Besrey - Sep 29 2025

24 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers: Indoor, Outdoor & Fall-Friendly Games

Helping preschoolers develop strong gross motor skills is not only important for their physical growth but also for their confidence, coordination, and social development. Parents are always on the lookout for fun ways to keep little ones moving, whether it’s during cozy indoor play, outdoor adventures, or seasonal games in the fall.

In this guide, we’ll explore 24 gross motor activities for preschoolers that are easy to set up, engaging, and development-boosting.

Indoor Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers

When outdoor play isn’t an option, indoor games can still give preschoolers plenty of movement. Here are 12 indoor activities to try at home:

1.Pillow Obstacle Course – set up cushions for kids to jump over or crawl around.
2.Indoor Hopscotch – use painter’s tape to mark hopscotch squares on the floor.
3.Dance Freeze Game – play music and have kids freeze when it stops.
4.Balloon Tennis – use paper plates taped to sticks as rackets with balloons.
5.Animal Walks – pretend to be a frog, crab, or bear while moving across the room.
6.Scarf Toss & Catch – toss lightweight scarves into the air and try to catch them.
7.Tunnel Crawl – crawl under a row of chairs or through a play tunnel.
8.Simon Says (Active Version) – “jump three times” or “touch your toes.”
9.Balance Beam – walk across a taped line on the floor.
10.Rolling Races – roll across the floor like logs in a friendly race.
11.Laundry Basket Basketball – throw soft balls into a basket.
12.Marching Band Parade – march through the house with toy instruments.

Outdoor Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers

Fresh air and open space make outdoor play the perfect setting for gross motor activities. Here are 12 outdoor favorites:

1.Tricycle Rides – let your child explore using a big tricycle for kids, such as the Besrey toddler tricycle with push handle for safe guided play.
2.Scooter Relay – use a folding toddler kick scooter for short, fun races.
3.Nature Scavenger Hunt – collect leaves, sticks, or flowers.
4.Bubble Chasing – pop bubbles as they float through the yard.
5.Kick-the-Can – a child-friendly version with soft cans or cones.
6.Red Light, Green Light – run on “green” and stop on “red.”
7.Sidewalk Chalk Hopscotch – classic hopscotch using chalk on the ground.
8.Parachute Play – lift a sheet or parachute while bouncing balls on top.
9.Tag Games – freeze tag or shadow tag for high-energy fun.
10.Ball Kicking Practice – aim at a target or small goal with a big ball.
11.Ring Toss or Bean Bag Toss – practice aim and coordination.
12.Shadow Tag – step on each other’s shadows instead of tagging.

How Much Activity Do Preschoolers Need

Experts recommend that preschool-aged children engage in at least three hours of active play spread throughout the day. This can include a mix of structured activities like riding a tricycle and unstructured play such as running in the yard. Keeping activities varied ensures children develop strength, balance, and endurance while staying motivated to move.

Conclusion

Gross motor play is so much more than exercise, it’s how preschoolers explore their bodies, test new limits, and build the foundation for lifelong strength and confidence. From simple rainy-day games indoors to outdoor adventures in the crisp fall air, there are endless opportunities to keep little ones moving and smiling. Whether it’s an obstacle course made of pillows, a scooter ride around the block, or a joyful leap into a pile of crunchy leaves, each activity is a step toward growth and discovery.

So, take a moment to join in, grab a ball, create a cozy fort, or roll out the tricycle. The laughter you’ll share and the memories you’ll make are just as valuable as the skills your preschooler is building every day.