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    Home » Preschool Activities

    12 Gross Motor Activities

    Published: Jul 25, 2025 by Vicky · Leave a Comment · Post contains affiliate links

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    Looking for fun ways to keep kids active and screen-free? These 12 gross motor activities are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers—easy, energetic, and parent-approved!

    Looking for gross motor activities that will keep kids moving and smiling this summer? Here are 12 Gross Motor Activities to help little ones stay active. These summer activities for kids are easy to set up and don't require any special equipment.

    These summer movement ideas are great for parents and teachers. Just grab some open space, a bit of energy, and you're good to go. These activities will help kids build strength, coordination, and confidence - all while having fun.

    12 Gross Motor Activities pin
    Jump to:
    • What are Gross Motor Skills?
    • Best Gross Motor Supplies
    • Why You'll Love Kids Gross Motor Activities
    • Tips for Motor Activities
    • FAQs for Summer Motor Activities
    • Gross Motor Activities

    What are Gross Motor Skills?

    Gross motor skills involve larger muscles of the body such as those in the arms, legs, feet, and chest. Walking, running, skipping, throwing and crawling are some examples of gross motor skills. They are important to a child's development, and these 12 Gross Motor Activities are designed to help kids move and strengthen these skills.

    Best Gross Motor Supplies

    You don't need a lot to turn an ordinary summer day into something magical! These simple, budget-friendly items are perfect for creative, active fun. I've linked my favorite versions below. Just tap any image to check them out on Amazon.

    From splashy water balloons to colorful chalk and everything in between, these are the playful staples I always keep on hand.

    👉 Tap any image below to grab these must-have summer supplies on Amazon!

    16Pcs Reusable Water Balloons for Kids, Pool Beach Water Toys for Boys and Girls, Summer Toy for Outdoor GamesBunch O Balloons Rapid-Filling Red, White and Blue Water Balloons 6 Pack (100 Balloons) (Amazon Exclusive)Crayola Glitter Chalk 5ctSLOOSH Bubble Lawn Mower Toddler Toys - Kids Bubble Machine Summer Outdoor Push Toy Games, Backyard Garden Outside Play Toddlers Preschool Boys Girls Birthday Gifts (Blue)NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Stepping Stones for Kids - 10 Soft Durable, Encourage Toddler Balance & Gross Motor Skills, Indoor & Outdoor Toys, Balance Stones, Obstacle Course (Amazon Exclusive)Oranmew 2 Sets Hopscotch Rings, 20 Plastic Round Hoops with 30 Connectors for Toddlers Gross Motor Skills, 11 Inch Indoor/Outdoor Agility Rings for Kids Playground Obstacle Course

     

    Why You'll Love Kids Gross Motor Activities

    • They get kids moving - No more "I'm bored!" These ideas help burn energy in the best way.
    • Perfect for summer - Most of these can be done outside, so kids enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
    • They mix fun with learning - Kids don't even realize they're building skills while they play.
    • Super fun stuff like water balloons and paint - Most kids enjoy a good splash or mess.
    • Great for brain and body - These activities help with coordination, balance, and thinking skills.
    • Easy to set up - Most use stuff you already have at home or in the classroom.
    • Fun for all ages - Whether it's big kids or little ones, everyone can join in and move!
    Four images show kids enjoying 12 gross motor activities, playing outdoor and indoor math games with chalk, cups, tape, and colored sticks.

    Tips for Motor Activities

    Tip 1: Set up outside when you can. Summer days and messy play are a perfect combo! Doing these outside gives you more space and makes cleanup way easier.

    Tip 2: Keep a towel and wipes nearby. Some of these activities get wet or messy, so having a quick clean-up plan helps.

    Tip 3: Let kids take the lead. Give them the supplies and let their imaginations run wild. Sometimes the best games are the ones they make up themselves!

    A child enjoys one of 12 gross motor activities, playing outside with colored balloons marked with shapes, using a clipboard and a toy car.

    FAQs for Summer Motor Activities

    Are these safe for younger kids?

    Yes! Just make sure there's adult supervision, especially when using small items or engaging in water play.

    Can I use these in a classroom or daycare?

    Yes! They're great for brain breaks, outdoor playtime, or themed learning days.

    What if my child isn't into physical play?

