10 Fun Gross Motor Activities for Toddlers (Jumping, Running, Climbing)
Toddlers are full of energy — and they’re learning to master big movements like jumping, running, and climbing. These gross motor skills build coordination, balance, and strength, while giving kids an outlet for their endless curiosity.
This article shares 10 playful activities that parents can try at home or outside to help toddlers grow, move, and have fun.
👉 Related reading: How to Get Your Kids Moving: 60 Minutes of Daily Play
This article shares 10 playful activities that parents can try at home or outside to help toddlers grow, move, and have fun.
👉 Related reading: How to Get Your Kids Moving: 60 Minutes of Daily Play
Why Gross Motor Skills Are Important
Gross motor development helps toddlers:
- Strengthen core and leg muscles
- Improve balance and coordination
- Build confidence in movement
- Prepare for more complex physical activities later
10 Fun Gross Motor Activities
1. Jumping on Pillows. Arrange pillows or cushions on the floor for safe toddler jumps.
2. Indoor Obstacle Course. Use chairs, blankets, and tunnels to create a course with crawling, climbing, and hopping.
3. Balloon Chase. Blow up a balloon and let your toddler chase, kick, or toss it.
4. Animal Walks. Encourage kids to walk like different animals: hop like a frog, crawl like a bear, waddle like a duck.
Parent story
Mila’s 2-year-old son loved pretending to be animals. Adding “animal walks” after dinner became their daily fun — and it helped him sleep better at night.
5. Climbing Playground Structures. Slides, ladders, and climbing walls are natural opportunities for coordination.
6. Running Races. Short, playful races in the yard or park build stamina and confidence.
👉 Related reading: Benefits of Outdoor Play: Why Fresh Air and Activity Help Children
7. Jumping Jacks (Toddler Version). Simplified arm-and-leg jumps are great for coordination.
8. Side-to-Side Hops. Mark two spots on the floor and have toddlers hop side-to-side.
9. Push and Pull Games. Large toy trucks or wagons encourage pushing and pulling, building strength.
10. Dance Party. Play music and let kids move freely. Add props like scarves or ribbons for fun.
👉 Related reading: Screen-Free Creative Play: Activities to Encourage Learning Without Electronicsст
2. Indoor Obstacle Course. Use chairs, blankets, and tunnels to create a course with crawling, climbing, and hopping.
3. Balloon Chase. Blow up a balloon and let your toddler chase, kick, or toss it.
4. Animal Walks. Encourage kids to walk like different animals: hop like a frog, crawl like a bear, waddle like a duck.
Parent story
Mila’s 2-year-old son loved pretending to be animals. Adding “animal walks” after dinner became their daily fun — and it helped him sleep better at night.
5. Climbing Playground Structures. Slides, ladders, and climbing walls are natural opportunities for coordination.
6. Running Races. Short, playful races in the yard or park build stamina and confidence.
👉 Related reading: Benefits of Outdoor Play: Why Fresh Air and Activity Help Children
7. Jumping Jacks (Toddler Version). Simplified arm-and-leg jumps are great for coordination.
8. Side-to-Side Hops. Mark two spots on the floor and have toddlers hop side-to-side.
9. Push and Pull Games. Large toy trucks or wagons encourage pushing and pulling, building strength.
10. Dance Party. Play music and let kids move freely. Add props like scarves or ribbons for fun.
👉 Related reading: Screen-Free Creative Play: Activities to Encourage Learning Without Electronicsст
Building Toddler Play into Daily Life
- Add 5-minute play bursts throughout the day
- Encourage outdoor time whenever possible
- Pair activities with calm rituals like short breathing or walking meditations afterward
- Celebrate efforts with achievements instead of focusing on results
Anna’s daughter resisted naps but loved her “jump-and-climb” challenge. After completing a mini course with vertical jumps and floor taps, Anna guided her through a short walking meditation. Soon, naps became smoother — and the new routine felt like a game.
👉 Related reading: Why Kids Thrive on Routine
One-Week Toddler Gross Motor Play Plan
- Day 1: Balloon chase + animal walks
- Day 2: Obstacle course indoors
- Day 3: Playground climbing
- Day 4: Running races + side-to-side hops
- Day 5: Dance party with ribbons
- Day 6: Push/pull wagon games
- Day 7: Family jump session with toddler jumping jacks
Final Thoughts
Gross motor play is more than just fun — it’s a building block for confidence and healthy development. With a mix of running, jumping, and climbing activities, toddlers learn to trust their bodies while having fun.
👉 Download our app to explore playful toddler challenges, themed movement routines with gradually increasing difficulty, fun achievements, and calming walking meditations that balance active play with rest.
👉 Download our app to explore playful toddler challenges, themed movement routines with gradually increasing difficulty, fun achievements, and calming walking meditations that balance active play with rest.
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