Motor Skills Activities for Kids
21 motor skills activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
Ball Catcher
Toss a soft ball back and forth — start close and take a step back with each catch.
~7 min
Catch and Toss
Practice catching a soft ball with both hands, starting from close range.
~10 min
Catch the Wind
Run around outside holding a scarf or ribbon and watch it fly behind you.
~7 min
Clip It
Use paperclips to connect paper together and make a chain
~5 min
Hoop Shot
Toss a ball into a laundry basket from a few steps away — lower the 'hoop' if needed.
~7 min
Hopscotch
Draw a hopscotch grid with chalk and jump through the numbers 1 to 5
~10 min
Hopscotch Hop
Draw a hopscotch grid and hop through the numbers on one foot and two.
~10 min
Kite Day
Fly a kite on a windy day — or make a simple one from a plastic bag and string.
~10 min
Little Climber
Practice climbing up and down something low — a play structure, couch, or sturdy chair.
~8 min
Monkey Bars
Hang from a bar at the playground and try swinging to the next one — you spot them.
~10 min
Potty Pride
Practice the whole bathroom routine — go, wipe, flush, wash hands — and earn a high five.
~5 min
Ready Set Race
Pick a start line and a finish line and race each other — count down from three!
~5 min
Ride Along
Practice riding a tricycle, scooter, or balance bike — start slow on flat ground.
~10 min
Ride and Glide
Practice riding a scooter, tricycle, or bicycle with training wheels around the driveway.
~10 min
Shoot and Score
Practice shooting a ball into a low hoop or bucket with two hands.
~10 min
Snap and Clap
Practice snapping your fingers together — it takes many tries, and that's the lesson.
~5 min
Snap Attack
Try snapping your fingers — press thumb and middle finger and let one slide off.
~5 min
Snip Snip
Practice cutting paper with kid-safe scissors along simple lines
~5 min
Stair Steps
Practice walking down stairs one step at a time — hold the railing, feet together on each step.
~5 min
Tiptoe Sneak
Walk on your tiptoes as quietly as possible from one room to another.
~5 min
Water Brave
In a shallow pool or tub, practice putting your face near the water and blowing bubbles.
~10 min