Why is physical activity important in preschool?

• Physical development and health

• Gross motor skill development

• Fine motor skill development

• Practice coordination and balance

• Cognitive development

• Social and emotional growth

• Improves sleep

• Builds healthy habits

Guidelines for physical activity in early childhood

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ages 1 to 4 get a healthy mix of active play each day:

• At least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity: This is all about free play, so kids take the lead and decide what to do independently.

• Around 30 minutes of structured physical activity: These activities are planned by adults and can include guided games, exercises, or simple sports.

What to do when kids resist physical activities

• Make it fun by introducing physical activities as games or imaginative play. For example, playing freeze-tag, playing a dancing game, or pretending to hop like a frog can make movement feel less like exercise and more like fun.

• Allow the preschooler to choose the activity to give them a sense of autonomy.

• Participate in physical activity with your child. When adults engage in active play, children are more likely to join in and enjoy the experience.

• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Familiarity helps children feel comfortable and less resistant over time.

• Begin with short, manageable bursts of activity and gradually increase the duration.

• Praise and encourage any effort, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and willingness to participate in future activities.

• Invite other children to join as preschoolers may be more interested in participating when they see their friends having fun.

28 physical activities for preschoolers

1. Hopscotch

2. Jump rope

3. Tag

4. Playing catch with a ball

5. Basketball

6. Football

7. Baseball

8. Soccer

9. Kicking a ball back and forth

10. Swimming

11. Dancing

12. Freeze dance

13. Riding a bike, tricycle, or scooter

14. Gardening

15. Climbing on a playground

16. Gymnastics

17. Nature walk

18. Walk around the block

19. Scavenger hunt

20. Skipping

21. Musical chairs

22. Hula hooping

23. Hide and seek

24. Obstacle course

25. Chores

26. Pretend play like hopping like a frog or crawling like a bear

27. Splashing in the sprinklers

28. Water balloon toss