Kids activities to build gross motor skills - for preschoolers aged 2-6 years
Climbing, jumping, running, throwing – your child isn’t just being wild. They’re building gross motor skills, which are essential for lifelong strength, balance, posture, and confidence. This collection of fun, easy, and free activities is designed for kids aged 2 to 6 to strengthen their large muscles while staying joyfully active.
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, short on time or riding a wave of energy, these zero-prep activities will help your preschooler move with purpose – and have a blast doing it.
Why these activities work?
🏃♂️ Boost coordination, balance, and core strength
🤸♀️ Support physical milestones like hopping, skipping, climbing
🎯 Encourage focus and control, not just wild movement
✅ All screen-free and easy to set up
💪 Build confidence through body awareness and mastery
Pro tips for parents - Kids activities for building gross motor skills
Combine physical movement with simple counting or color games
Let kids repeat favorite activities – repetition builds strength
Use music or timers to structure short bursts of movement
Cheer effort, not just success – motor skills develop with time
Browse all kids activities for building gross motor skills
Filter by energy level
Filter by setting
More ideas to support your Screen-Free journey
Loved this activity? Explore our thoughtful guides for raising curious, independent kids:
Why we created Screen Free Kids?
We’re parents, just like you – trying to raise curious, creative kids in a world full of screens. Screen Free Kids started as a personal project to rediscover simple, joyful ways to play, learn, and connect. Now, we share those ideas with thousands of families – through thoughtful activities, parenting guides, and a book full of inspiration. More about us.
EN
FR
DE
JA
KO
NL
ES