Benefits of gross motor play boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem, provide an energy release, relieve stress and frustration, promote brain development and boost their ability to assess risk. Plus, it helps them get their body ready for school by promoting spatial awareness and physical literacy. But let’s face it: gross motor play and gross motor activities (and equipment!) take up space. It’s big stuff for large movements and it’s not all worth it. Here are some gross motor activities we have that we love, and some that I could do without.
Trampoline: If you only have space for one gross motor item, make it a trampoline. We have had ours since Javi was 15 months or so and it’s still going strong. It’s used every single day by every kid.
Wobble Board: This is hit or miss to be honest. We had it for a few years before anyone used it appropriately. The kids are always getting their fingers and toes pinched by it.
Pikler Triangle: I wish I purchased this when one of my kids was an infant. We didn’t get it until Eva was two and she’s never really loved it the way I imagined. Javi and Lola use it frequently but it’s not really for their sizes, and it takes up so much space. If you have older kids, I’d skip this purchase.
Nugget: This is a big yes from us. The kids use the Nugget every day — to build forts, climb, slide down, roll down, build car ramps, cuddle, read books, to sleep on… you name it.
Stepping Stones: I love these too. The best part? They’re nesting so they are really easy to stack and store.
Balance Beam: We’ve had this for about a month, Lola got it for her 5th birthday. We have the space for it but if you’re tight on room — skip it. But I will say the kids love it and their balance is already improving!
Tumble Trak: These air mats are great! This is another yes from us. It’s easy to set up, take down and store. It takes a few minutes and that’s it. The kids love practicing handstands, forward rolls and cartwheels.
I’ve linked some of our favorite gross motor activities here.
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