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