I hate running. My go-to exercise involves a yoga mat or a meandering path in the woods. So, when my more seasoned parenting friend suggested I add athletic shoes to my must-buy baby items, I brushed her off. Instead, we invested in a crib, a stroller, a swing, a bouncy seat, a car seat, and, of course, diapers, diapers, and more diapers.
However, sometime around the 16-month mark, I understood her wisdom. From that moment, I felt like I didn’t sit down for the next five years. Toddlers and preschoolers love to be on the go trying out their developing gross motor skills—walking, running, hopping, and climbing all the things. It’s why toddler moms need good shoes and lots of ideas! So, here are 25 movement activities for kids to put those shoes to good use.
The Classics
You know these old-school movement activities for kids. You probably played them yourself back in the day. However, it’s been a hot second. Follow your child’s lead and let her remind you what it feels like to be a kid again.
1. Dancing
Want to turn up the volume at the dance party? Add in scarves for extra movement or some instruments for a more hands-on approach. Items around your house make great instrument options!
2. Duck, Duck, Goose
Just the two of you? Get creative and use stuffed animals, cars, or the dog.
3. Follow the Leader
Your child will love being in charge for a change. Get ready for stomping, skipping, and slithering!
4. Hopscotch
Is the weather not cooperating? Grab a roll of painter’s tape and make one inside.
5. Obstacle Course
With chalk, create zig-zag lines for your child to walk along, circles to jump in and out of, and squares to do jumping jacks.
6. Scavenger Hunt
No need to create one yourself. We’ve got 22 treasure hunts ready for you and your little explorer.
7. Building a Fort
Pillows? Check. Sheets? Check. Sounds like you’re ready.
8. Blow and Catch Bubbles
Make way for the leaping, stretching, and giggling.
9. Blow up a Balloon
See how long you and your little one can keep it in the air as you tap it back and forth.
10. Hot Lava
Think fast. The ground just turned to a molten madness. What do you do next?
11. Hide and Seek
Try taking turns hiding a stuffed animal or sticking to one or two rooms to make it easier to find each other.
12. Twister
Your child will quickly show you that you aren’t as flexible as you used to be.
Soon-to-be Classics Movement Activities for Kids
13. Tissue Dance Game
Everyone puts a tissue on their head and dances until it falls off. The last one left dancing wins.
14. Hula Hoops
Up your game. Pretend your hula hoop is a steering wheel, and drive around together. Or maybe it’s an island and the only safe space from the Hot Lava.
15. Flash Light Treasure Hunt
It’s like a real treasure hunt, only better because it requires a flashlight or a headlamp.
16. Hay Ride
Grab a beach towel or blanket. Invite your child to sit on it, then pick up the end closest to his head. Then pull him around the room.
17. Socks
Finally! You found a purpose for all those single socks: Sock skating, sock snowball fights, and sock toss.
18. Bean Bag Toss
Bean bags can be easy to grip and don’t roll away like balls, making them ideal for children with special needs to enjoy movement activities for kids.
19. Exercise Ball Rolls
Hold your child on top and bounce. Roll him back and forth. Play oversized bowling.
20. Tapping Out the Pattern
Put on some music and use a tabletop or pillow to tap out a pattern. Take turns tapping one while the other person copies it. Great for children who are nonverbal.
21. Parkour
Make your own course using pillows, couches, and chairs. Your toddler will love yelling “Parkour!” as she moves through the course.
And, hey, Mom. Try these movement activities for kids while YOU sit down! Go ahead and take off those athletic shoes.
22. Freeze Dance
All you need is music and a pause button. Watch your little one move his body while you rest yours.
23. The Animal Game
You name an animal, and your child pretends to move around like that animal.
24. Simon Says
Or should it be Mommy Says? What would happen if you say, “Mommy says pick up your toys?!”
25. Read “Movement” Books
Invite your child to imitate the characters in books like Giraffes Can’t Dance, From Head to Toe, and I Got Rhythm.
What song gets you and your child up and dancing every single time?
