Indoor Gross Motor Activities

Indoor Gross Motor Activities

1.  Animal walks like bear crawls and crab walks
Animal walks turn exercise into play. Kids pretend to move like different animals, which helps them build strength and improve balance. These activities work well in any indoor space that has enough room for kids to move around. Bear crawls require kids to walk on their hands and feet with their belly button down. This movement builds arm and leg strength while it works the core muscles. Crab walks flip things around, as kids sit down, lift their hips, and walk backwards on their hands and feet.
Other popular animal walks include frog jumps, kangaroo hops, and elephant stomps. Each movement offers different benefits for motor skill development. Kids can practice these moves during playtime or use them as quick energy breaks throughout the day.

2.  Dance party with freeze dance game
A freeze dance game turns any space into an active play area that kids love. Teachers or caregivers play music while children dance freely around the room. However, they must freeze in place as soon as the music stops. This activity helps children develop quick reactions and body control. Kids also practice balance as they hold their frozen positions. The game works well for a single child or a large group.
To start, simply clear a safe space and choose upbeat music. Children can dance however they want, which lets them express creativity through movement. For added fun, adults can call out specific dance moves or animals to copy before the next freeze.
The best part is that this game requires no special equipment. It keeps children active while they listen carefully and respond fast to changes in the music.

3.  Jumping Jacks and Star Jumps
Jumping jacks and star jumps are classic exercises that kids can do almost anywhere in the classroom. These activities require no equipment and take up very little space. They help children build strength in their legs and arms while they improve coordination.
Kids can start with basic jumping jacks by standing with their feet together and their arms at their sides. They jump while they spread their legs wide and raise their arms overhead. Then they return to the start position and repeat.
Star jumps add a fun twist to the basic move. Children jump up as high as they can and spread both arms and legs wide to make a star shape in the air. Both exercises get hearts pumping fast and burn off extra energy. Teachers can turn these into games by counting reps together or setting timer challenges.

4.  Tunnel crawling with cardboard boxes
A simple cardboard box can transform into an exciting play tunnel that gets kids to move and explore. Teachers just need to find a large box and cut off both ends to create a passage. This activity works well for babies who are ready to crawl and for older children who enjoy active play.
The tunnel helps children build muscle strength in their arms and legs as they move through the space. It also improves coordination and body awareness. For extra fun, teachers can attach colourful streamers or soft fabric strips to the edges of the box. These materials drape down and create a sensory experience as children crawl through.
This activity requires minimal setup and uses materials most families already have at home. Kids can crawl through multiple times, or teachers can connect several boxes to make a longer tunnel system.

5.  Balance beam walk using a taped line on the floor
A taped line on the floor creates a simple balance beam that works in any indoor space. Teachers can use painter’s tape or masking tape to make a straight line across the room. The tape should be easy to see against the floor colour.
Kids can start by simply placing one foot in front of the other as they walk along the line. For an extra challenge, they can try heel-to-toe steps or hold their arms out to the sides. Some children enjoy balancing a small beanbag or soft toy on their head as they cross.
The line doesn’t have to stay straight. Teachers can create curves, zigzags, or even figure-eight patterns to keep things interesting. Each new shape requires different body control and focus.

1. Hopscotch
Use Spot Markers or Gel Floor Tiles to create an easy indoor hopscotch board. 

• Numbered Spot Markers

• Hopscotch Gel Floor Tiles

2. Relay races
All you need is a clear stretch of floor to set up different races for kids to compete against each other. Starfish jump in Space Explorers, scooter to the finish line or balance a pillow on your head.

• Space Explorer

3. Obstacle courses
Create a fun course for kids to slide along, crawl through and jump on. Add more challenging elements depending on your kids’ needs and abilities.

• Anemone Floor Sliders

• 4-Way Play Tunnel

4. Catch and Throw
Although you might have a ‘no balls in the class;. rule,’ you can use safer items to throw instead. Scarves and bean bags can be great to play catch with a friend or throw into a basket.

• Hand Eye Coordination Scarves Set

• Colorful Bean Bag Toss

Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
1. Simon Says
Give commands that are achievable to your preschooler such as jumping, spinning or touching their toes. This will promote listening and follow instructions combined with physical activity.

 2. Indoor Bowling
Set up a makeshift bowling alley using empty plastic bottles and pool noodles to define the boundaries. A hallway can also provide natural boundaries. Use a soft ball for your toddler to roll and knock down the pins. Count how many you knocked down! You will also enhance hand-eye coordination, balance and gross motor skills.

3. Dance Party!
Turn up the music and bust some moves with your little one. Can they imitate you? Moving to the rhythm improves coordination is just plain fun! Use scarves to add some moves for crossing midline and bilateral coordination.

Gross Motor Activities For Infants
1. Find the sound
Even before your child is old enough to roll or pick up their head, you can stimulate their neck muscles by shaking a rattle to one side out of their vision and watch them turn their head toward the sound.

 2. Rattle tug
Babies have a strong grasp reflex. Let them grasp a rattle and then tug it gently, just hard enough to provide some input. Make it into a fun game with smiles and coos. 

3. Baby bicycle
While your baby is lying on their back, move their legs in an alternating pattern as if they are riding a bicycle. Exaggerating the movement to one side or the other will get them ready for rolling!

4. Tummy time
Place babies on a play mat or other soft surface and move toys in front of them to stimulate them to pick up their head and move it from side to side. When they start reaching for toys they may lose their balance and get startled, but just soothe them and start again!

5. Bolster baby
Use a small bolster or rolled up towel under the tummy to encourage your baby to get up on all fours as a pre-crawling exercise. Rocking back and forth in this position will give them confidence to try it on their own when they are ready.