    Try mixing in their interests - like using dinosaurs, letters, or colors they love. Start slow and join in to make it more exciting.

    Gross Motor Activities

    If you're looking for fresh ways to keep kids active, this list has you covered. These ideas are designed to get little bodies moving while mixing in creativity, learning, and fun.

    You'll find everything from outdoor adventures to hands-on games that support gross motor development without feeling like work.

    1
    Water Balloon Phonics
    messforless.net
    Water Balloon Phonics
    Watching kids mix word endings and balloon-popping? This playful game helps them learn phonics while staying cool in the summer heat. It's easy to set up with water balloons and letter cards. Kids love the surprise of a pop when they get the answer right!
    Check out this activity
    2
    Slide Painting Activity
    messforless.net
    Slide Painting Activity
    This fun slide painting activity turns outdoor play into a colorful art adventure using simple supplies you already have at home. Kids will love watching the paint swirl and mix as their toys zoom down the slide!
    Check out this activity
    3
    Yoga Gross Motor Cards
    3boysandadog.com
    Yoga Gross Motor Cards
    This activity uses movement cards to guide kids through fun poses. Each card shows a different stretch or balance move, helping little ones build strength and body awareness. It's like a mini yoga adventure that blends calm focus with energetic play.
    Check out this activity
    4
    colorful balloons on a rug
    messforless.net
    Balloon Experiments
    This science activity uses balloons and simple experiments to get kids moving and learning. They might be racing, tossing, or watching a balloon soar, all while discovering how things work. It's a fun mix of thinking and physical play under the sun.
    Check out this activity
    5
    I Spy Neighborhood Walk
    messforless.net
    I Spy Neighborhood Walk
    This activity turns a neighborhood stroll into a game full of action and learning. Kids search for letters, shapes, or sounds as they walk, blending movement with discovery. It's a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors while building reading skills and curiosity.
    Check out this activity
    6
    Dinosaur Toss
    messforless.net
    Dinosaur Toss
    This game has kids aiming and tossing objects into targets shaped like prehistoric creatures. It boosts their coordination, strength, and focus as they giggle their way through each round. Plus, it brings a playful dino twist that keeps the fun roaring!
    Check out this activity
    7
    Frog Jump: Measurement and Gross Motor Activity
    coffeecupsandcrayons.com
    Frog Jump: Measurement and Gross Motor Activity
    This game combines big, fun jumps with a bit of measuring. Little ones leap forward like frogs and see how far they can go. It's a playful challenge that builds leg strength and gets them excited about numbers. Kids practice moving and learning in one hop after another!
    Check out this activity
    8
    Sticky Math
    messforless.net
    Sticky Math
    This activity sticks numbers to walls, inviting kids to throw a pom pom at a target. It turns simple math into a physical game, mixing counting with movement. Kids learn while burning off energy. It is the perfect activity for active, playful learning!
    Check out this activity
    9
    Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
    messforless.net
    Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
    This activity invites kids to stomp and bounce on bubble wrap spread with paint, creating colorful patterns with each step. It's a wildly fun way to mix movement and art as they giggle with each pop and splash. Little feet + paint + bubbly texture = creative chaos and big smiles!
    Check out this activity
    10
    Water Balloon Hunt
    messforless.net
    Water Balloon Hunt
    This activity turns a water balloon hunt into a playful treasure chase around your yard or play space. Kids dash, search, and grab balloons in a refreshing game that gets them moving and filled with excitement. It's a great way to blend outdoor adventure with a splash of fun!
    Check out this activity
    11
    Number Hunt
    messforless.net
    Number Hunt
    This game adds a number hunt twist as kids search around for hidden numbers and move to collect them. As they run, skip, or tiptoe to find each number, they're practicing counting and number recognition in a lively way. It's a playful mix of exercise and learning that keeps them on the move!
    Check out this activity
    12
    Easy Animal Gross Motor Activity for Preschoolers
    lifeovercs.com
    Easy Animal Gross Motor Activity for Preschoolers
    This activity invites kids to imitate different animals, like hopping like a frog or stomping like an elephant. They use their whole bodies to explore how those creatures move, which builds strength and coordination. It's a playful way to connect movement with imagination!
    Check out this activity
    12 Gross Motor Activities pin

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      30+ Pretend Play Ideas
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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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