Preschoolers are on the move—and that’s a good thing. From running and jumping to holding a pencil or zipping up their jacket, these are big skills for little hands and feet. Helping your child practice movement in a fun, low-pressure way supports their confidence, independence and school readiness.

Whether you’re at the park or in your living room, simple, everyday activities can help them build both strength and coordination.

What are Motor Skills?

Motor skills are how kids use their muscles to move and control their bodies. They fall into two main categories, gross and fine motor skills.

Gross Motor Skills

These are the big movements—like running, jumping and climbing—that use the large muscles in the arms, legs and torso. Gross motor development supports balance, coordination and an active, healthy lifestyle.

• Play outside. Running, jumping, climbing and kicking a ball are all great ways to get your child moving and growing stronger.
• Turn up the music. Dancing and games like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader” help with balance, rhythm and coordination.
• Create a simple obstacle course. Use couch cushions, chairs or stuffed animals to set up a path that they can crawl under, jump over, or weave around.

Need more activities? Find more tips and ideas for active play from AZ Health Zone.

Fine Motor Skills

These involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. They’re what help your child hold a crayon, zip a jacket or pour a drink—skills that are essential for school and daily life.

• Arts and crafts. Let your child color, paint, cut, glue or play with stickers. These activities strengthen their hands and improve control.
• Toys that build control. Play-dough, blocks, puzzles and lacing cards help kids practice precision and coordination.
• Practice everyday tasks. Let them try buttoning clothes, using utensils, or pouring from a small pitcher. These simple skills go a long way toward helping them feel independent.

Need more activities? Check out 35 Fine Motor Activities from NAPA or Sesame Workshop’s guide to physical play.

Physical Milestones by Age

Every child grows at their own pace, but here are some common milestones for preschoolers:

• By age 3: Running easily, jumping with both feet, starting to draw shapes, and using utensils.
• By age 4: Catching and throwing a ball, climbing well, balancing on one foot, and drawing people with multiple parts.
• By age 5: Hopping, skipping, tying shoes, and writing some letters.