Winter indoor gross motor games - post

What counts as “ #gross-motor” #play?

Gross motor play uses the large muscles in the arms, legs, and core. Think: running, hopping, climbing, crawling, and dancing. It can be loud and wiggly—and that’s okay! (With a good plan and supervision.)

How can I set up the room for #safe indoor movement?

Before you start, do a quick #safety check. This helps prevent bumps and tears, especially when kids are excited.

• Move tables/chairs to the sides (or pick one “movement zone”)
• Use clear boundaries: painter’s tape squares, cones, or floor dots
• Teach a “stop” signal (like “Freeze!” or a hand clap pattern) 
• Keep the floor dry and #free of small toys
• Plan for supervision: stand where you can see the whole area

If you want a deeper look at safe active play practices, check out Active Supervision: A Strategy That Works: 

What are easy winter-themed gross motor games for small spaces?

Here are #classroom-friendly ideas that work in many indoor spaces. Pick 2–4 games per day and rotate them to keep kids interested. (You can also sprinkle these into transitions as brain breaks.) 

1) “Snowball” Toss (soft and simple)

• Crumple white paper into “snowballs” (or use soft balls)
• Put laundry baskets at different distances
• Kids toss, underhand first, then overhand for older #preschoolers

Make it easier: move baskets closer.
Make it harder: stand on a taped line while tossing. 

2) Penguin Waddle Relay

• Kids hold a small beanbag or ball between their knees
• They waddle to a cone and back
• If it drops, they stop, pick it up, and keep going

This is great for balance and control. 

3) Ice Skating Lines (no skates needed!)

• Make long “ice paths” with painter’s tape
• Children slide-step along the line slowly
• Add challenges: “arms out,” “tiptoe,” “backwards” (older kids)

4) Blizzard Freeze Dance

• Play music: kids dance like a windy snowstorm
• When music stops, they #freeze like an “ice statue”
• Call out poses: “tall snowman,” “tiny snowflake,” “wide ice bridge”

This one is perfect when the group needs to move and practice listening.

5) Mitten Match Run

• Put paper “mittens” (pairs by colour/shape) around the room
• Kids run to find a match and bring it to a “mittens board.”
• Keep it cooperative: “Let’s match them together!”

6) Hibernation Bear Crawl

• Kids “bear crawl” to a blanket “cave.”
• Then they curl up and take 3 slow breaths
• Repeat with different animal moves: frog jumps, crab walks, bird flaps

This blends gross motor + calming skills. 

How do I create a simple indoor obstacle course?

Obstacle courses are the easiest way to use winter energy indoors. You only need safe, soft items.

Try this basic course:

• Step 1: crawl under a table (or a broomstick on two chairs) 
• Step 2: hop through tape circles (“ice ponds”)
• Step 3: walk a tape line (“snowy bridge”)
• Step 4: Toss a “snowball” into a basket
• Step 5: finish with 5 jumping jacks (“warm-up jumps”)

Tip: Teach the course slowly first. Then run it in small groups.

For a ready-to-use plan you can #adapt, use this free ChildCareEd resource: Sample Gross Motor Lesson Plan: “Animal Movement Parade.”

What should I do if some children struggle with big movements?

Not every preschooler has the same strength, balance, or confidence—and that’s normal.

Try these supports:

• Offer choices: “jump OR step” / “crawl OR walk”
• Use short turns so waiting is easier
• Add visual cues (picture cards showing the move)
• Celebrate effort: “You kept trying!”
• Let children practice near a wall or with a #teacher’s hand nearby

Understanding child #development helps you set realistic expectations and spot when a child may need extra support. This course can help: Milestones: By Leaps & Bounds

How can I keep indoor gross motor time calm (not chaotic)?

Indoor movement does not have to feel wild. A few routines make a big difference:

• Start with rules: “Safe feet, safe hands, listen for ‘Freeze!’”
• Use a timer: 2–3 minutes per station is plenty
• Give jobs: line leader, cone helper, music helper
• End with a cool-down: stretches, breathing, or simple yoga

If you want more ideas for #playful #learning routines, this course may be helpful: Play, Learn, Grow

What are fun “winter indoor” ideas for families, too?

Many families get stuck indoors in winter, just like #classrooms. Sharing a few easy ideas can help #parents, and it builds strong #home-school connections.

You can send home: 

• “Snowball toss with socks.”
• “Freeze dance for 5 minutes before dinner”
• “Animal walks to the bathroom and back.”

For a winter-themed activity article families may enjoy, share this ChildCareEd article: Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: Gross Motor Holiday Fun

Where can I get more quick activity ideas?

For fast, classroom-friendly ideas and clips, follow ChildCareEd on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareed 

When kids can move their bodies, they learn better—and winter doesn’t have to stop that. A few safe materials, clear rules, and playful themes can turn indoor time into active, #healthy, and fun.