• Movement for kids – how to support motor skill development at home

    Play and movement 

    Published 2025-06-19

    When kids jump, climb and spin, a lot more is going on than just fun. Movement for kids is key to building motor skills and body control. Through play and active fun, children learn new things and enjoy the joy of moving.

    The best part? You don’t need a gym or a fancy class – there’s plenty you can do at home! Everyday play is a great way to support your child’s development. Here are our best tips for different age groups. Let’s get moving!

    Babies (0–1 year): first moves

    Gross motor skills:

    • Give your baby tummy time several times a day to strengthen neck and back muscles.
    • Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and crawling.

    Fine motor skills:

    • Let your baby feel different textures – soft, hard, crinkly.
    • Offer small, safe objects to explore with their hands.
    Child painting, movement for kids supports fine motor skills
    Baby practicing bear crawl, early motor skill development through movement for kids

    Toddlers (1–3 years): active play

    Balance and body control:

    • Build a pillow obstacle course in the living room.
    • Play crawling games together.

    Fine motor skills:

    • Thread big beads or pasta on a string.
    • Finger paint on large sheets of paper on the floor.
    Child hopping on one foot to build balance, movement for kids
    Child stacking blocks, developing motor skills through movement for kids

    Preschoolers (3–6 years): full body fun

    Balance:

    • Tape a line on the floor and walk the line like a tightrope.
    • Hop on one foot – who can stay up the longest?

    Gross motor skills:

    • Jump on a trampoline or soft cushions.
    • Climb over pillow mountains and make obstacle courses.

    Fine motor skills:

    • Cut colorful papers and make crafts.
    • Build towers and small constructions with blocks.
    Children jumping rope together, building coordination through movement for kids
    Child doing puzzle, movement for kids supports fine motor skills

    School kids (7–11 years): energy and skills

    Coordination:

    • Try out jump rope tricks.
    • Play different ball games indoors or outdoors.

    Balance and agility:

    • Create an obstacle course with chairs, cushions and jumping spots.
    • The “floor is lava” game is always a winner!

    Fine motor skills:

    • Build models or make jewelry.
    • Play memory games and puzzles.

    Play and movement at Leo’s

    Movement is a natural part of childhood – and at Leo’s, it’s always in action! But play at Leo’s is more than just fun. When kids explore the climbing labyrinth, bounce on trampolines or dive into the ball pit, they’re developing balance, agility and coordination. Slides and climbing walls challenge the whole body and encourage kids to try new things.

    This kind of active play inspires kids to move without even thinking about it. And throughout the year, Leo’s also offers sports clubs and camps, where children can learn new skills and enjoy the joy of movement with friends.

    Looking for more ideas for everyday life? Check out this: Movement belongs in every day.

    Come join the fun – movement is always part of the adventure at Leo’s!