Getting outside has always been important for your kids to encourage exercise/ movement, not to mention absorb some good old vitamin D! Now more than ever, it is imperative that we encourage our kids to go outside and play! They need a break from sitting in front of a computer screen for hours at a time, they need the exercise, and they need the sensory experience! Are you having a hard time coming up with creative ideas? We’re here to help!!

Activities for Preschoolers:

• Make an obstacle course with a variety of objects and incorporate different gross motor movements (i.e., walk, run, hop on one foot)

• Practice balance by walking on chalk lines or curbs

• Jump over cracks in the sidewalk

• Walk on pool noodles to target balance

• Tap a balloon back and forth using your hands or feet

• Kick a ball to knock down paper towel tubes

• Play Follow the Leader

• Pop and blow bubbles

• Plan a scavenger hunt by making a list of common (or not so common) items outside to collect. Free Scavenger Hunt ideas can be found here as well.

  • A green leaf

  • A flower

  • A stick as big as your hand

  • A piece of tree bark

  • A rock

Activities for School Aged Children:

• Make an obstacle course using:

  • A 2x4 as a balance beam (or simply a chalk drawn line in the side walk

  • A hula hoop for jumping in/ out of (or chalk drawn circles)

  • A playground ball to kick or catch

  • An old box to crawl through

  • Ropes to pull or jump over

  • Balloons to carry between the knees or toss

• Have a race as different animals.

• Play games!

  • Freeze tag

  • Red light green light

  • Hopscotch

  • 4 square

  • Play catch

  • Kickball

  • Basketball (use a laundry basket if you don’t have a hoop)

  • Simon Says

  • Jump Rope together

  • Hide and Seek

• Plan a scavenger hunt. There is a fun, free printable to use here.

You can use these ideas as brain breaks between table top tasks and schoolwork to improve overall coordination, improve muscle strength, and develop all 5 senses. If you have additional questions or would like more ideas, please contact our physical therapist at susan@collaborativecorner.org.

Susan Robins, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
susan@collaborativecorner.org

Explore more on the blog →