Play in the Snow for Gross Motor Development

Use the snow for a fun, new way to practice gross motor skills.

Winter months do not mean you are always stuck inside. Get moving with these activities to improve gross motor skills this winter!

Make A Hopscotch Path

You and your little ones may be used to drawing your hopscotch pattern with chalk, but chalk and snow don’t mix well, so get creative! Collect any twigs or leaves you can find that aren’t completely buried and use those as an outline. Hopscotch is always a great gross motor activity, but a couple inches of snow can make for an additional challenge.

Build A Snowman

The bigger the better when you and your kids are making your own Frosty. Rolling and packing giant snowballs and mounds of snow is not only a great way to make a snowman, but can also improve gross motor skills too!

Up The Hill

Of course, sledding is a fun snow activity. But you can get some gross motor practice in between trips down the hill. Pulling their own sled up the hill puts their arms and legs to work!

Get Kicking

Practice karate kicks with your kids. Kick the snow on the ground. Jump and land in a snow pile. Just make sure you don’t kick each other. Like with hopscotch, the snow and all the additional layers you’re wearing to keep warm will add an extra challenge. This may even help prep for soccer season with all the kicking practice!

Don’t Think Your Toys Are Seasonal

Some things have to go away for the winter. It’s not safe to be riding bikes through the snow and ice, but many items can be used in the winter months as well. You can use hula-hoops and cones to make your own winter obstacle course!

Pretend the Snow Is Sand

Bring a shovel, bucket, or other sand toys out into the snow. Dumping out buckets of snow can help gross motor development so try making a “snow castle”. If your kiddos really like digging in the snow, maybe they will make good shoveling helpers too.

Throw Snow

What kid doesn't love to throw snowballs? This classic snow activity uses gross motor movements and hand-eye coordination! Gather the whole family for a snowball fight. Or, have your child aim for targets in the snow. They can throw snow at trees or targets made from toys, like buckets or hula hoops.