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9 Dec
Gross Motor
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Burn off extra steam with a giant collection of physical activities toddlers with LOTS of energy really love!
Physical activities are amazing for those toddlers that have lots of energy.
And let’s face it. What toddler doesn’t?
I know mine all did at that age, and I’m chasing Louis all over the place at the moment! It gets insane at times!
Who has said any of the following?
My toddler has too much energy.
My toddler won’t sit still.
My toddler won’t draw or color.
I’ve probably said all of that before with my three, very energetic, boys.
Or… the one I probably say the most: If only I could bottle up some of that energy for myself!
Giant Collection of Physical Activities Toddlers Simply Love!
I do like to embrace that energywith physical activities for toddlers. It’s my way of harnessing their energy and refocusing it into good physical play so it doesn’t get out of hand.
Toddlers just learned to walk and run. They want and need to practice!
Why should I stop that? I want to help them practice in every way possible!
Download the FREE Week of Toddler Activities Here!
The secret is that you’re tapping into gross motor exercises – moving big muscle groups that equals burning tons of toddler energy.
I don’t know if I’d be as aware of gross motor skills and play if I hadn’t been in this early childhood space for so long.
I know what they are now because I’ve been in this world of educators while I’ve been blogging about our activities. but before that, I wonder if I’d know.
Do you know what I mean when I say gross motor?
Gross motor activities are physical activities for kids to move in a big way. They use their big muscles.
When they run, jump, twirl, skip, hop, climb, that’s all gross motor. They’re very physical activities.
So that’s what this list is — a list of physical activities toddlers wil love, moving in big ways:
- Jumping
- Walking
- Spinning
- Climbing
And so much more!
Since toddlershave just learning to move in general, these are the beginning stages for them. A jumping game that requires a toddler to actually get off the ground is probably off-limits, as most toddlers will probably only make it to their tippy toes!
21 Easy Gross Motor Activities to Burn Toddler Energy!
- Walk on pillows.
- Make a road in the house.
- Roll and paint together.
- Make a simple balance beam to walk along.
- It’s a balancing act, different from the balance beam. –I Can Teach My Child
- Go dumpster diving.
- Fabric scraps. Tissue paper scraps. Wrapping paper scraps. They’ll love it all. It usually leads to running around with them.
- Save bubble wrap. Make a road to pop.
- Roll down hills.
- Do a simple scavenger hunt.
- Or head outside for a fun nature scavenger hunt they can do.
- Play newspaper basketball.
- Try these four games for toddlers to throw a ball.– Easy Peasy & Fun
- Play balloon badminton.
- Stomp and catch!–I Can Teach My Child
- Set up a fun obstacle course, great for a playdate with friends.– Learn Play Imagine
- Asimpler obstacle course inside for toddlers. – Confidence Meets Parenting
- Simplify older kid games for toddlers, like hopscotch.– Creative Family Fun
- Instead of tripping over all the stuffed animals, make a stuffed animal relay instead.– The Spruce
- Do big art – painting a large surface with water or paint!
- Grab all of our favorite activities for toddlers with the MOVE e-book!
As you can see, these physical activities are simple for toddlers to do! They’re not all that difficult to set up and get toddlers moving when they have lots of energy to burn.
While these are not just physical activities for toddlers, these 50 toddler activities are great to keep them busy too!
These affiliate links are products that are sure to get your kids moving!
More physical activities for toddlers and all kids:
- 30 Moves for Excess Energy
- 26Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
- 40 Activities to Get Your Kids Moving
- 25 Just Plain Fun Activities for Active Kids
Download the FREE Week of Toddler Activities Here!
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About Jamie Reimer
Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!
More Hands on Kids Activities to Try
- 40+ Gross Motor Skills Activities to Really Get Kids Moving!
- Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers: The Top 35!
- 15 At-Home Learning Activities for Toddlers
- 12 Shape Activities for Toddlers! It’s Hip to be Square!
- 50+ Simple Activities for Toddlers
Reader Interactions
46 Comments
Reema Choubey says
Physical activity guidelines for toddlers recommend that each day they: get at least 30 minutes of structured (adult-led) physical activity. get at least 60 minutes of unstructured (active free play) physical activity. not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time except when sleeping.
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Vasiliy says
yeah children are very cute and they are growing very fast and physical activities are very important for children these toddlers are enjoying the activities
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thegrammarschool says
Physical activities for toddlers and all kids are very vital for any child development in their life at initial stage.You are described in right manner that helping for child improvement.
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Clare says
My daughter has soooo much energy! Thanks for your tips to help us keep her having fun and learning at the same time!
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gmail sign up says
Interesting physical activities for toddlers!
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Tommy Wang @mumtip.com says
Hi Jamie,
Great collections. It include many useful physical activities for our little ones. I love walking on pillows and dumpster diving. They’re very fun.
Thank for great post.to Tommy Wang @mumtip.com" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tommy Wang @mumtip.com'>reply to this comment
Sandra Cobain says
Great List! Toddlers can really keep you on your toes–it’s important to find fun ways to allow them to burn their energy. Mine could run, and dance on bubble wrap for hours! :)
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M.Mayo says
Activities for quiet times like church. What do other mothers use to keep a little one quiet?
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Lacey says
I recently left an abusive relationship. my almost 2 year old daughter is very hi energy and curious as staying with my mom. I want to encourage her exploring and development but my mom’s apartment is very small. It seems almost impossible to be able to baby proof. With tons of glass wear, and an entirely white everything I’m constantly chasing , cleaning , panicking and saying no. This of course has me feeling extremely guilty and like a horrible mother! She has huge screaming tantrums and throws herself on the ground and ends up being herself hitting her head or foot from kicking the slate tile floor. Is this normal? My daughter was never around or subjected to the abuse and for the most part is very happy. but I’m worried the drastic change in our living situation has effected her. I’m so stressed I find myself crying when ever I’m in the bathroom ( if I get to go alone) and at nap time of she will even take one. I’ve been resurching toys, tablets and activities but with the small space and white interior and her extremely short attention span, I’m losing my mind. What other things can we do other than dance that doesn’t take up space or make a mess?
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sylvie says
Too funny, i just saw this email for this post and my 2yr old “tap danced” on bubble wrap earlier today! I love seeing this, yes gross motor skills before fine motor skills….play to learn!!!
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Vinita says
Loved the site
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Rosamaria Robertson says
Thanks from your ideas.
they are great!!!to Rosamaria Robertson" aria-label='reply to this comment to Rosamaria Robertson'>reply to this comment
[emailprotected] says
We always liked to do a ‘Lilly pad jump zone’ where we scattered foam squares on the floor and made pretend the carpet was water. The kids had to jump like a frog from one ‘Lilly pad’ to another to make their way across the room…
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Aylin Calis says
I have 2 years old son he is very active never stop I want to this program please
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Angela @CreatifulKids says
OH this list is a keeper! From your list I specially like number 15 :-) In our family the absolute favorite indoor activity for my energetic boy is this indoor slide for kids .
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