifts head during tummy time
  • 4–6 months: Rolls over
  • 6–9 months: Sits without support, rocks on hands and knees
  • 9–12 months: Crawls, pulls to stand, cruises furniture
  • 12–18 months: Walks independently

How can I tell if my child is developing gross motor skills on track?

Every child develops at their own pace, but most follow a predictable pattern. If your child is generally meeting age-appropriate milestones and becoming more mobile and coordinated over time, they’re likely on track.

What are some signs of delayed gross motor development?

  • Not rolling by 6 months
  • Not sitting independently by 9 months
  • Not crawling by 12 months
  • Not walking by 18 months
  • Stiff or floppy muscle tone
  • Avoiding physical play or seeming unusually clumsy

If you’re concerned, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician.

How do gross motor skills affect other areas of development?

Gross motor development supports fine motor control, balance, confidence, spatial awareness, and even attention span. A strong body helps a child sit upright at a desk, focus in class, and participate in play and learning.

What activities can help strengthen gross motor skills at home?

Try:

  • Climbing stairs
  • Jumping on a trampoline
  • Dancing to music
  • Animal walks (bear, crab, frog)
  • Scooter or trike riding
  • Throwing and catching soft balls

Regular movement helps muscles grow and coordination improve.

How important is tummy time for motor development?

Tummy time is crucial in the first few months. It strengthens neck, back, and core muscles, which are essential for rolling, sitting, crawling, and beyond. Aim for a few minutes several times a day, increasing over time.

Is it normal for some children to walk later than others?

Yes. Some kids take their first steps at 9 months, while others wait until 15–18 months. As long as your child is progressing in other ways and showing curiosity about movement, later walking isn’t usually a cause for concern.

What should I do if my toddler isn’t jumping or running yet?

If your toddler is over 2 years old and isn’t showing interest in jumping, running, or climbing, you can model the behavior, encourage playground play, or try simple movement games. If you’re concerned, bring it up with your pediatrician.

Do screen time or too much sitting affect motor development?

Yes. Long periods of sitting or screen use can limit opportunities for active play. Children need regular, unstructured movement time throughout the day to strengthen their bodies and develop skills naturally.

How do outdoor play and movement impact gross motor growth?

Outdoor play offers uneven terrain, new challenges, and open space, perfect for practicing balance, strength, and spatial awareness. Nature play also encourages risk-taking, coordination, and stamina building.

What role do balance and coordination play in gross motor skills?

Balance helps kids stay upright during movement, while coordination lets different parts of the body work together. Both are key for activities like walking on a beam, catching a ball, or pedaling a bike.

How do gross motor skills support learning in preschool and kindergarten?

Children with strong gross motor skills can sit still longer, transition more easily, and engage fully in classroom routines. Physical coordination also helps with writing posture and fine motor control.

Can low muscle tone affect gross motor development?

Yes. Low tone can make movement feel harder and may delay certain milestones. These children may tire quickly or avoid active play. A physical or occupational therapist can help support progress with targeted activities.

What’s the difference between gross and fine motor delays?

  • Gross motor delays affect big movements (walking, crawling, climbing).
  • Fine motor delays involve hand and finger control (writing, buttoning, using scissors).

    Some children experience both, while others may need extra support in one area only.

When should I talk to a pediatrician or therapist about motor concerns?

If your child:

  • Misses multiple motor milestones
  • Seems unusually stiff or floppy
  • Avoids movement
  • Falls often
  • Struggles with coordination compared to peers

…then it’s a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician. Early intervention can be very effective.

What kinds of toys or equipment support gross motor skills?

  • Ride-on toys or balance bikes
  • Foam climbing blocks
  • Trampolines
  • Tunnels
  • Balls and beanbags
  • Hula hoops
  • Step stools or low climbing structures

These give kids a fun, hands-on way to build strength and coordination.

How can educators include gross motor development in the classroom?

  • Schedule active play daily
  • Incorporate movement into songs, routines, and transitions
  • Offer climbing, balancing, and jumping stations
  • Use gross motor games to support learning (e.g. letter hopscotch)

Movement-rich classrooms help children stay focused, confident, and regulated.

Are there simple activities I can do indoors to support gross motor skills?

Yes! Try:

  • Indoor obstacle courses
  • Freeze dance
  • Animal walks
  • Balloon volleyball
  • Yoga for kids
  • Crawling through tunnels made from chairs and blankets

Even in small spaces, there are plenty of ways to keep kids moving.


Conclusion

Kids aren’t meant to sit still for long, and that’s a gift, not a problem. Every jump, roll, climb, and silly animal walk is helping them grow stronger, steadier, and more confident in their own bodies. When we make space for gross motor play, we’re doing more than just burning energy, we’re giving children the tools they need to move through the world with skill and self-assurance.

The best part? These activities don’t require fancy equipment or a structured gym class. A little creativity, a safe space to move, and a willingness to join the fun is all it takes. So go ahead—lay out a balance beam, crank up the music, and let them leap into learning. Their muscles, minds, and moods will thank you.


This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

working

This website uses cookies

As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: https://corp.maven.io/privacy-policy

Show Details
Necessary
HubPages Device IDThis is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
Google RecaptchaThis is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy)
AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Traffic PixelThis is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
Amazon Web ServicesThis is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
CloudflareThis is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
Google Hosted LibrariesJavascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)
Features
Google Custom SearchThis is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
Google MapsSome articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Google ChartsThis is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
Google AdSense Host APIThis service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Google YouTubeSome articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
VimeoSome articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
PaypalThis is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook LoginYou can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
MavenThis supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)
Marketing
Google AdSenseThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Google DoubleClickGoogle provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Index ExchangeThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
SovrnThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook AdsThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Unified Ad MarketplaceThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
AppNexusThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
OpenxThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Rubicon ProjectThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
TripleLiftThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Say MediaWe partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
Remarketing PixelsWe may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
Conversion Tracking PixelsWe may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.
Statistics
Author Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
ComscoreComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Tracking PixelSome articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
ClickscoThis is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)