Pip Playbook ideas
Gross Motor Activities for Kids
Climb, jump, balance, throw — the big-body play that regulates behavior.
85 activities in Pip Playbook match this idea
Gross motor play — the big, whole-body movement kids crave — isn't a bonus. It's how they wire coordination, balance, and self-regulation. A daily hour of climbing, hanging, jumping, and pushing looks like play, but it's what makes sitting still at circle time possible later.
Why it works
- •Regulates the nervous system — heavy work calms wound-up kids fast.
- •Grows core strength and balance, both correlated with handwriting.
- •Improves sleep quality within one active day.
How to use these ideas
- •Build a rotating obstacle course with couch cushions, painters tape, and a laundry basket.
- •Include 'heavy work' — pushing, carrying, pulling — for regulating input.
- •Use music. A 3-song dance break at 4pm resets the whole evening.
Try one of these activities
Sorted by age
Play TogetherTic-Tac-Toe Bean Bag Relay
15 min Ages 4–10
Either
Baby (0–12 months)Softie Squeeze & Reach
5 min Ages 0–3 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Baby Bicycle Kicks
5 min Ages 1–3 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Feather Follow-Along
5 min Ages 1–3 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Peek-a-Boo Scarf Surprise
5 min Ages 1–3 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Kick and Discover Mat
10 min Ages 4–6 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Baby's-Eye View Safety Check
20 min Ages 6–12 months
Grab 1–2 thingsIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Nature Sensory Walk
15 min Ages 6–12 months
Ready right nowOutdoor
Baby (0–12 months)Month 8: Safe Crawling Obstacle Course
10 min Ages 7–8 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)My Living Room Adventure
10 min Ages 7–9 months
Grab 1–2 thingsIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Sitting Ring Toss Balance Game
10 min Ages 7–9 months
Weekend projectIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Month 9: Pincer Grasp Snack Tray
10 min Ages 8–9 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Month 10: Pull-to-Stand Cruising Setup
10 min Ages 9–10 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Hello, Goodbye Doorway Waves
5 min Ages 10–12 months
Grab 1–2 thingsIndoor
Baby (0–12 months)Tabletop Cruiser
15 min Ages 10–12 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Cozy Cushion Mountain Climb for Little Explorers
15 min Ages 12–24 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Getting Dressed, Undressed!
15 min Ages 18–24 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Turn-Taking Ball Roll Circle
10 min Ages 18–24 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Toddler Ball Kick Alley
15 min Ages 18–24 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)"Stop" and Go with Me!
15 min Ages 18–36 months
Weekend projectOutdoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Clean-Up Crew Basket Drop
10 min Ages 18–36 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Toddler (12–36 months)Two-Foot Tiptoe Jumps
10 min Ages 24–30 months
Ready right nowIndoor
Play TogetherThe Amazing Cardboard Tunnel Adventure
25 min Ages 2–5 years
Ready right nowIndoor
MovementBubble Wrap Stomp and Pop Color Hunt
20 min Ages 2–6 years
Ready right nowIndoor
Pip's tips
- •Painters tape on the floor becomes balance beams, hopscotch, and racecourses.
- •Wall push-ups are calming and can happen anywhere, even at grandma's.
- •Track down a mini trampoline. It earns its footprint back in one week.
Frequently asked
What are gross motor skills examples?
Running, jumping, climbing, throwing, catching, balancing, pedaling, and skipping are all gross motor. They involve the large muscles of arms, legs, and core.